NBC Universal Acquires the Rights to ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise
Published on August 8th, 2016 | Updated on August 8th, 2016 | By FanFest
BIG news, Muggles! If you are a frequent participant in the Harry Potter weekend marathons on ABC’s Freeform channel (formerly ABC Family), you’re going to want to read this!
It was announced today that NBC Universal has acquired the television and digital rights to the Harry Potter films starting in July of 2018 through April of 2025. The deal, which is estimated to be worth around $250 million, includes exclusive airing rights to all 8 Harry Potter films as well as the upcoming Fantastic Beasts series.
Currently owned by Disney, it has been reported that the Harry Potter films will shift over to NBC Universal’s Syfy and USA Networks. Additionally, Warner Bros. will air a director’s cut of both parts 1 and 2 of The Deathly Hallows as well as 3D versions of the films and a featurette which was only previously available on the Blu-ray and DVD bonus footage.
Universal Studios already operates the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in Orlando, Los Angeles and Japan. It is expected that this new acquisition will make way for a multitude of in-park activities including screenings and other promotional events.
We just hope that NBC Universal keeps the tradition of Harry Potter weekends going!
Source: Comicbook.com
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
