NEW YORK (AFP) - Netflix announced on Thursday it has signed comic actor Adam Sandler to produce four films for the streaming video group, expanding its foray into cinema.

Sandler's Happy Madison Productions "will work alongside Netflix to develop the four films and to premiere them exclusively to members in the nearly 50 countries where Netflix operate", according to a Netflix statement.

Sandler, a former stand-up comic known for his roles in The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy, and Anger Management, said he was pleased with the new deal.

"When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only... Netflix rhymes with wet chicks," he said in the statement.

The news comes days after Netflix unveiled plans to branch out into the world of movies with a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon that will premiere simultaneously on the online streaming service and in selected theaters next year.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend will be the first of several major films backed by Netflix to be released on the same day, Aug 28, 2015.

Netflix, which has been a leader in streaming video, claims some 50 million subscribers in nearly 50 countries, following an expansion into several countries in Europe.