Netflix will reportedly release Annihilation in the UK

The film is the latest from Ex Machina director Alex Garland

New film Annihilation will reportedly be released on Netflix in the UK.

The groundbreaking deal between the streaming service and Paramount will see the sci-fi film from Ex Machina director Alex Garland available to view 16 days after its international release in the US, Canada and China on 23 February.

Annihilation - an adaptation of the first book in Jeff Vandermeer's Southern Reach trilogy - stars Natalie Portman as a biologist who volunteers for a secret mission into alien territory of which previous attempts to explore met with disastrous results. The film also stars Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez and Oscar Isaac.

Deadline reports that the decision has been inspired by the release of Garland's critically-acclaimed directorial debut Ex Machina which grossed just $11.4m internationally - debuting on Netflix will potentially mean Annihilation is seen by a far larger audience than it would be if released in cinemas.

Garland's previous writing credits include the cult 90s novel The Beach as well as the screenplays for 28 Days Later..., Never Let Me Go and Dredd.

Paramount and Netflix are yet to comment on the reports.

Annihilation is expected to be released on Netflix on 11 March.

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