Bright is One of Netflix’s Most-Viewed Original Titles, Ever

Bright has become one of the most-viewed original titles in the history of Netflix in the month since its release, according to the streamer’s Chief Executive Reed Hastings.

“In its first month, Bright has become one of our most-viewed original titles ever,” Hastings said in a letter to shareholders, as reported by Deadline. “We’re thrilled with this performance and are planning a sequel as well as additional investment in original films.”

The news comes as Netflix added 8.3 million subscribers this quarter, the highest in the streaming service’s history, and saw a nearly 33% increase in revenue. Much of that growth is due to the service’s original series, which include Stranger Things, The Punisher and Black Mirror. Last year, Netflix said that it would spend up to $8 billion on content this year.

There has been some talk as of late that Apple may look to acquire the streaming service this year after a favorable corporate tax cut from the Trump administration.

Bright takes place in an alternate universe where magical creatures such as orcs, fairies and elves live together with humans in Los Angeles. Will Smith plays human cop Daryl Ward who winds up with the first orc cop, Nick Jakoby, as his partner. Smith, along with director David Ayer, is set to return for the sequel. Ayer will take over script writing duties from original Bright writer Max Landis, who will not return for the sequel.

The critical response to Bright has, generally, been negative. The film is currently sitting at 27 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with some dubbing it the “worst movie of 2017.” Despite that negative reception, over 11 million people watched Bright the weekend that it debuted.

On Netflix now, Bright stars Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry, Edgar Ramirez and Ike Barinholtz.