Here's a power move Frank Underwood would appreciate. According to Deadline, Netflix has acquired distribution rights to the satirical comedy "War Machine," starring Brad Pitt as a four-star general. "War Machine" was written and directed by David Michoud, with Pitt's Plan B team producing.

Apparently the A-list movie star and his reps have been meeting with Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos on an alternative distribution strategy, culminating in today's big announcement. Here's how Deadline put it:

With this deal, Sarandos has an opportunity to make the kind of seismic move in features as he did with TV series like House Of Cards. This will be the biggest investment Netflix will have made so far in a feature film, in the $30 million range. It is also the first time Netflix has really gotten hold of a film with one of the biggest global A-list movie stars, in his prime, along with his producing cohorts whose recent credits include Best Picture winner 12 Years A Slave and Best Picture nominee Selma."

It's pretty exciting news, even if we could debate whether Brad Pitt is truly in his "prime." Here are some canned quotes from the team to Deadline:

Ted Sarandos: "War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision-makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of America's ambitions. Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film."

Brad Pitt: "We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience."

"War Machine" was inspired by the book "The Operators: The Wild And Terrifying Inside Story Of America's War In Afghanistan." It's expected to have a qualifying theatrical run (to make it eligible for Oscar consideration) then a big Netflix debut in late 2016.

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