Netflix looks to be expanding its content library of original programs thanks to the recent purchase of Millarworld. Millarworld, is comic book author Mark Millar's company, and now that it has been acquired by Netflix you can expect many new shows based on properties such as Nemesis, Jupiter's Legacy, Starlight, Chrononauts, and Superior. According to Netflix, there are plans for films, TV series and even kid's shows.
Deal first of its kind for Netflix
This is the first time Netflix has acquired another company. It has licensed content in the past from companies like Disney, but the recent move of acquiring a whole new company signals that Netflix is looking toward the future.
Content has become increasingly more expensive for Netflix to license. Most of the steaming services most popular shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Orange is the New Black aren't even owned by Netflix. Purchasing Millarworld is reminiscent of when Disney purchased Marvel or Lucsafilm, but of course those deals were on a much larger scale.
Netflix is burning through cash
The New York Times recently reported that Netflix has a staggering amount of debt - as much as $20 billion. Netflix has been spending money left and right on content in the hopes of getting more subscribers, and so far it has worked. However, its content library is still very much behind other media companies like Disney, Comcast and Time Warner.
Now that Netflix is looking at buying entire companies you can expect their debt level to rise even more. Financial analysts have wondered whether the breaking point for Netflix is near and if the company can keep spending so much. As long as subscribers grow they might be able to do just that.
Millar very happy with the deal
“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” said Millar. “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home,” wrote Millar on his website.
There is no news on how much Millarworld was acquired for, but it likely included a large chunk of cash as well as some Netflix stock if passed deals like this are any indication.
The deal reportedly does not include all of the properties created by Millar. Kingsman: the Secret Service and Kick-Ass are apparently not part of this deal, so, unfortunately, we won't be seeing Kick-Ass 3 being made for Netflix.
