Netflix Will Stream Star Wars Sequel in 2016 — But Only in Canada

The highly anticipated Star Wars sequel, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opens in theaters on December 18, will be available for streaming on Netflix next year but not in the U.S., according to Variety.com.

Netflix has secured streaming rights for the film but only in Canada. From Variety:

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.

Fortuitously for Netflix Canada subs, the company’s deal with Disney started with 2015 releases after the previous agreements for the pay-TV window with Corus Entertainment and Bell Canada expired. A Netflix rep confirmed Star Wars: The Force Awakens is slated to come to the service in the country; under the terms of the deal, that will occur approximately eight months after the movie leaves theaters.

Disney, which acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, controls rights to five of the six previous Star Wars movies, while 21st Century Fox owns rights to the original 1977 Star Wars.

Watch the trailer:

The complete Variety report is available here.

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