Netflix grabs another winner in "Black Mirror" by creator Charlie Brooker, which 2016 episode is set to star "Jurassic World" actress Bryce Dallas Howard. UK's Channel 4 had been the home of "Black Mirror" before a $40 million deal with Netflix brought on the change.
The Guardian reports that Channel 4 is unhappy with losing "Black Mirror" to Netflix. Channel 4 chief creative officer, Jay Hunt, reportedly spoke out of character in highlighting that the network's risk airing "Black Mirror" before it became popular. According to Jay Hunt, "Black Mirror" is a Channel 4 show, so to speak. "We grew it from a dangerous idea to a brand that resonated globally," Hunt expressed. "Of course it's disappointing that the first broadcast window in the UK is then sold to the highest bidder, ignoring the risk a publicly owned channel like 4 took backing it."
The Netflix deal for "Black Mirror" does not block Channel 4 from showing "Black Mirror" in the U.K. Channel 4, however, will only broadcast the "Black Mirror" episode with "Jurassic World" star Bryce Dallas Howard and other future episodes in the UK.
"Black Mirror" producer Endemol Shine clarified that Channel 4 was not passed over randomly. "Black Mirror" co-production options have been offered to Channel 4 as early as 2013. However, while Channel 4 reportedly chose to pass up this and similar opportunities, Netflix proved keen to engage in these options for "Black Mirror."
The skirmish between broadcasters is not surprising as hopes are high for new "Black Mirror" line ups. The choice of "Jurassic World" star Bryce Dallas Howard for the new "Black Mirror" offering is expected to draw a bigger demographic.
#tb to day 1 #Jurassicworld filming #findarainbow pic.twitter.com/W0OCgODqX8
— Bryce Dallas Howard (@BryceDHoward) 3 April 2016
A separate Parent Herald story reports that "Black Mirror" star Bryce Dallas Howard is the 2016 recipient of the CinemaCon Award from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) for her work, including blockbuster "Jurassic World." Variety reports that the "Jurassic World" star has also been tapped for the "Reel Stories, Real Lives" MPTF Benefit.
The new "Black Mirror" episode will see Charlie Brooker bringing "Jurassic World" star Bryce Dallas Howard side by side "Star Trek" actress Alice Eve. Joe Wright will direct the "Jurassic World" star and Alice Eve in the new Netflix "Black Mirror" episode.
