US streaming service Netflix has secured comic actor Adam Sandler, one of cinema’s biggest box-office draws, as part of its bid to transform the movie business in the same way it has changed television.

Sandler has signed a four-film deal with the firm, starring in and producing each feature, all of which will premiere exclusively on Netflix.

Netflix declined to say how much it was paying Sandler, but the streaming giant has a history of reaching deep into its pocket to lure big-name talent.

To land House of Cards with director David Fincher and star Kevin Spacey, Netflix reportedly spent $100 million for the show’s first two seasons.

On Tuesday, Netflix signalled its long-planned entry into original movies, announcing that it will stream a sequel to 2000’s Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – one of the most lucrative foreign language releases ever.

The sequel, produced by the Weinstein Company, will open in August 2015 simultaneously in Imax theatres and on Netflix.

Sandler is one of Hollywood’s most reliable draws, with films that have collectively grossed more than $2.4 billion domestically.

But his track record has recently been rocky. His last film, the romantic comedy Blended, with Drew Barrymore, took in a more modest $46.3 million haul for Warner Bros.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, said Sandler’s films are regularly among the most-viewed by Netflix members.

“People love Adam’s films on Netflix and often watch them again and again,” Sarandos said.

“His appeal spans across viewers of all ages. Everybody has a favourite movie, everyone has a favourite line, not just in the US but all over the world.”