- Sony and Netflix sign a deal reportedly worth $7 billion
- It means Sony movies will appear exclusively on Netflix first
- The rights will apply worldwide by early 2029
Netflix and Sony have entered into a significant rights agreement valued at approximately $7 billion. This deal ensures that future Sony films will stream exclusively on Netflix globally, following their theatrical releases.
While Netflix previously held these rights in certain regions, including the US and Germany, this new agreement expands the exclusivity to all territories where Netflix operates, marking a groundbreaking deal.
This arrangement is classified as a Pay-1 deal, indicating that Netflix will have the first window of exclusivity after a film's theatrical run. Although the exact duration of this window hasn't been disclosed, it typically lasts around 18 months, after which Sony films may also appear on other platforms.
The agreement also encompasses a selection of titles from Sony's back catalog, although specific films have not been detailed. Currently available Sony titles on Netflix in the US include KPop Demon Hunters, Uncharted, and Anyone But You.
Lauren Smith, Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix, stated, "Sony's impressive slate of iconic film franchises like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and originals like Anyone But You have been popular with our US audience, and now we're excited to expand that offering to our members all around the world." Read more.
However, the full global rollout will take time due to existing licensing agreements and other factors. Netflix anticipates that complete worldwide availability will be achieved by early 2029.
Additionally, with a deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. in progress, Netflix is positioning itself strongly in terms of its film library. For Sony, securing substantial agreements like this one may alleviate the need to develop its own streaming service.
5 Movies to Look Forward To
What can we expect from Sony on Netflix? The companies have confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters 2 is on the way, although it won't be released until 2029.
Coming sooner is The Legend of Zelda Movie, currently in production and set for a theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Following its cinema debut, it will be available for streaming on Netflix.
Details about the film are limited, but we know that Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will voice Link and Bo Bragason will portray Zelda. Given the extensive lore of the video game franchise, it will be intriguing to see how the story is adapted for the big screen.
Another highly anticipated title is Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the final installment of the Spider-Verse trilogy, which is expected to hit theaters on June 18, 2027.
Netflix and Sony have also highlighted Buds, which is scheduled for release on March 12, 2027. While details are scarce, it is confirmed to be an animated feature, and fans hope it will meet the high standards set by the Spider-Verse films.
Lastly, we can look forward to a unique project from director Sam Mendes, who is creating a series of four films about The Beatles, all set to premiere on April 7, 2028. Each film will explore the band's story from the perspective of a different member: John Lennon (Harris Dickinson), Paul McCartney (Paul Mescal), George Harrison (Joseph Quinn), and Ringo Starr (Barry Keoghan). This ambitious project is currently in production.