Netflix signs Adam Sandler to four-film deal

CEBU, Philippines - In its bid to upend the movie business the way it has TV, Netflix has secured one of the big screen’s biggest box-office draws and most irreverent comedic talents.

Adam Sandler has signed a four-film deal with Netflix, the streaming service. The actor will star in and produce each feature, all of which will premiere exclusively on Netflix.

Netflix declined to say how much it was paying Sandler. But the streaming giant has a history of reaching deep into its pocket to lure big-name talent. To land “House of Cards,” with director David Fincher and star Kevin Spacey, Netflix reportedly spent $100 million for the show’s first two seasons.

On Tuesday, Netflix signaled its long-planned entry into original movies, announcing that it will stream a sequel to 2000’s Oscar-winning “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” — one of the most lucrative foreign language releases ever. The sequel, produced by the Weinstein Co., will open in August 2015 simultaneously in Imax theaters and on Netflix.

Sandler is one of Hollywood’s most reliable draws, with films that have collectively grossed more than $2.4 billion domestically. But his track record has recently been rocky. His last film, the romantic comedy “Blended,” with Drew Barrymore, sputtered with a meager haul just $46.3 million for Warner Bros.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, said Sandler’s films are regularly among the most-viewed by Netflix members.

“People love Adam’s films on Netflix and often watch them again and again,” Sarandos said. “His appeal spans across viewers of all ages. Everybody has a favorite movie, everyone has a favorite line, not just in the US but all over the world.”

The four features, which are currently planned without any theatrical release component, are expected to be comedies. Those are the kind of movies Sandler-starring that rate highly on Netflix. Among Netflix’s Sandler titles available for streaming are “Happy Gilmore” and “Click.” (AP) (FREEMAN)