Oprah Winfrey net licenses The Butler from Weinstein Company

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has netted rights to The Butler, the Hollywood movie that stars Forest Whitaker and Oprah.

The film launched theatrically in August, scooping box office receipts of US$100 million. Oprah’s cable net, a joint venture with Discovery, will be able to show the film in 2017.

OWN licensed the film from The Weinstein Group.

TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein said: “It’s been an honor to work alongside Oprah Winfrey, whose performance and support on the picture have been second to none, and we’re thrilled that her network has come on board.”

The Butler tells the story of a White House butler who served seven American presidents over three decades, tracing the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time.