Netflix has secured two major film projects, acquiring Ron Howard’s documentary “Avedon” for a 2026 release and setting a fall rollout for the Cannes breakout “Gentle Monster” starring Léa Seydoux.
The “Avedon” documentary, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May to rave reviews, is positioned as an awards contender. The film explores the life and work of legendary photographer Richard Avedon. No premiere date has been announced beyond the 2026 window.
Meanwhile, “Gentle Monster,” a drama written and directed by Marie Kreutzer, will open in select theaters on Oct. 30 before beginning its streaming rollout on Nov. 18 in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Seydoux plays Lucy, a concert pianist. The film was a breakout hit at Cannes, generating strong buzz.
Both projects reflect Netflix’s strategy of securing high-profile titles for both critical acclaim and audience reach. The Avedon documentary aims for the awards circuit, while Gentle Monster targets a fall festival-to-streaming pipeline.