Roku Cuts Massive Deal to Add Popular Movies to Its Library

By Stephen Andrew

Streaming service, Roku has just made a massive huge deal that will find the platform adding a number of popular movies to its catalog. Last week, Deadline reported Lionsgate and Roku struck an agreement for The Roku Channel as a way to acquire the film studio's new movies after they finish their run on Starz. The outlet also added that this is a "multi-year output arrangement" and "covers theatrical releases starting this year."

Among the movies that Roku users will eventually be able to stream for free are the films of the John Wick franchise, Expendables 4 and the Eli Roth-directed Borderlands, a blockbuster adaptation of the video game franchise by the same name. Additional Lionsgate films which Roku streamers will be able to watch in the future include the new Nicolas Cage movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, a film version of the iconic Judy Blume book. Viewers will also get to see a follow-up to the 2017 heartwarming family drama, Wonder.

Speaking about the new deal, Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate, said, This agreement affirms the great demand for first-run studio movies across a broad array of platforms. 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." Rob Holmes, VP of programming at Roku, added that this deal is just another level of the two company's already a solid working relationship. "This innovative approach creates value for both parties," he said, "and most importantly provides the millions of streamers on The Roku Channel with the opportunity to enjoy these compelling titles via this unique window."

While fans will have to wait some time for the new Lionsgate films, The Roku Channel already has tons of great content, such as the new dramatic-thriller Swimming With Sharks, starring Diane Kruger and Kiernan Shipka. Swimming With Sharks follows Shipka's character, Lou Simms, "a young female assistant at the center of a studio filled with manipulators and schemers – none of whom know she's poised to outwit them all." Kruger plays the studio boss Joyce Holt, who is under pressure from her cruel mentor, Redmond (Donald Sutherland), to run things the way he expects, while also desperately trying for a baby with her husband (Gerardo Celasco). Notably, The Roku Channel does not require a Roku-specific streaming device, as anyone can download the Roku app and stream the series for free.

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