Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has signed a new licensing deal with Netflix, renewing a pact for the studio’s animated feature and adding the U.S. rights for live-action titles from both Universal Pictures and Focus Features.
The two companies expanded an existing deal that sees Illumination and DreamWorks Animation titles like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the Minions films stream on Netflix.
Additionally, starting in 2027, the U.S. rights to live-action films from the studio will also be licensed onto the service no later than eight months following theatrical release after the premium video on-demand window and following an initial four-month streaming release onto Peacock. Such deals are highly lucrative for the legacy studios.
Netflix will have a 10-month window during which the Uni and Focus films are available only on Netflix before they return to Peacock, after which Netflix will also license titles from the Uni film slate for additional windows in subsequent years.
Prior to hitting streaming, on either Peacock or Netflix, Uni titles will land on premium video on-demand. The Netflix pacts are each five years, says a source close the the deal.
“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,” said Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria. “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,” said Peter Levinsohn, chairman of global distribution at NBCUniversal Studio Group, “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.”
Universal’s animated offerings have proved popular on Netflix, with films like Boss Baby, Sing, and various Minions installments consistently in the streamer’s most-watched films. As for live-action films, Universal previously signed a pact with Amazon that, beginning in 2022, saw titles land on Prime Video following a time on PVOD and Peacock.
