Lionsgate Nabs Animated 'Wolverine & The X-Men' Series
31 Jul, 2008 By: Erik GruenwedelLionsgate has acquired the North American DVD and electronic distribution rights to the new animated TV series “Wolverine & The X-Men.”
The 26-episode series bows on Nicktoons Network next January. Release dates and prices for DVDs and digital editions were not disclosed.
Lionsgate attributed its ability to secure the home entertainment rights to the show, in part, to its longstanding relationship with Marvel Entertainment. Lionsgate distributed the theatrical release The Punisher in 2004 and is set to distribute Punisher: War Zone later this year.Also in 2004, Lionsgate and Marvel signed an agreement for the Santa Monica, Calif.-based distributor to develop, produce and release original animated direct-to-video movies based on Marvel Comics properties. So far, the partnership has yielded four titles – Ultimate Avengers 1 & 2, Doctor Strange and The Invincible Iron Man, with the fifth, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, to be released Sept. 2.
“As evidenced by the recent success of Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk in theatres, there is nothing hotter in Hollywood than Marvel's amazing line-up of super heroes,” said Anne Parducci, EVP of marketing and family entertainment at Lionsgate. “We have had tremendous results with our Marvel animated features and this deal reflects the next chapter in our on-going relationship.”