James Mangold, the filmmaker behind Logan, Ford v Ferrari and 3:10 to Yuma, is set to direct his first-ever project for Netflix — and it's being kept firmly under wraps. According to early reports, the film is a 'top secret' project that will mark a stylistic shift for Mangold, known for his often R-rated storytelling. This time, the tone is said to be something new for him — though what that means exactly remains, like the plot, a mystery.
The project joins an increasingly packed schedule for the five-time Oscar nominee, who most recently found critical and commercial success with A Complete Unknown, his Bob Dylan biopic that grossed $140 million worldwide and earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Mangold himself received nods for directing, co-writing, and producing the film — a creative triple that placed him firmly back in the awards-season spotlight.
Though details on the Netflix title are being kept close to the chest, it arrives amid a wave of ambitious work from the director. He’s currently attached to Swamp Thing for DC, a new Star Wars entry at Lucasfilm, a Buster Keaton biopic for 20th Century, and the Shakespeare-inspired Juliet. If anything, the addition of a mysterious streaming title only reinforces Mangold’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile — and busiest — filmmakers.
Whatever top secret means in this case, it’s clear that Mangold isn’t resting on past successes. His Netflix debut may be quiet for now, but the build-up has already begun.
