The hit animated family feature Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! will make its free TV debut on FX. Daily Variety reports that the basic cable network has snatched up broadcast rights to the 20th Century Fox Animation production as part of a five-picture deal worth approximately $47 million. The other Fox flicks included in the four-year license package are the sci-fi actioner Jumper, the successful comedy What Happens in Vegas, the romantic comedy 27 Dresses and the spoof Meet the Spartans. Horton is slated to air in November of 2010, following HBO’s 18-month pay-TV window.
Featuring the voices of Jim Carey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett, Horton debuted in theaters in March of this year. The comedy held the top spot at the North American box office for two consecutive weeks and managed to hang around for several months. The pic eventually grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, proving nearly as profitable in foreign markets as it was in the U.S. A DVD release is expected soon and should be a top seller as well.
FX, which has historically snatched up action movies aimed squarely at the young male demographic, is diversifying its movie lineup with more kid-friendly fare lately. Horton and other toon purchases including the first two Ice Age movies and the recent hit Alvin and the Chipmunks will help fill holiday and summer programming slots. The network will continue to serve the male 18-34 demographic with high-octane action pic including this summer’s comic-book adaptations Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
