Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Coen Brothers retool TV series Ballad of Buster Scruggs as Netflix film Oscar contender starring Tom Waits

The project was originally announced as a six-part miniseries

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 26 July 2018 12:27 BST
Comments
(Netflix)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The previously announced TV series from directing duo the Coen Brothers has been retooled as a brand new film.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was originally set to be a six-part miniseries scheduled to debut on Netflix but, according to Variety, it'll now be premiered as a 132-minute film at the Venice Film Festival in August.

It will proceed to hit cinemas before landing on Netflix in time for next year's Oscars race which is expected to feature the likes of First Man, Widows and Barry Jenkins' Moonlight follow-up If Beale Street Could Talk.

Plot details are sparse but The Ballad of Buster Scruggs - which stars Tim Blake Nelson in the lead role - will keep the original series' anthology format by telling “six distinct tales about the American frontier.”

Zoe Kazan, Liam Neeson and musician Tom Waits - whose big-screen credits include Down By Law and Seven Psychopaths - will also star.

The Coen Brothers' most recent film, Hail Ceasar!, was released in 2016.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in