Disney regrets selling TV rights to blockbuster movies now it has its own streaming service
Studios have long sold rights to popular films to TV networks, such as HBO, Showtime and Netflix — but Disney says it won’t renew its deal with Netflix
Los Angeles — Walt Disney is suffering from seller’s remorse. The world’s largest entertainment company tried to buy back TV rights to Star Wars movies from AT&T’s Turner Broadcasting so it can offer them on a new streaming video service, according to two people familiar with the matter. Disney made a preliminary inquiry about regaining the rights, but met resistance, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks were private. Turner has the rights to show the films on its cable networks, which include TNT and TBS, and online until 2024. The programmer would want financial considerations and programming to replace the lost films, one person said. The talks have not advanced further. The Star Wars films are among the highest grossing in Hollywood, and content from the space saga figures to be a bedrock part of a new Disney streaming service that’s expected to debut next year. The company has said the service will include a catalogue of movies and TV shows,...
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