Netflix is so confident Fox's Batman-prequel, "Gotham," will be a huge hit that the streaming service has already worked out a deal with Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution to air it to their millions of subscribers.
According to Comicbook.com, Netflix inked a new deal with Warner Bros. to bring the series to its on-demand video service worldwide, instead of country-by-country. That means Netflix users everywhere will have the chance to catch "Gotham" when it becomes available in 2015.
"In this era of new business models and expanding windows, this is an unprecedented deal for our company and our industry," said Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President of Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution. "While we typically license our programming country by country, we have licensed this very special series to Netflix on a multi-territory basis. Netflix is a perfect home for 'Gotham' following its initial broadcast in each respective country, giving Netflix subscribers the opportunity to catch-up prior to the new season, whether they're already fans or discovering it for the first time."
"Gotham" isn't set to premiere on Fox until Monday, Sept. 22, which makes this deal that much more surprising. However, it has been receiving a lot of buzz and includes an impressive cast such as Ben McKenzie ("Southland"), Jada Pinkett Smith ("HawthoRNe"), Donal Logue ("Sons of Anarchy") and Sean Pertwee ("Elementary").
"'Gotham' is the most anticipated new series of the fall season and we are thrilled to offer it to our members around the world," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. "The Batman origin story is sure to have massive global appeal so it is fitting that, along with Warner Television, we have created a new model for distributing a show that international and domestic audiences will love."
"Gotham" will focus on the origin story of Batman. It takes place in Gotham City and follows Detective Gordon's rise from rookie to Police Commissioner. Fans will get to see how some of DC Comics super-villains became what they are. According to Fox, "Gotham" begins with the death of Bruce Wayne's parents.
Characters include:
Ben McKenzie: James Gordon
Robin Taylor: Penguin
Camren Bicondova: Catwoman
Donal Logue: Harvey Bullock
Sean Pertwee: Alfred
Zabryna Guevara: Sara Essen Gordon
Jada Pinkett Smith: Fish Mooney
Erin Richards: Barbara Kean Gordon
David Mazouz: young Bruce Wayne
