Sony has announced a new deal with Canada’s Crave streaming service, that will give Canada’s only homegrown, bilingual streaming service, a long-term and exclusive Pay-One window licensing agreement for theatrical feature films from Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE).

The deal gives Crave first pay window rights to new and upcoming SPE titles following their theatrical and home entertainment windows, significantly strengthening Crave’s offering and bolstering its position as the Canadian home of the most sought-after content in the world.

Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development and News and Vice Chair, Québec said in a statement:

“This significant deal expands Crave’s content offering.  A diverse slate of premium content is what differentiates Crave from its competitors, and we are happy to be working with Sony Pictures Entertainment to deliver a large collection of quality, award-winning, fan-favourite films to our subscribers, in both official languages.”

Stephanie Shinkoda, Vice President, Distribution and Co-Country Manager, Sony Pictures Television and Home Entertainment Canada said in a statement:

“We are happy to extend our relationship with Bell Media and make Sony Pictures’ robust library of premium content available to more viewers across Canada”

Beginning in April 2023, Crave becomes the exclusive Canadian streaming home of all new SPE feature films, after their theatrical and home entertainment window, including upcoming titles from the Sony Pictures universe of Marvel characters, such as “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”, “Kraven the Hunter”, and “Madame Web”. Along with new instalments in the “Insidious” and “The Equalizer” franchises, other highly anticipated filmmaker-driven original films include No Hard Feelings, Gran Turismo, and many more.

Additionally, SPE library content has started rolling out on Crave with a selection of films from the Spider-Man library, including Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Spider-Man 3 (2007), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) which are now available for streaming; followed by Jumanji (1995) and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) later this month.    Currently, many of these Spider-Man films are available on Disney+, so it’s unclear if the “Spider-Man” library content will be removed or shared with Crave.   In the United States, Netflix has a multiyear Pay One deal for Sony films, while Disney+ has a Pay Two deal for these films.

Additional library films are to be confirmed at a later date. As part of the deal, Bell Media commits to spotlighting this sought-after content through elevated promotional campaigns, including in-product merchandising and experiential marketing initiatives. Crave’s agreement with SPE continues to build on its mandate to be one of the best entertainment offerings in the world. In addition to blockbuster Hollywood films, Crave is the Canadian home of some of today’s biggest pop culture hits including HBO’s HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, SUCCESSION, and AND JUST LIKE THAT…, plus an ever growing, award-winning slate of Crave Originals including CANADA’S DRAG RACE and international sensation LETTERKENNY.

What do you think of Sony’s movies heading straight to Crave following a theatrical release?

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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