Netflix scores deal with Sony to stream films after theatrical runs starting 2022
Streaming service Netflix Inc. has reached a multi-year agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment for streaming rights to the studio’s theatrical movies, starting with Sony Pictures’ 2022 movie slate.
The companies announced Thursday (April 8) that Netflix will have a first-look option to pick up movies Sony is making or licensing specifically for streaming platforms in the United States.
Uncharted and future sequels to the Spider-Man films based on Marvel characters that Sony has the rights to, including Morbius and Venom as well as future sequels to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse are among the releases that will land on Netflix after their theatrical runs.
The film slate also includes Bullet Train, Where the Crawdads Sing, and future sequels to Jumanji and Bad Boys, among others.
Starting in 2022, Netflix will be the first US streaming home for Sony Pictures films following their theatrical releases. Get ready for UNCHARTED, MORBIUS, BULLET TRAIN & WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, plus future sequels to VENOM, JUMANJI, BAD BOYS & SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE
— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) April 8, 2021
The new deal sees Netflix replace Starz, which has been Sony’s primary pay TV partner for the “pay one window” since 2006.
As reported by The Verge, Netflix is an obvious choice for Sony, given that the company already has a pay one deal for its animated releases.
As part of the deal, Netflix will also license an unspecified number of older titles from Sony’s vast movie library. Sony Pictures Entertainment, a unit of Sony Group Corp., operates dozens of production companies around the world including Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, Screen Gems, and TriStar Pictures studios.
The new theatrical output deal with Netflix, which only covers the US, is believed to run about five years. Industry sources report that Sony executives are working on another significant theatrical movie licensing pact outside the Netflix agreement.
“Sony Pictures is a great partner and we are thrilled to expand our relationship through this forward-thinking agreement,” said Netflix global film head Scott Stuber in an official statement. “This not only allows us to bring their impressive slate of beloved film franchises and new IP to Netflix in the US, but it also establishes a new source of first run films for Netflix movie lovers worldwide.”
“Netflix has been a terrific partner as we continue to expand our relationship,” added Keith Le Goy, president, Worldwide Distribution and Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “At Sony Pictures, we produce some of the biggest blockbusters and the most creative, original films in the industry. This exciting agreement further demonstrates the importance of that content to our distribution partners as they grow their audiences and deliver the very best in entertainment.”
(Images via Netflix/Sony Pictures).
