Lionsgate and The Roku Channel close multiyear theatrical output deal

Lionsgate and The Roku Channel have closed a multiyear theatrical output deal for theatrically released Lionsgate films beginning with the studio’s 2022 theatrical releases. "We are pleased to expand our relationship with our longstanding partner Lionsgate to provide our audience with exclusive first-time, free access to Lionsgate’s theatrical slate,” said Rob Holmes, Vice President of Programming, Roku. “This innovative approach creates value for both parties, and most importantly provides the millions of streamers on The Roku Channel with the opportunity to enjoy these compelling titles via this unique window.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Roku will receive two separate windows for each film, the first of which provides exclusive rights to Lionsgate’s film slate immediately following its first window on Starz. The agreement will include properties such as the blockbuster, John Wick title, "Expendables 4" and "Borderlands," directed by Eli Roth and starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jack Black.

The deal also includes director Kelly Fremon Craig’s "Are You There God,? "It's Me, Margaret," produced by Academy Award winner James L. Brooks and adapted from the beloved Judy Blume classic, "White Bird: A Wonder Story," starring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson in the follow-up to the "Wonder" and "The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent."  “This agreement affirms the great demand for first-run studio movies across a broad array of platforms,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “This partnership with The Roku Channel shows our ability to capitalize on opportunities in today’s complex television landscape with a multifaceted, layered approach that meets everyone’s needs.”

Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform. In Q4 2021,  Roku reached U.S. households with an estimated 80 million people. The platform was a top-five channel on the Roku platform in the U.S. by active account reach in Q3 and Q4 2021. Its lineup features a diverse lineup of more than 80,000 free movies and programs and over 275 free live linear television channels in the U.S., with more than 250 licensing and distributing partners.