TNT has locked down the commercial TV rights to Marvel Studios‘ next five movies, beginning with “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Marvel’s movies had previously aired on cabler FX since 2008.
The new slate of Marvel films, which also include the third “Captain America,” will become available on TNT two years after their theatrical release.
“Marvel’s brand of entertainment is a thrill ride for audiences, and we’re excited to be adding their next five blockbusters to TNT’s arsenal of high-quality genre fare,” said Deborah Bradley, senior VP, head of program acquisitions, content strategy and licensing for Turner Broadcasting System. “These movies will play a key role in TNT’s long-term success, especially among key adult demos.”
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Disney releases “Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015, with the film reuniting Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury. The first film earned more than $1.5 billion for Disney in 2012.
In 2008, pre-sold the cable rights to five of its movies, including “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk” to FX before any of them were released. And in 2013, FX announced it had landed the rights to “Iron Man 3,” after “Iron Man 2” played well among the key 18-49 year-old demo.
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Financial terms of TNT’s deal with Disney, which owns Marvel Studios, were not disclosed.
