USA Network has acquired the cable television rights from Disney*ABC Domestic Television to the record-breaking #1 movie at the global box office, Walt Disney Pictures’ Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Taking in more than $404 million worldwide in its opening weekend, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End scaled new heights at the box office with an unprecedented 29,000-screen release. The announcement was made today by Jane Blaney, USA’s senior vice president, programming.
Under the agreement, USA has the network window premiere beginning in September 2009.
“This acquisition completes USA’s ownership of rights to the ‘Pirates’ trilogy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Blaney. “It’s one of the most popular franchises in film history and our viewers have made it clear that it’s a favorite of theirs.”
The 2006 premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was the biggest theatrical movie in USA’s history and the highest-rated movie in five years in the P25-54 demo. The premiere and its subsequent three primetime runs have established “Pirates” as the top movie on cable since its debut on USA.
Last year, USA announced acquisition of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, the record-shattering second film in the series.
