Finally, Canadian Netflix subscribers get something their larger US counterpart does not - Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In a fresh report from Variety, we've learned that Canada will be the only territory to feature the seventh Star Wars sequel as part of its viewable roster going forward next year. The reasoning behind the exlusivity is not by choice however, due to an exclusive output deal between premium cable company Starz and Disney which remains in effect until the end of this year.
The reason Netflix will be able to offer the much-anticipated movie in Canada next year — and not in the U.S. or anywhere else — has to do with the timing of when Disney’s pay-TV distribution deals were up for grabs.
In the U.S., premium cable channel Starz has an exclusive output deal with Disney that runs through the end of 2015; Netflix’s pact with the Mouse House commences with 2016 titles. With “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” slated for Dec. 18 theatrical debut, that means Starz will be the pay-TV home for the movie in the U.S. - Variety
Exactly 8 months after The Force Awakens finishes its theater run (August, 2016), Netflix subscribers in Canada can expect to begin streaming the film in their living rooms! No word on when the same opportunity will be available for residents of the US.
