Netflix is giving one of its most poorly-reviewed original films a sequel, and there may be a method to that madness.
"Bright" — a fantasy cop flick starring Will Smith — is Netflix's most expensive original film to date, with an estimated $90 million budget. With a metascore of 29, the film is also one of Netflix's worst-reviewed originals.
Forbes called it "visually grotesque, dreadfully dull and hopelessly convoluted." But despite the critical reception, the film succeeds in one area: views.
Nielsen estimates that "Bright" garnered more than 11 million viewers in the film's first three days of release, and Netflix said it was the "highest viewed Netflix film ever on the service in its first week of release."
Viewership seems to play an important role at Netflix. The company has been pretty liberal with its axe recently, even with its well-reviewed originals. CEO Reed Hastings has hinted cancellation decisions take viewership numbers into account, so it makes a little more sense why Netflix green-lit a second "Bright."
Lead actors Will Smith and Joel Edgerton, as well as director David Ayer, are on board for the "Bright" sequel. Screenwriter Max Landis, who penned the first film's script, won't be returning to the project. He was accused of sexual misconduct back in December.
