Netflix and Epix are not renewing their deal when it expires in September, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos announced Sunday, reported Variety. The streaming website said it will no longer host films like "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "Transformers: Age of Extinction."
Sarandos explained in a blog post on Netflix's website that many Epix films were already syndicated on cable television and the company was focused on cultivating new exclusive movies and series. "We know some of you will be disappointed by the expiration of Epix movies," Sarandos wrote. "Our goal is to provide great movies and TV series for all tastes, that are only available on Netflix."
With the loss of larger films like "World War Z," Sarandos wrote that viewers could soon expect to see "Minions," "Transylvania 2" and "Home" along with new original films including Adam Sandler's comedy "Ridiculous Six" and Sofia Coppola's "A Very Murray Christmas," reported the Hollywood Reporter.
"While many of these movies are popular, they are also widely available on cable and other subscription platforms at the same time as they are on Netflix and subject to the same drawn-out licensing periods," Sarandos said. "Through our original films and some innovative licensing arrangements with the movie studios, we are aiming to build a better movie experience for you."
