Netflix acquires action thriller script 'The Operator' by Harrison Query; Mark Wahlberg to play lead role

Netflix has secured the rights to The Operator, a gripping action thriller penned by Harrison Query, with Mark Wahlberg set to lead the film, sources report. The streaming giant has not issued a comment on the acquisition.

Wahlberg will portray a former elite Tier One Operator who now works as a covert CIA problem solver. When tasked with protecting a target he despises, the mission escalates into a tense and dangerous game of survival.

The film is a collaboration between Wahlberg, his producing partner Stephen Levinson, and The Picture Companys Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona. Scott Glassgolds 12:01 Films will also be involved, with Query serving as an executive producer. A director has yet to be announced.

This marks another Netflix project for Wahlberg and Levinson following their previous collaborations on Spenser Confidential, The Union, and Me Time. The sale is Querys second deal with Netflix in just a fortnight, after the streamer ordered his action series Trigger Point, with Jeremy Saulnier directing and Query showrunning.

Wahlberg, who recently appeared in Flight Risk, Family Plan, and Play Dirty, has a busy upcoming slate. He is set to star in Peter Farrellys action comedy Balls Up for Amazon MGM, the crime thriller By Any Means, the animated series Ted for Peacock, and a new Apple TV feature directed by Stephen Chbosky.

Query has had a remarkable year, selling his short story adaptation Code Black to Amazon MGM with Jake Gyllenhaal attached to star and produce, and seeing his Amazon MGM actioner Heads of State become one of Prime Videos most-streamed films. He is also co-creator and executive producer on the upcoming Paramount+/101 Studios JonBent Ramsey limited series.

Meanwhile, The Picture Company plans to film the Amazon MGM thriller Tyrant starring Charlize Theron, as well as David Gordon Greens Supermax for Miramax. Glassgolds 12:01 Films continues to develop high-profile projects including Fallen Astronaut for Apple, Ripped with Dwayne Johnson, and an adaptation of Querys bestseller My Wife And I Bought A Ranch for Amazon MGM.

Author: Olivia Parker