The Netflix streaming platform has dominated in a variety of genres, but one that has proven to work time and again is the action film. Whether it is movies like War Machine, which also falls under the sci-fi subgenre, or The Rip, which has crime-thriller elements, Netflix has used action films to their full potential. Now, the company has begun developing a new project with some exciting inspirations behind it. Although the production is still in the early stages, the description of this action movie should be enough to interest viewers.
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has exclusively revealed that the streaming service is developing a movie titled Helo, described as a police helicopter action thriller. Moreover, the film has already found a director in Andrés Baiz. Edward Berger, who directed critically acclaimed films such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave and is set to direct the upcoming sequel to World War Z, will be producing the movie under his Nine Hours production banner alongside creative partner Luke Rivett. Moreover, the exclusive report says Netflix wants to “reinvent” the niche subgenre of high-octane action and helicopters. The last report on helicopter-action thrillers was that Christopher Nolan’s next film would center on that (though it ended up being an adaptation of The Odyssey).
Helo won’t be the first project that Baiz has worked on for Netflix, as the director previously worked on original series for them like Narcos and Griselda. Most recently, he made Fight for 84, a sports drama starring Jamie Foxx. THR notes that the streaming service is especially excited to release this latest project from Baiz, and that the anticipated success has prompted Netflix to sign the filmmaker on for another project. All that remains to be seen is how ambitious the production for Helo will end up being.
Columbia/Courtesy Everett Collection
Plot details are being kept under wraps, except that Berger and Rivett pitched the basic concept of Helo to executives, and the Netflix team subsequently brought in Patrick Aison to write the screenplay. Aison is best known for writing the newer Predator movies Prey and Predator: Badlands. Given his success revitalizing the hit sci-fi franchise and his impressive action sequences, he feels like a perfect fit for an action thriller like Helo. THR also says Aison has a “fresh and distinct” take on the police-helicopter angle, perhaps best seen in the 1983 film Blue Thunder, starring Roy Scheider. Perhaps the most intriguing description the news outlet offers is that Helo is something like “End of Watch meets Top Gun.”
Baiz has already proven he can handle gritty, intense character work and street-level action. The spectacle of helicopter-based action sequences will be a fun twist that Netflix can fully leverage in its marketing. However, recent productions like Top Gun: Maverick have set a high production standard for films that involve real-life piloting and aerial combat. While the movie sounds exciting, it will still be some time before Netflix announces a cast or official release date for Helo. Viewers can look forward to the Fight for 84 in 2027.