Netflix has continued its push into cinema with Beasts of No Nation, which has been released both in theaters and online, and features Bob Odenkirk, known recently for his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

According to recent reports, however, Netflix's work with Odenkirk isn't finished just yet, and the company has picked up a movie called Girlfriend's Day, which is a "noir comedy" that features Odenkirk as a greeting card writer who is accused of murder and needs to prove that he's innocent.

The film itself was co-written by Odenkirk and will be directed by Michael Stephenson. It will also feature Amber Tamblyn.

Netflix has also bought Mercy, a newly finished thriller written and directed by Chris Sparling, that focuses on a set of brothers who go home to see their mother, who is dying, only to find that they're in a home invasion.

Both of the new films are expected to be released by Netflix in 2016 and should debut on Netflix and in theaters. Netflix has taken this approach a few times in the past and it's been an important part of the company's strategy, despite the fact that not everyone behind the movie has been very approving of the approach.

For example, Netflix plans a simultaneous February 2016 release to IMAX screens and online of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, its sequel to the original Ang Lee film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Theater chains weren't too happy about it, though, suggesting that availability online would undercut people wanting to go to the theater.

Of course, with many of its upcoming films Netflix hasn't bothered with theaters at all. With Beasts of No Nation, the company avoided large chains like AMC and Regal, instead opting tp show it in smaller theaters.

Netflix seems to slowly be normalizing the idea of films being released online at the same time as in movie theaters. If it is able to gain enough steam it will likely be able to convince larger chains to join in.

Via: The Verge