Gunpowder Milkshake: Netflix secures US rights as a potential new franchise

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Netflix is continuing its goal to secure franchises on its platform. Following their own lead by securing the sequel rights to Knives Out for a staggering $469 million, the streamer has closed a deal to acquire the U.S. rights to Gunpowder Milkshake from STX Films.

Gunpowder Milkshake is directed by Navot Papushudo from a script by Ehud Lavski. The film follows three generations of female assassins who, over the course of a single night, fight to stop a cycle of violence. Leading the charge is Sam (Karen Gillan), who was only 12 years old when her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey), an elite assassin, was forced to abandon her. Sam was raised by The Firm, the ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. Now, 15 years later, Sam has followed in her mother’s footsteps and grown into a fierce hit-woman. Things become complicated when Sam must choose between serving The Firm and protecting the life of an innocent 8-year-old girl – Emily (Chloe Coleman). With a target on her back, Sam has only one chance to survive: reunite with her mother and her lethal associates The Librarians. The film also stars Angela Bassett, Carla Gugino, Paul Giamatti, Michelle Yeoh, and Ralph Ineson. 

Studiocanal fully financed the film and will retain international rights for the project. The plan is for Studiocanal to distribute the film in their home territories with a planned theatrical roll out around the world. The main reason this is such a good acquisition for Netflix is that, according to "Deadline", a sequel is already in early development and it just doubles down on their desire to secure franchise potential for their platform. The actual dollar amount of this deal was not disclosed but it was said to be a substantial 8-figure deal. STX Films still has a stake in its release in Canada, Latin America, and Chinese markets while Studiocanal will handle the U.K., France, Germany,  and AUZ/NZ.

Gunpowder Milkshake will be added to the summer lineup that was teased by Netflix earlier this week. The hybrid release plan that has Netflix, STX Films, and Studiocanal each getting a piece of the pie, is becoming a bit of the new normal and essentially mimics what Warner Bros. has been doing by going theatrical and on the HBO Max streaming service simultaneously. Remember when the industry thought WarnerMedia was crazy for engaging in such a plan? I think that since it has been clear that it has paid off with Godzilla Vs. Kong and Mortal Kombat, their release pattern is looking pretty sweet by those who initially dismissed it.

What are YOUR thoughts about Netflix acquiring Gunpowder Milkshake?