Netflix, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Expand U.S. Licensing Deal for Feature Films – Media Play News

Erik Gruenwedel

October 29, 2024

Netflix and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Oct. 29 announced an agreement to renew the existing licensing deal for animated films, including those from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation, and that will add U.S. rights to live-action films from both Universal Pictures and Focus Features beginning with the 2027 slate.

As part of the new agreement, Netflix will continue to have exclusive rights to all animated films and, starting in 2027, will add live-action films no later than eight months following theatrical release. After the initial premiere on Peacock, Netflix will have a 10-month window during which these films are available only on Netflix before they return 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.

Bela Bajaria, chief content officer at Netflix, said that Illumination and DWA animated films have always been incredibly popular on Netflix, saying that Universal Pictures and Focus Features live-action films in 2027 would add to the slate’s appeal.

“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,” Bajaria said in a statement. 

Peter Levinsohn, chairman, global distribution, NBCUniversal Studio Group, said the company is always looking for direct-to-consumer strategies that are advantageous to the studio and third-party distributors.

“We’re always trying to marry our film slate and windowing strategy with the right partners, and Netflix’s support of our slate allows us to make sure our films are enjoyed in the theater and at home by the broadest possible audience,” he said. 

Movies released by Universal Pictures from Illumination and DWA account for three of the top five animated films of 2024 (Despicable Me 4, Kung Fu Panda 4, The Wild Robot).

Illumination has generated nearly $11 billion in global revenue grosses and the Despicable Me/Minions series is the biggest animated franchise of all time. This year, DWA is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Its films — including franchises such as “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon” — have amassed more than $17 billion in worldwide grosses, the most of any animation studio.

In the first six months of 2024, eight of the top 10 animated films on Netflix were created by Illumination and DWA, and Illumination/Nintendo’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie spent a record-setting 38 weeks on Netflix’s top 10 list in the United States, with Sing 2 following at 32 weeks.

Recent films from the existing animation partnership include The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Migration, and Trolls Band Together. Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, and Kung Fu Panda 4 are currently in the daily Netflix U.S. top 10. Upcoming films from the existing animation partnership include Despicable Me 4 and The Wild Robot.

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