David Benioff and Dan B Weiss, writers of the recently concluded popular show Game of Thrones, have struck a deal with entertainment giant Netflix which will have them leaving HBO and joining Netflix’s fold.
The deal, worth around $200 million, will have the duo writing, producing and directing a set of new series for the streaming platform. David and Dan have previously mentioned being approached by other studios for a future relationship.
The duo announced their new journey through an emotional message. They will still be credited in the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff but will not be involved any further. Moreover, they are currently working on the next Star Wars movie which is part of the multi-film deal they signed with Disney sometime back.
They announced their new venture in an emotional statement. “We’ve had a beautiful run with HBO for more than a decade and we’re grateful to everyone there for always making us feel at home. Over the past few months, we’ve spent many hours talking to Cindy Holland and Peter Friedlander, as well as Ted Sarandos and Scott Stuber.
“We remember the same shots from the same ‘80s movies; we love the same books; we’re excited about the same storytelling possibilities. Netflix has built something astounding and unprecedented, and we’re honoured they invited us to join them.”
Netflix’s chief content officer welcomed the duo with an official statement which read: “We are thrilled to welcome master storytellers David Benioff and Dan Weiss to Netflix. They are a creative force and have delighted audiences worldwide with their epic storytelling. We can’t wait to see what their imaginations will bring to our members.”
The newest addition of these writers might help Netflix bandage its loss of failing to retain a number of U.S users. The news reported by Bloomberg talks about the newest numbers being as bad as the losses the streaming giant suffered in 2016. This might have been partly fueled by Netflix losing the bidding war for American sitcom Friends against WarnerMedia.
However, the company is excited as it belives in more original content in the near future. “Much of our domestic, and eventually global, Disney catalogue, as well as Friends, The Office, and some other licensed content will wind down over the coming years, freeing up budget for more original content,” Netflix said.
For a list of shows axed by Netflix this year, check out: List of popular shows cancelled by Netflix – 2019