Roku and Lionsgate have closed a multiyear deal to bring theatrically-released Lionsgate films to The Roku Channel. The free streaming service will receive two separate windows for each film, starting with exclusive rights to Lionsgate’s film slate immediately after appearing on STARZ.
The deal will include titles like the John Wick franchise starring Keanu Reeves, Expendables 4, and Borderlands, starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jack Black. Also included in the deal: Are You There God? it’s Me, Margaret, based on the Judy Blume classic, White Bird: A Wonder Story, starring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson, and the Nicolas Cage film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
“This agreement affirms the great demand for first-run studio movies across a broad array of platforms,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “This partnership with The Roku Channel shows our ability to capitalize on opportunities in today’s complex television landscape with a multifaceted, layered approach that meets everyone’s needs.”
“We are pleased to expand our relationship with our longstanding partner Lionsgate to provide our audience with exclusive first-time, free access to Lionsgate’s theatrical slate,” said Rob Holmes, Vice President of Programming, Roku. “This innovative approach creates value for both parties, and most importantly provides the millions of streamers on The Roku Channel with the opportunity to enjoy these compelling titles via this unique window.”