Netflix is expanding its action slate with a new police aviation thriller. The streamer has tapped Narcos director Andrés Baiz to helm Helo, an upcoming film centered on the world of police helicopters.
The project is being produced by Edward Berger, the filmmaker behind All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, through his Nine Hours production banner. Berger is producing alongside his partner Luke Rivett.
Andrés Baiz Returns to Netflix
Baiz has developed a strong working relationship with Netflix over the years. Most notably, he directed episodes of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, helping shape the crime dramas’ gritty visual style.
In addition, Baiz directed the entire Griselda limited series, which starred Sofía Vergara as Colombian drug trafficker Griselda Blanco. He has also directed episodes of The Sandman.
Now, however, Baiz is moving into a more action-focused project with Helo. As a result, the film could give the director an opportunity to combine his experience with crime stories with large-scale aerial action.
‘Helo’ Plot Details Remain Secret
For now, Netflix is keeping the story details for Helo under wraps. However, the project will explore the world of police aviation and is expected to feature helicopters as a major part of its action.
The idea reportedly originated with Berger and Rivett. They subsequently brought in screenwriter Patrick Aison to develop the screenplay.
Aison is also familiar with action-driven material. His recent credits include work on the Predator franchise, adding another genre connection to the upcoming Netflix project.
‘End of Watch’ Meets ‘Top Gun’
Meanwhile, industry sources have described Helo as “End of Watch meets Top Gun.” That comparison suggests the film will combine the grounded intensity of a police drama with the large-scale thrills of an aviation action movie.
At the same time, the project recalls an earlier police helicopter thriller, Blue Thunder. Directed by John Badham and released in 1983, the film followed a Los Angeles police helicopter pilot who becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy.
However, Helo is expected to bring the concept into a contemporary setting. Therefore, the film could offer Netflix a modern take on a relatively underused action subgenre.
Edward Berger Expands His Producing Slate
Berger is also continuing to build his producing portfolio alongside his directing career. His recent films include All Quiet on the Western Front, which earned multiple Academy Awards, and Conclave, the political thriller starring Ralph Fiennes.
With Helo, Berger is once again backing a genre project with a strong commercial action element. Moreover, Baiz’s involvement adds a filmmaker with extensive experience in crime and serialized drama.
Baiz Has Another Netflix Project
Meanwhile, Helo is not Baiz’s only upcoming project with Netflix. The director recently completed Fight for 84, a sports drama starring Jamie Foxx.
Netflix is reportedly considering that film for a 2027 release. Consequently, Baiz could have multiple projects arriving on the streamer as he continues to expand beyond his work in crime television.
‘Helo’ Release Details
Despite the growing creative team, Netflix has not yet announced the cast for Helo. The streamer also has not revealed a production schedule or release date.
For now, the project remains in development. Nevertheless, with Baiz directing, Berger producing and Aison writing, Helo is shaping up as a new addition to Netflix’s action lineup.
More casting and production details are expected as the film moves forward.
About the author
Daya Nanoskar is an Entertainment Writer at Awesome TV and a contributor to AWSM Times. Daya covers film news, streaming releases, celebrity updates and industry news across Hollywood and Bollywood, and has written more than 2,300 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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