Netflix is in talks to gain exclusive distribution rights to a new series directed by David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey. This could be the big push the company needs to reach the next level – or the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back.

There’s no question about the success of the Netflix streaming service. The company’s march towards digital distribution has allowed it to eclipse nearly every competitor including Hulu, Vudu, Blockbuster, and even its own disc-by-mail service.

Successful though it may be, Netflix has a target on its back. Movie studios, cable providers and even content providers are gunning for the company. The next step for Netflix could either be a great move forward or that final act that makes studios stop playing nice.

That step is the acquisition of exclusive rights to ‘House of Cards’, a show based on the British series of the same name. It’s a political drama that draws heavily from both ‘MacBeth’ and ‘Richard III’. The original has been hailed as one of the best British TV shows of all time.

The U.S. version of the show will star Kevin Spacey. This also marks the television directorial debut of David Fincher. Considering the popularity of Spacey and reputation of Fincher – who just gained a great deal of praise for ‘The Social Network‘ – this show is bound to be a hit no matter where it is.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix has outbid HBO, AMC and others with a promise of $100 million for 26 episodes. The bid is under serious consideration. At this point, the pairing seems likely.

Under the terms of the deal, Netflix would have rights to air the series before anyone else via the Netflix streaming service. The production company, Media Rights Capital, would hold the rights for later broadcast or DVD and Blu-ray sales.

The thought of a Netflix original series is intriguing, especially with big names like Fincher and Spacey in the mix. It’s a bold experiment on both ends, and could be the start of something really big for Netflix.