Turner's reloading

Cabler buys 'Matrix' sequel, 3 other Warner pix

By DENISE MARTIN

'The Matrix Reloaded' gets its network bow on the Turner nets.

Turner Broadcasting will shell out around $50 million for the network premiere of "The Matrix Reloaded," the second chapter of the sci-fi trilogy, and windows to three other theatricals from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution.

Other titled bought by Turner are current releases "A Lot Like Love," starring Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet, "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "Eight Legged Freaks."

Turner nets TNT and TBS buy up more theatricals in the first network window than any of their broadcast or cable competitors.

"Matrix Reloaded" earned more than $280 million domestically. Movie stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss.

"These movies, with their strong appeal to young adult audiences, represent a great future for TBS and TNT," said Steve Koonin, TBS/TNT exec veep. "They indicate Turner Broadcasting's continuing commitment to provide top-notch movie entertainment that fits into and builds upon the unique branding environments of each network."