Adam Sandler Signs with Netflix for Four Picture Deal

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Only a couple of days after dropping the surprising news that they’d be debuting the sequel to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon concurrent with its theatrical release, Netflix has announced even more high profile films with which they’ll be involved.

It seems that the streaming video giant will be getting into the Adam Sandler business, having just inked a four picture deal with the immensely popular comic actor.

A press release from Sandler quotes the superstar comedian as saying:

When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only. Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks. Let the streaming begin!!!!

As mentioned above this comes days after the revolutionary, Reed Hastings founded company announced its part in producing and premiering the sequel to Ang Lee’s 2000 hit, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (which is being directed Hong Kong cinema legend Yuen Woo-ping).

As Deadline reports here, theater chains are not taking this all in stride or just accepting this new distribution model lying down. Indeed, they have been vocal in their protest. As Netflix has said that the Crouching Tiger sequel will be available to all subscribers, for no extra charge, on the same day as its theatrical premiere, it’s perhaps understandable why.

The deal with Sandler can only be regarded as a major coup. The comedian’s films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions have said that the earliest movie could debut as soon as 2015. Given how prolific Sandler and his company are, this is not surprising. More surprising, perhaps, is that these outings will see no theatrical release at all. With Oscar eligibility likely not of great concern anyhow, it likely won’t make much difference to Sandler; as we assume he’s been paid handsomely.

Netflix has already had tremendous success with its original series programming; such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. It will be interesting to see if they can join, or even surpass their cable competitors — HBO, etc. — in creating original films as well.

Business Insider writes more of this here.

And now, Canteen Boy.