Israeli singer Netta Barzilai, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018, is rumoured to star in the upcoming Will Ferrell-Rachel McAdams Netflix Eurovision movie.
It “appears” Barzilai will participate in the film, Jerusalem Post reported, citing Israeli public broadcaster Kan.
When asked, the singer said that she is “prevented” from addressing the topic. However, she is “always excited about new adventures.”
After winning Eurovision and when rumours appeared about a Will Ferrell-written satirical film about the contest, Barzilai said in an interview that she hoped Ferrell “would treat Eurovision with the respect it deserves.”
Ferrell travelled to Israel for this year’s edition of the contest to shoot some additional scenes for the film.
Netflix and Eurovision
Ferrell’s Swedish wife reportedly ignited his passion for Europe’s favourite music show back. They visited Sweden in 1999 and watched it on TV there.
First reports of the Eurovision film in the works surfaced when Ferrell went to the contest in Lisbon. Shortly after, news that Netflix had commissioned a film based on the contest began appearing in the media. Reports speculated that Ferrell would take the lead role and serve as the film’s producer and script writer. Andrew Steele would join him.
The Netflix original motion feature is set to be a comedy, Deadline reported. It is said to have been approved as a means to improve the company’s stance on original light hearted entertainment. In July this year, Netflix acquired rights to broadcast Eurovision 2019 and 2020 in the United States.
Eurovision Song Contest 2018
Netta Barzilai’s wacky fast-paced entry “Toy” won over European audiences’, who propelled her to the top of the shortlist at the contest in 2018. She faced tough competition from forty-three countries. Ultimately, she took the win and the 2019 edition to Tel Aviv.
Her win marks Israel’s fourth victory in the contest, after their wins in 1978, 1979, and 1998, and their first top five placing in more than a decade.
Do you think the Netflix movie will be respectful to the contest? Let us know in the comments below or at social media. Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
