It’s been 8 years since the incomparable Chris Rock last released a stand-up special, 2008’s ‘Kill The Messenger,’ and at 51-years-old and given the career he’s enjoyed, you’d probably forgive him if he decided to hang up the microphone for good.
But like pretty much every other comedian ever, the itch of the bright lights and the big stage is too great to ignore.
Rock will officially return to stand-up comedy with two specials on Netflix, after inking a deal that’s smashed records for comedy specials.
The streaming giant has reportedly agreed to a deal worth as much as $40million, which is the largest amount ever paid to a single comedian for a filmed stand-up show.
Rock previously had a long and historic working relationship with HBO, who released his 5 previous specials, stretching all the way back to 1994’s ‘Big Ass Jokes.’
It’s understood that HBO also bid “aggressively” for the new specials, but were beaten out by Netflix who has established themselves as a major player in the stand-up market. Stand-up comedy is a huge draw for SVOD services, which explains the record price tag.
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos pumped the signing up in a statement issued to media:
“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent.”
The first of the two specials will be filmed in 2017 in conjuncture with a planned world tour (AUSTRALIA MAYBE?).
At the very least, this is definitely news that Michael Scott will be frothing on.
Source: Deadline.
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty.
