Adam Sandler Signs 4-Film Deal With Netflix

— -- Adam Sandler is headed to Netflix.

The comedy actor will star and produce in four feature films exclusively for the streaming service, Netflix announced -- bypassing the traditional movie distribution process.

“People love Adam’s films on Netflix and often watch them again and again. His appeal spans across viewers of all ages -- everybody has a favorite movie, everyone has a favorite line -- not just in the U.S. but all over the world,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a news release announcing the deal.

Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions will work alongside Netflix on the four films, according to the statement.

Sandler, 48, is known for comedies such as “Happy Gilmore,” “Billy Madison,” “The Wedding Singer” and “Grown Ups.” More serious efforts include “Punch-Drunk Love” and “Reign Over Me.” Sandler’s films have earned more than $2 billion at the box office.

His latest release, “Blended,” co-starring Drew Barrymore, was panned by critics and struggled in its opening over Memorial Day weekend. But, according to Box Office Mojo, it’s taken in more than $125 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $40 million.

Earlier this week, Netflix announced its first movie release, a sequel to the 2000 hit “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” set for August 2015 that will also appear in Imax theaters. Netflix has also made a mark in original television with series such as “House of Cards” and “Orange Is the New Black.”