RICKY GERVAIS is to make a comedy film for streaming service Netflix that will see the star of “The Office” and “Derek” appear alongside Australia’s Eric Bana.

    The satirical comedy, “Special Correspondents,” will be a remake of a 2009 French film about a struggling radio journalist who files fake war reports.

    Gervais will write and direct the film, described by Netflix’s Ted Sarandos as a “smart social satire with heart.” “Ted Sarandos is the new godfather of entertainment, and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Gervais.

    Netflix’s plans to expand into film-making has already seen it sign deals with Adam Sandler, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Weinstein Company.

    “Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood,” said Gervais, whose Channel 4 series “Derek” was streamed by Netflix in the United States.

    The original “Special Correspondents” film starred Gerard Lanvin and Gerard Jugnot as a radio journalist and technician in Paris who pretend to report live from Iraq.

    Set predominantly in New York, the new version will see Gervais and Bana’s characters fake their own kidnappings during a rebel uprising in South America. (SD-Agencies)