Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to writer/director Jim Strouse’s comedy, “The Incredible Jessica James,” ahead of its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
The movie is part of the Closing Night section of the festival, and is set to be branded as a Netflix original, launching globally later this year.
Jessica Williams (“The Daily Show”) stars as a young, aspiring playwright in New York, struggling to get over a recent breakup. She goes on a date with a recently divorced man named Boone (Chris O’Dowd), with whom she strikes up an unlikely relationship.
“We are honored to get to work with Jim Strouse as we introduce film lovers around the globe to ‘The Incredible Jessica James,’ which marks the arrival of Jessica Williams, a true star in the making,” Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, said in a statement.
Strouse added, “It feels nothing short of incredible to be working with the team at Netflix to bring our movie to their audience around the globe.”
The film also stars Lakeith Stanfield (“Atlanta”) and Noel Wells (“Master of None”). The film was produced by Michael B. Clark and Alex Turtletaub of Beachside. Williams and Kerri Hundley executive produced.
The deal was brokered by ICM Partners on behalf of the producers.
Netflix had already acquired Kitty Green’s documentary “Casting JonBenet” ahead of the festival. “Casting JonBenet” will launch on Netflix and in limited theatrical release this spring.