Will Your Favorite Universal Movies Stream on Netflix?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Netflix customers are about to have access to Universal’s live-action movies through a newly renegotiated deal.
“Netflix and NBCUniversal’s Universal Filmed Entertainment Group announced a deal to renew their existing licensing deal for animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation,” Variety reported. “Now, beginning with the 2027 slate, Netflix will have U.S. rights to live-action films from both Universal Pictures and Focus Features ‘no later than eight months’ following their theatrical release.”
Universal’s movies will have an initial premiere on Peacock. Netflix will then be able to offer the movies for a 10-month window on their platform before the rights revert to Peacock.
“Netflix will also license rights to Universal’s full animation and live-action film slate for additional windows in subsequent years as well as rights to select titles from Universal’s film library,” Deadline noted. “Amazon, which currently has the live-action rights, will leave the fold in 2027.”
In a statement about the deal, Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, said, “We have always valued our partnership with NBCUniversal, and we are excited to expand it to bring even more entertainment to our U.S. members starting in 2027. Illumination and DWA animated films have always been incredibly popular on Netflix, and we are looking forward to adding Universal Pictures and Focus Features live-action films in the years to come. By combining these licensed titles with our Netflix original programming, we can offer our members an exceptional entertainment package with an even greater selection of films to enjoy.”
“With this expanded partnership, we’re providing an optimal experience for today’s consumer with a direct-to-consumer strategy that is advantageous to both NBCUniversal and Netflix,” Peter Levinsohn, chairman of global distribution at NBCUniversal Studio Group, added. “We’re always trying to marry our diverse Film slate and innovative windowing strategy with the right partners, and Netflix’s unparalleled support of our slate allows us to make sure our films are enjoyed in the theater and at home by the broadest possible audience.”
It isn’t surprising that Netflix wants access to Universal’s slate of movies; in the first half of 2024, eight of Netflix’s Top 10 animated films were from Illumination and DWA. Those titles include THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE and SING 2, both of which spent over 30 weeks on the list.
READ MORE: THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX THIS DECEMBER
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