USA Network has agreed to pay Disney ABC Domestic TV about $15 million for the network-window rights to “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”
“Caspian” is perceived as darker and more adult than its predecessor, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which was bought by ABC and its Disney Channel and ABC Family siblings.
USA has harvested some of its best ratings in recent years with big action movies including “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “National Treasure,” the “Indiana Jones” movies and “The Bourne Identity.” Not surprisingly, USA has outbid other cable networks for all three “Pirates” movies, for “National Treasure 2: The Book of Secrets,” “Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” The network has also bought “The Golden Compass” and “Casino Royale.”
Because of the fantasy elements in “Caspian,” USA has included in the Disney deal some runs of the movie for its Sci Fi Channel sibling.
USA takes title to “Caspian” in September 2010 on a 4½-year contract, permitting Disney ABC to carve out some runs within the contract for sale of the movie to another network.
Before USA, “Caspian” will get an exclusive 15-month pay TV window beginning next summer on Starz as part of its overall output deal with Disney.
