It looks like some big movies are going to be dropped from Netflix Instant very soon. Over the weekend, news hit that the streaming service will be dropping some big name titles like The Hunger Games, Interstellar, and The Wolf of Wall Street at the end of September as cable network Epix — which is owned by Viacom and movie studios Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate — has come to a new multiyear deal with streaming service Hulu.
With Netflix’s focus on original content becoming more and more the priority, this new Hulu-Epix deal seems to be a win-win for both companies involved. With the streaming service’s recent acquisition of Seinfeld, as well as its exclusive deal with FX Networks (season one of Fargo is now streaming!), many still see Hulu as just a platform to where one can binge watch a plethora of TV programs. Details of the agreement have not, as of yet, been disclosed but this new addition to the service’s movie library will be a definite step-up for the company.
It’s worth noting the huge difference in reach between the two services. Hulu has roughly 9 million subscribers while Netflix comes in at about 65.6 million. With the James Bond and Mission Impossible franchises coming on board, it’s possible more people may jump ship. However, the main reason for Netflix’s steady influx of customers have been their continually impressive slate of original content while Hulu has struggled in that arena with the likes of Deadbeat and Difficult People (both cameo-heavy series receiving mixed reviews).
Hey, if the move of these films from Netflix has got you down, the streaming service still has a huge ace up its sleeve. Starting next year, the company will have priority streaming rights to all Disney movies. This includes titles from Marvel, Pixar, Disney Animation Studios, and of course, LucasFilm. While that will most likely continue to grow Netflix’s immense subscriber base, Hulu is hoping to build upon its own audience as the Epix deal will bring these blockbuster movies to the service beginning on Oct. 1.
