Lovefilm cuts Marvel anime deal

UK streaming service Lovefilm has inked a programming deal for four of Marvel’s animated series.

Amazon-owned Lovefilm has secured the titles via an agreement with Sony Pictures Television, which distributes the shows in question.

The series are produced in Japan by the Madhouse studio, in association with Marvel, and feature iconic characters including Wolverine and the X-Men portrayed in a Japanese anime style.

The series, Lovefilm said, merge “the familiar Marvel superheroes of Western culture with the bold animation tradition of Japan”.

Chris Bird, director of content strategy at LoveFilm, added: “What makes this new deal exciting is that we now have the opportunity to reawaken the passion for the series among existing fans, but also pave the way for a whole new group of viewers to be introduced to the genre.”