Max Landis wrote the script, while David Ayer (who just finished working with Smith on Suicide Squad and is on deck to produce a sequel for that movie) is attached as director. For all that cash, Netflix has obtained a high-profile exclusive with a recognizable face to advertise on its (now-worldwide) streaming service -- just the kind of thing that might attract some of the millions of people who don't already have an account to sign up and try it out. Also, it's supposed to launch a franchise, which would help keep those subscription fees rolling in for years to come.