Millie Bobby Brown, the breakout star of Netflix’s Stranger Things, is on the verge of taking on a role that could redefine her career—and perhaps shake up the next awards season. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, Brown is in final negotiations to portray Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug in the upcoming Netflix biopic Perfect, directed by Gia Coppola. The film will chronicle the dramatic journey of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, famously dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” as they clinched their first-ever gold medal in the team event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
For those who remember, Kerri Strug’s defining moment came when she vaulted on an injured ankle, securing victory for her team and creating one of the most iconic images in Olympic history—her coach Bela Karolyi carrying her to the podium, the world watching in awe. This story, already the stuff of legend, is now set to reach a new generation through the lens of Netflix and the talents of a young star who’s no stranger to high-stakes drama.
Brown is expected not only to star as Strug but also to step into the role of producer on the project. The script, penned by Ronnie Sandahl, is backed by producers Nik Bower of Riverstone Pictures and Thomas Benski of Magna Studios. Netflix, which is currently negotiating the package, aims to kick off filming in the spring of 2026—a timeline designed to position the film squarely in the heart of the 2026 awards season.
The timing of this announcement is no accident. As Deadline notes, Brown is wrapping up her run as Eleven in Stranger Things, with the series’ highly anticipated final season set to premiere in three parts over the 2025 holiday season: Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on Christmas Day, and the finale on New Year’s Eve. This transition from beloved sci-fi heroine to real-life sports icon is seen by industry insiders as a strategic move, echoing Margot Robbie’s leap from blockbuster roles to awards contention with I, Tonya—another biopic centered on a controversial and compelling figure in the world of sports.
“If Netflix secures the package, it gains a contender that could anchor a late-2026 awards campaign,” Deadline reports. The studio’s interest in Perfect signals that streaming platforms remain laser-focused on star-driven biopics as a way to win cultural headlines, critical acclaim, and, of course, new subscribers. The potential for a global distribution deal only heightens the stakes.
Industry observers are already drawing parallels to the playbook that brought I, Tonya to the forefront of awards season. That film’s success was built on targeted festival appearances, platform backing, and a carefully timed release window—a strategy Netflix has used to great effect in recent years. If Perfect follows a similar path, viewers can expect an early festival premiere, aggressive awards marketing, and a streaming rollout that keeps the film in the cultural conversation from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
“This timeline puts the film squarely in contention for 2026 awards conversation,” Deadline emphasizes. The planned shoot in spring 2026 positions the film perfectly for a late-year release, with key dates around Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve designed to maximize visibility with both critics and audiences. That’s no small feat in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape, where timing can make all the difference between a fleeting headline and a lasting legacy.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is shaping up to be a powerhouse. Gia Coppola, known for her distinctive storytelling style, will direct. The script by Ronnie Sandahl promises a nuanced look at the pressures, triumphs, and sacrifices behind Strug’s unforgettable Olympic performance. With Nik Bower and Thomas Benski producing, the project has the kind of pedigree that attracts both awards voters and streaming audiences alike.
For Brown, the role of Kerri Strug represents more than just a dramatic challenge—it’s a chance to step into the shoes of a real-life hero whose story has inspired millions. Strug’s vault on an injured ankle, followed by Karolyi’s emotional gesture of carrying her to the podium, is a moment etched not only in Olympic lore but in the broader tapestry of American sports history. As The Hollywood Reporter puts it, Strug “became a global icon after performing a vault on an injured ankle, with her coach Bela Karolyi carrying her to the podium—a moment etched in Olympic history.”
The industry buzz around the project is palpable. With Netflix negotiating for global rights, the film is poised to reach a vast audience, potentially setting the stage for a major awards push. “If Netflix closes quickly, expect an early festival premiere, concentrated awards marketing, and heavy streaming promotion that drives subscriptions,” Deadline predicts. For viewers, that means a front-row seat to the making of a prestige biopic, complete with behind-the-scenes coverage, early trailers, and a narrative that’s sure to dominate the awards conversation.
What does this mean for the broader landscape of streaming and awards in 2026? The answer may lie in the convergence of star power, strategic timing, and the enduring appeal of true stories. As Brown transitions from the supernatural world of Stranger Things to the high-stakes drama of Olympic competition, she brings with her a legion of fans and a proven track record of drawing viewers. The choice to cast her as Strug is not just a bet on talent—it’s a calculated move designed to capture both critical acclaim and cultural relevance.
Of course, there are still questions to be answered. Will the film capture the emotional intensity of Strug’s moment? Can it stand out in a field crowded with biopics and prestige dramas? And will Brown’s performance mark the start of a new chapter in her career, one that sees her join the ranks of actors who have successfully navigated the leap from franchise fame to awards glory?
As negotiations continue and production gears up for spring 2026, all eyes will be on Netflix, Brown, and the team behind Perfect. If the stars align, this could be the film that not only brings a legendary Olympic story to life but also reshapes the awards season conversation—and perhaps even the way we watch prestige cinema in the streaming age.
With anticipation building and the pieces falling into place, one thing is certain: the story of Kerri Strug, as told by Millie Bobby Brown and Netflix, is set to vault into the spotlight once again—reminding us all of the power of perseverance, the thrill of victory, and the enduring magic of a great story well told.
