While the platform or studio that releases “The Irishman” is almost a moot point, considering any film that features that cast and is directed by Martin Scorsese is sure to grab attention, the fact that Netflix is the company that financed and will distribute the crime drama adds a whole different layer to the story. But according to the filmmaker, if it wasn’t for Netflix, there wouldn’t even be a film.
Speaking at a post-screening Q&A at the New York Film Festival (via THR), Scorsese opened up about the working relationship between his production and the streaming service, and how Netflix exec Ted Sarandos is the reason why “The Irishman” was actually more than just a dream project.
“We couldn’t get the backing, that was key, for years,” explained the filmmaker. “Ultimately it was Ted Sarandos. [Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic] had come up with the solution for the de-aging process that wouldn’t interfere with Bob and Al talking to each other with helmets or tennis balls. It’s a costly experiment.”
Scorsese continued, “Ted and everyone at Netflix said they’d go with it, backed the film, financed it and were creatively attuned to us. There were some notes from time to time … It was an interesting hybrid, I guess, in a way how you balance between what a film is and what is viewed at home and in a theater or both. We’re in an extraordinary time of change. We felt the picture had to be made for ourselves really.”
When it was announced that Netflix would be releasing “The Irishman” this fall, during a mysterious teaser that aired during this year’s Oscars telecast, the promise that the film would be released in theaters got people excited. However, as Scorsese explained above, the fact that the film was actually created makes up for the lack of a major theatrical run.
Currently, the film is expected to hit select theaters on November 1 and only play for roughly four weeks before arriving on Netflix on November 27.