Netflix has taken a significant step in its evolution with the biggest movie purchase in its history, announcing that it has acquired distribution rights to Brad Pitt’s forthcoming military comedy movie War Machine, due for release in 2016.

The online streaming giant made the announcement on Monday afternoon (June 8th) that it has secured rights to distribute the movie, which stars Pitt in a fictionalised, satirical re-telling of the story of General Stanley McChrystal, the four-star US general who led American forces in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2010.

Brad PittBrad Pitt's new film 'War Machine' has been acquired by Netflix for exclusive distribution

Netflix and its director of content acquisitions Ted Sarandos are reported to have parted with over $30 million in the investment. It means that the film, directed by David Michod, will get a very limited theatrical release next year but will also immediately be available for download on the site.

More: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie travel in economy class

Sarandos said in a statement: “War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision-makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of America’s ambitions. Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film.”

Pitt, 51, also gave a reaction. “We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience,” he said.

The deal represents the biggest move for the company by far. Sarandos has previously secured the popular political drama ‘House of Cards’ for exclusive access, and deals with Ricky Gervais for his upcoming comedy Special Correspondents and a four-movie deal with Adam Sandler.

War Machine will be based on the best-selling book by the late journalist Michael Hastings, ‘The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan’.

More: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s ‘By The Sea’ will be released in November 2015