Reed Hastings, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, has signed on as an executive producer of the upcoming crime-thriller 52nd State, which is currently in production in Bogota, Colombia.
This marks Hastings’ first ever credit as a producer on a film or TV series. In 2023, after 25 years at the helm, Hastings stepped down as co-CEO of Netflix and now serves as Chairman. 52nd State marks one of his first independent film ventures outside of his role at the streamer.
As we first told you, the film is co-written and directed by longtime Netflix executive Todd S. Yellin and produced by Fernando Ferro and The Witch producer Jay Van Hoy. It’s an independent feature and not a Netflix production.
Moisés Arias (Fallout) and Teresa Ruiz (Narcos: Mexico) lead the ensemble that also includes Ignacio Diaz-Silverio (Primo), and Augusto Aguilera (The Predator).
Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica and inspired by true events, 52nd State follows an IT worker who discovers his job is a front for a criminal operation that scams elderly Americans. Risking everything, he sets out to dismantle the network and protect his younger brother.
Hastings said recently: “At Netflix, Todd poured his creative energy into shaping the product experience and pioneering our personalization efforts—work that helped storytellers connect with millions. Now, he’s channeling that same passion into 52nd State. I’m proud to invest into his return to filmmaking, and excited to see him bring his vision to life on screen.”
He added: “What I love about 52nd State is that it’s not just a gripping thriller—it also digs into the complicated space where the American and Latin American worlds collide. This kind of global storytelling has always meant a lot to me, and this film really delivers on that.”
Producer Fernando Ferro, a Venezuelan American, who is leading the film’s Latin American production, said of Hastings’ support: “Reed’s belief in this story—and in the artists bringing it to life—is a powerful affirmation. His support for a film led by a remarkable Hispanic cast and rooted in the complexities of Latin America is not just meaningful—it’s galvanizing. It tells our team, and the world, that these stories matter, that our talent belongs at the center, with narratives born from our communities.”
Ferro’s producing partner Jay Van Hoy (The Witch) added: “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with genre-defining filmmakers and I know that the right partnerships can help transform their visions into lasting, unforgettable cinema. Todd Yellin is one-of-one. He brings that rare blend of bold storytelling, ambition, and emotional truth to 52nd State, charged with razor-sharp suspense. With Reed Hastings joining us, Todd now has the resources and creative freedom to set a new standard in crime cinema.”
Production is currently underway in Colombia with Bogota based production company, Jaguar Bite providing production services.
The film is produced by Fernando Ferro, Jay Van Hoy, and Todd S. Yellin, with Reed Hastings and Phil Kumin serving as executive producers. Regina Solorzano, Valentina Bove, Simon Beltran, and Juan Pablo Solano also serve as executive producers.