Netflix Gets U.K. Subscription Streaming Rights to 'Hunger Games'

LONDON – Netflix U.K. has inked a deal for the U.K. subscription streaming rights to The Hunger Games, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence alongside Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

our editor recommends

Netflix CEO Calls 'House of Cards' Down Payment on Original Content

Lionsgate Sells 3.8 million DVDs of 'The Hunger Games'

Financial terms weren't disclosed.

The company, which competes with Amazon.com's LoveFilm in Britain, previously also announced deals for rights to the blockbuster in Canada and the U.S.

The movie will be available to Netflix members in the U.K. and Ireland starting March 3, ahead of its Netflix availability in the U.S. In Canada, the film became available Dec. 31.

"We are thrilled to be the exclusive online home for The Hunger Games in the U.K. and Ireland,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. "Since launching in the U.K. and Ireland in January 2012, we have continued to expand our offering of great movies and TV programs, and we think our members are going to love the latest addition to the service."

The title is the first film based on Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, which Lionsgate is turning into four films.

Also starring Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Sutherland, the movie is set in a dystopian future where young people are chosen to represent their district in a fight to the death in the so-called Hunger Games.

The company passed the 1 million subscriber milestone in the U.K. and Ireland seven months after launch.