Netflix drops big Hollywood movies to focus on exclusives
Netflix has announced that a number of high-profile movies will leave the service in September, after it did not renew its agreement with cable network Epix in the United States.
Epix is a joint venture between MGM, Lions Gate, and Paramount, TechCrunch reported.
Movies affected by the decision include Hunger Games: Catching Fire, World War Z, and Transformers: Age of Extinction.
In a blog post, Netflix explained it decided not to renew the agreement so it can focus on producing original content.
“We hear from our members that you wish we had newer movies. So do we,” said Netflix.
It stated that studio licensing practices means it often takes more than a year before you can watch a theatrically-released movie on a streaming service like Netflix.
“Just like we’ve changed the game for TV watchers by releasing entire seasons around the world at the same time, we have begun making movies that will premiere on Netflix globally and in some cases, simultaneously in theatres.”
It will take time to build a robust slate of original movies, but Netflix said it is working with actors and directors such as Brad Pitt, Ricky Gervais, Judd Apatow, Angelina Jolie, Sofia Coppola, and Adam Sandler.
Competitors have responded to Netflix’s move, with Hulu announcing on the same day that it signed a multi-year agreement with Epix. Amazon has carried content from Epix since 2012.
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