Adam Sandler has signed up to release his next four movies exclusively via Netflix as the streaming service ramps up its battle with cinemas.













The US comic’s Happy Madison Productions will co-produce the films, details of which have not been made public, with his new partners.





“When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only. Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks,” Sandler said in a statement. “Let the streaming begin!!!!”





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

Adam Sandler and wife Jackie pose with co-star Rosemarie DeWitt at the party following the premiere of Men, Women & Children on 30 September Photograph: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS

Sandler’s films receive some of the highest repeat viewing figures on Netflix, so the deal makes sense for the company as it works to further boost its reputation for original content. The move follows the streaming service’s announcement on Monday that it is teaming with the Weinstein Company to co-produce Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel The Green Legend. The new film will be released simultaneously at Imax cinemas globally and via Netflix on 28 August next year, smashing the longstanding 13-17 week theatrical window which is fiercely protected by cinema chains.





Taken together, the two deals confirm that Netflix not only has the power and financial clout to take on vested interests, but is increasingly determined to park its cars on the big screen lawn. The Crouching Tiger deal prompted fury and threats of a boycott from AMC, Cinemark, Regal and Carmike, which together own more than half of the US’s 400 Imax screens, on 1 October. Europe’s second-largest chain, Cineworld, and Canada’s largest chain Cineplex also said they would not be screening the sequel.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend Photograph: Rico Torres/AP

However, the chains appear powerless to intervene over Sandler jumping ship. Netflix has the funds to pay the Billy Madison star the $80m-per-film fee which he reportedly receives from theatrical distributors and the comic has worked outside the major studio system for some time, so will not fear reprisals.

Sandler’s comedies have made more than $3bn worldwide, so there is the potential for a huge amount of money to disappear from the global box office during the four-film deal. Studio Sony, which has a long-term deal with the actor-producer, could be particularly affected, though Hollywood may take solace in the fact that recent efforts Jack and Jill, Blended and That’s My Boy have proven less popular with fans than Sandler’s previous movies.