NBCUniversal Grabs TV, Digital Rights to ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Movies

NBCUniversal is going deep on J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World universe, nabbing  TV and digital rights to Warner Bros.’ “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” movies in a pact that 

also incorporates content for Universal theme parks.

The eight “Harry Potter” pics will become available to NBCU channels as of July 1, 

2018. USA Network and Syfy will be the principle homes for the titles although the 

pics may also air on other Peacock cablers and digital platforms. The first “Fantastic 

Beasts” pic is set for release in November of this year, which means it will probably 

be available to NBCU sometime in 2019.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal, which 

first reported the pact, estimated it could be worth as much as $250 million for 

Warner Bros., depending on the box office performance of the “Fantastic Beasts” 

pics.

The deal expands NBCU’s existing relationship with Rowling’s Wizarding World 

properties at its theme parks. “Harry Potter” installations at Universal Studios parks 

in Florida, Hollywood and Japan have been a huge boon to NBCU’s theme park 

business.

“J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, 
from all walks of life, all over the world — and I’m definitely one of them,” said 
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment chairman Bonnie Hammer. “I’m thrilled that 
our networks will be the home for this brilliant storyteller’s magical creations for 
years to come.”

The pact promises to bring more movie screenings and promotional events to 
Universal theme parks. NBCU, Warner Bros. and Rowling also intend to 
collaborate on new digital initiatives to expand the Wizarding World franchise and 
its Pottermore digital hub.

“Each of the Harry Potter areas within our theme parks around the globe build 
on the incredible stories of J.K. Rowling and the amazing films created by Warner 
Bros.,” said Tom Williams, chairman-CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. 
“These are special places where the entire family can experience the adventures 
of Harry Potter.”

The “Harry Potter” pics, released between 2001 and 2011, rank as the 
highest-grossing movie franchise in history with a worldwide haul of more than 
$7 billion. The titles have most recently aired on Disney’s Freeform cabler. HBO 
will retain pay TV rights to the “Fantastic Beasts” movies through its output pact 
with Warner Bros., its corporate sibling under the Time Warner umbrella.

“We are pleased to bring one of the most successful and enduring global franchises 
to networks of NBCUniversal,” said Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, president of 
Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution. “We feel this is a perfect new home 
for the ‘Harry Potter’ films and the upcoming ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films. Having all of 
these films in one place builds upon the existing relationship we already have with 
NBCUniversal and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and creates many exciting new 
opportunities across multiple platforms for both our companies and the fans of this 
franchise.”

Disney has been shopping a TV rights deal for a similarly expansive package of the

 “Star Wars” movies, including last year’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the 
two other upcoming releases. NBCUniversal had been a contender for those rights 
but Disney has yet to strike a deal after months of back and forth with prospective 
buyers that include Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting and FX.