Netflix Lengthen Animation Deal with Universal, Adds Live-Action Films Starting in 2027
Netflix and Universal are expanding their partnership, renewing their licensing agreement for animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation (DWA) and adding live-action titles from Universal Pictures and Focus Features beginning in 2027. This move bolsters Netflix’s content offerings and enhances its lineup with new titles from a trusted partner in animation and beyond.
Under this new deal, Netflix retains exclusive streaming rights to Universal’s animated films no later than eight months after their theatrical release. After these films premiere on Peacock during their initial “pay-1” release window, Netflix will hold a 10-month exclusive window before they return to Peacock. Additionally, the agreement includes licensing rights to Universal’s entire animation and live-action slate for subsequent streaming windows in later years, as well as select titles from Universal’s film library. Amazon, which currently holds the live-action rights, will cede this space to Netflix in 2027.
Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but executives from both companies expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced partnership. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, shared, “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”.
Peter Levinsohn, Chairman of Global Distribution at NBCUniversal Studio Group, added: “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. 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.”
The timing is strategic for Universal’s animated features, which have become increasingly valuable as Disney shifts its content exclusively to Disney+. Films from Illumination and DWA, like Despicable Me 4, Kung Fu Panda 4, and The Wild Robot, have consistently been top performers. Illumination’s films alone have generated nearly $11 billion globally, led by the Despicable Me franchise, the top-grossing animated series of all time. In DWA’s 30th anniversary year, their films, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon, have grossed over $17 billion worldwide, a record for any animation studio.
The partnership’s impact has already proven successful. In the first half of 2024, eight of Netflix’s top 10 animated titles were from Illumination and DWA, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Sing 2 maintained top spots on Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 for 38 and 32 weeks, respectively.
Source: Deadline
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Netflix and Universal are expanding their partnership, renewing their licensing agreement for animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation (DWA) and adding live-action titles from Universal Pictures and Focus Features beginning in 2027. This move bolsters Netflix’s content offerings and enhances its lineup with new titles from a trusted partner in animation and beyond.
Under this new deal, Netflix retains exclusive streaming rights to Universal’s animated films no later than eight months after their theatrical release. After these films premiere on Peacock during their initial “pay-1” release window, Netflix will hold a 10-month exclusive window before they return to Peacock. Additionally, the agreement includes licensing rights to Universal’s entire animation and live-action slate for subsequent streaming windows in later years, as well as select titles from Universal’s film library. Amazon, which currently holds the live-action rights, will cede this space to Netflix in 2027.
Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but executives from both companies expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced partnership. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, shared, “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”.
Peter Levinsohn, Chairman of Global Distribution at NBCUniversal Studio Group, added: “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. 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.”
The timing is strategic for Universal’s animated features, which have become increasingly valuable as Disney shifts its content exclusively to Disney+. Films from Illumination and DWA, like Despicable Me 4, Kung Fu Panda 4, and The Wild Robot, have consistently been top performers. Illumination’s films alone have generated nearly $11 billion globally, led by the Despicable Me franchise, the top-grossing animated series of all time. In DWA’s 30th anniversary year, their films, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon, have grossed over $17 billion worldwide, a record for any animation studio.
The partnership’s impact has already proven successful. In the first half of 2024, eight of Netflix’s top 10 animated titles were from Illumination and DWA, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Sing 2 maintained top spots on Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 for 38 and 32 weeks, respectively.
Source: Deadline
Share:
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