Netflix has reportedly won an intense bidding war for the rights to a feature length Documentary on the late Nipsey Hussle, directed and produced by Ava DuVernay, according to Deadline. The news comes just one day before her own series Cherish the Day is set to premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Netflix, who also secured her 2016 documentary, 13th, payed a figure rumored to be in the “high eight figures,” in order to beat out others in the intense bidding war. Apple and Amazon were said to be among some of the serious contenders.
The deal is made less than a year after the rapper was fatally shot in South Los Angeles. DuVernay introduced a tribute to the late rapper at the Grammys, two weeks ago.
DuVernay is also known for directing the 2018 science fiction film, A Wrinkle In Time, and the Emmy-Award Winning When They See Us. This will be DuVernay’s first return to documentary since the release of 13th.
Nipsey’s estate reportedly reached out directly to DuVernay, due to their admiration for her work, specifically 13th and When They See Us.