Evan ThomasNetflix is digging deeper into original films with the help of a household name: the streaming service just signed a movie deal with Adam Sandler.
Netflix will partner with Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison Productions. Sandler will produce and star in four films set to release exclusively on Netflix starting as early as 2015.
“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,” Sandler said in a statement on the deal. “Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks. Let the streaming begin!”
Sounds like the Sandler we know and love, but Sandler films, including this year’s “Blended,” have been little more than lackluster at the box office.
But The Verge points out the same does not appear to hold true in the living room.
“Remember that Netflix has access to our collective streaming habits, and apparently people everywhere really, really love Adam Sandler.”
And while Netflix has seen success with original programming already, getting into film hasn’t been as easy.
Its latest idea was derailed earlier this week, when theater chains said they’d boycott Netflix’s debut of the “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” sequel, which is planned to be released on both Netflix devices and IMAX screens.
Some industry watchers seem to think pushing for the smaller screen, then, is a safer idea for Netflix. Less expensive, too.
Sandler was once known as a powerhouse at the box office. Even with poor reviews, he could make money on films that were inexpensive to produce.
But as Re/code puts it, it appears Sandler “hit his commercial peak several years ago, which also makes sense — buying four Adam Sandler movies is much cheaper in 2014 than it would have been in 2004.”
Netflix says production budgets would be in the same $40-$80 million range as his recent theatrical releases.
This video includes images from Getty Images
