NBC Buys Rights to ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Franchises
- Deal with Warner Bros. said to be valued at about $200 million
- Disney currently owns the rights to ‘Harry Potter’ films
NBCUniversal in Pact for Harry Potter TV Rights
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Comcast Corp.’s NBCUniversal has acquired the rights to J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” franchises from Warner Bros. in a move that could bolster ratings at its cable networks and attendance at its theme parks.
The seven-year deal, which begins in July 2018, will make all eight “Harry Potter” films and the forthcoming “Fantastic Beasts” movies available on NBC’s portfolio of cable networks, which include USA and Syfy, according to a company statement Monday. It also lets NBC’s theme parks host fan events, movie screenings and promotional activities tied to both franchises.