Netflix acquires 'Death Note' movie adaptation

LOS ANGELES, April 7 (UPI) -- Netflix is poised to acquire a Death Note movie adaptation.

Variety reports the streaming site is in final negotiations to pick up the film from Warner Bros. for an estimated $40-50 million. STX, Lionsgate and other major studios were reportedly also interested.

Sources told The Wrap Warner Bros. "got cold feet" over the possible lack of audience reception. The movie has been in production for some time and is expected to resume production in June.

Death Note is based on the Tsuguimi Ohba manga, which was published between 2003 and 2006. Fantastic Four writer Jeremy Slater will pen the script, with You're Next helmer Adam Wingard as director.

The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing the victim's name. The character is pursued by the reclusive detective L.

The Fault in Our Stars actor Nat Wolff will play Light, with The Leftovers actress Margaret Qualley as the female lead. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Jason Hoffs and Masi Oka will produce.

Netflix also recently picked up the documentary Sky Ladder, Tallulah with Ellen Page, The Fundamentals of Caring with Paul Rudd and Other People with Molly Shannon.