Amazon’s Prime Video has secured a significant multiyear licensing agreement with Lionsgate, marking a strategic move in the competitive streaming wars. This new deal will deliver an exclusive window for Lionsgate films to be available on Prime Video in the United States, following their initial debut on Starz starting in 2026. This partnership underscores a strategic alignment between two major players in the film and streaming industry. Prime Video will benefit from first access to Lionsgate’s 2026 theatrical releases after they complete their run on Starz, a move that promises to enrich Prime Video’s content library significantly. In addition, Prime Video has also secured rights to select films from the 2025 slate and will license an array of library movies and television shows.
Lionsgate has also extended its output deal with Starz, ensuring Starz maintains its exclusive first window for Lionsgate’s films. This development is part of a broader strategy as Lionsgate prepares to split into two entities: Lionsgate Studios and Starz Entertainment, pending regulatory approvals. As films make their way from cinemas to Starz and finally to Prime Video, viewers can expect accelerated access to popular titles, which is likely to bolster user engagement across these platforms.
The upcoming film roster that Prime Video will gain access to includes major titles like “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, and the third film in the “Now You See Me” series, featuring Jesse Eisenberg and other well-known cast members. In addition to these new releases, starting in 2026, Prime Video users will be treated to premium selections from Lionsgate’s esteemed library, comprising blockbuster franchises such as “John Wick,” “Twilight,” and “Divergent.” The inclusion of iconic television series like “Nurse Jackie” and “Weeds” further strengthens this offering.
Prime Video’s vice president of worldwide licensing and distribution, Brad Beale, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted that this deal affirms Prime Video’s position as a prime destination for first-rate movies, enhancing its attractive catalog that already features productions from Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios. This strategic alignment positions Prime Video to offer a robust variety of entertainment options to its subscribers, appealing to diverse tastes.
Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television distribution, remarked on the significant value this deal brings to Lionsgate’s slate. He noted that the agreement not only advances Lionsgate’s distribution reach but also reinforces the enduring appeal of Lionsgate films amid a growing base of streaming platforms.
This deal represents an innovative approach in the evolving landscape of film distribution, where streaming services vie for the premium content necessary to draw and maintain subscribers. For consumers, it means more efficient access to high-caliber entertainment across various platforms, ensuring a competitive edge for Amazon’s streaming ambitions.
For further details, you can read the original article here: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/amazon-prime-video-lionsgate-licensing-deal-1236289769/
