Netflix Sets Cast For Karl Mueller’s ‘Rebirth’

EXCLUSIVE– Netflix has set the cast for Karl Mueller’s Rebirth, one of a number of low budget indie features the SVOD giant is collaborating directly with filmmakers on as it expands its global film strategy. Fran Kranz, Adam Goldberg, Kat Foster, Nicky Whelan, Harry Hamlin, Andrew J West, Sheryl Lee, Pat Healy, Eric Ladin, Luis Geardo Méndez and Steve Agee have all joined the cast.

The twisted psychological thriller from writer-director Karl Mueller (Mr. Jones) and producer Ross Dinerstein (The Pact, The Nightmare) follows a white-collar suburban father Kyle (Fran Kranz) who is surprised at his office by long-lost college buddy Zack (Adam Goldberg). Zack is as wild and crazy as ever, brimming with excitement about the self-actualization program he’s just finished. In fact, there’s a Rebirth seminar this coming weekend. Reluctantly, Kyle goes and stumbles on a bus full of Rebirth participants about to depart. He gets on the bus and hands over his keys, wallet, and phone. Thus begins his journey down an increasingly unhinged rabbit hole of psychodrama, seduction, and violence as a confused and increasingly desperate Kyle tries to escape Rebirth and discover what the weekend is really about. Rebirth is produced by Campfire.

Rebirth will be available exclusively on Netflix day and date with theatrical and transactional in 2016. Netflix has acquired and fully financed a number of indie projects believed to be in the $2 million budget range, including the directorial feature debut of creative studio Walter Robot, an untitled electronic music project starring Sarah Hyland (Modern Family), Graham Phillips (The Good Wife) and Chris D’Elia (Undateable). Also new to Netflix’s slate is The Most Hated Woman In America, starring Melissa Leo (The Fighter) in the true story of the controversial rise and untimely demise of Madalyn Murray O’Hair — iconoclast, opportunist, and America’s most outspoken atheist for the separation of church and state. Tommy O’Haver (An American Crime) wrote and will direct the film, and Pitch Perfect 2 producers Max Handelman and Elizabeth Banks will produce through their Brownstone Productions. Netflix is also collaborating with the Duplass Brothers on 6 Years and Manson Family Vacation.