Netflix will no longer offer ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Transformers’ movies after the streaming-video company ended its deal with distributor Epix.
Epix provided blockbuster movies from Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM including blockbusters such as “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, “World War Z” and “Transformers: Age if Extinction.”
US Hulu, a rival company, will be stepping in to take Epix’s catalogue. “Hulu already offers some of the best and biggest titles in television programming, but our subscribers have been asking us for more, and more recent, big movies. We listened. Through this new deal with EPIX, we are proud to now be able to offer a huge selection of the biggest blockbusters and premium films,” said Craig Erwich, SVP, Head of Content, Hulu.
But Netflix fans should not worry, the streaming video service has made a point of showing exclusive content when it can, building more long-term value for the brand. Instead of renewing its deal, the company will concentrate on exclusive film rights and original film acquisitions, including pay-TV rights for Disney content starting from its 2016 releases.
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“While many of these movies are popular, they are also widely available on cable and other subscription platforms at the same time as they are on Netflix and subject to the same drawn out licensing periods. Through our original films and some innovative licensing arrangements with the movie studios, we are aiming to build a better movie experience for you,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix.
To cheer up its users, Netflix announced a few exclusives including a war drama by Cary Fukunaga director of the True Detective series, Ridiculous Six the first of four comedies from Adam Sandler as well A Very Murray Christmas in which Sofia Coppola direct Bill Murray.
Starting next year, Netflix will also be the exclusive US pay TV home of the latest theatrical movies from the The Walt Disney Company, including Pixar, Lucas film (the awaited new Star Wars movie) and Marvel movies (the Avengers franchise). The majority of these films will arrive on Netflix faster than arrangements had previously allowed.
