Netflix grabs Adam Sandler for 4-movie deal

Adam Sandlerhas become the latest convert in Netflix's push to become a majormovie industry player.

The Hollywood comedian and the internet streaming service have signeda deal that would see Sandler produce, and star, in four feature films.

The movies wouldstream exclusively on the internet network, which has subscribers in nearly 50 countries.

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"People love Adam's films on Netflix and often watch them again and again," said Netflix chief content officer TedSarandosin a statement.

"His appeal spans across viewers of all ages ... not just in the U.S.,but all over the world."

Traditional distributors vs. digital pioneers

The groundbreaking deal comes just two days after Netflix announced a game-changingalliance with theWeinstein Company to release the sequel toCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonsimultaneously on Netflix and inImax theatres next summer.

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The movewhich circumvents Hollywood's traditional system for releasing moviestriggered an angry backlash from major theatre chains.

Several exhibitors, including Cineplex Entertainment in Canada,announced their refusalto screen the newCrouching Tiger,effectively boycotting any movie that would be available digitally on the same day as its traditional theatrical release.

"We will not participate in an experiment where you can see the same product on screens varying from three stories tall to 3 inches wide on a smartphone," Regal spokesman Russ Nunley said.

But many analysts see the disruption caused by Netflix's entry into original movies, in an era of ever-proliferating screens, as an overdue challenge to Hollywood's carefully controlled theatrical model.

"This is just the start of what Netflix is going to do," said Rich Greenfield, media analyst for BTIG Research. "Stay tuned. This is the beginning."

Spending on Sandler

Sandler, whose comedic movies likeBig Daddy, Grown Ups and The Waterboyhave grossed more than $3 billion US worldwide, seems unperturbedby the war heating up betweentraditional distributors and digital pioneers.

"When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes," said Sandlerin a statement. "Let the streaming begin!"

According to a report in theNew York Times,Netflix would solely finance thefour Sandler projects, with budgetsestimated in the tens of millions of dollars.

The first Sandler feature could be available tosubscribersas early as next year.