Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced a new “unprecedented” deal that will see new theatrical releases forSpider-Manand other franchises streaming onDisney+for the first time. The deal includes U.S. rights to new theatrical releases from 2022-2026 following their post-pay-1 release window. In other words, these movies will move to Disney+ after first streaming on Netflix, which recently announced a deal of their own with Sony earlier this month.
“This landmark multi-year, platform agnostic agreement guarantees the team atDisneyMedia and Entertainment Distribution a tremendous amount of flexibility and breadth of programming possibilities to leverage Sony’s rich slate of award-winning action and family films across our direct-to-consumer services and linear channels,” said Chuck Saftler, head of Business Operations for ABC, Freeform, FX Networks, and Acquisitions in DMED’s Networks division, who played a key role in the negotiations.
“This is a win for fans, who will benefit from the ability to access the very best content from two of Hollywood’s most prolific studios across a multitude of viewing platforms and experiences,” Saftler added.
The deal includes the rights to a significant number of titles in Sony Pictures Entertainment’s iconic library, ranging from theJumanjiandHotel Transylvaniafranchises to Sony Pictures' Universe ofMarvel Charactersmovies, includingSpider-Man. Per the press release, this gives Disney “enormous programming potential across its platforms and makes them key destinations for a robust collection of Spider-Man films. Notably, the agreement provides Hulu access to a significant number of library titles beginning as early as this June.”
Set to release this winter,Spider-Man: No Way Homeis one of the most anticipated movies of the year.Netflix will also be able to have the exclusive windowfor other installments of popular franchises likeBad Boys,Venom, andJumanji. It was a boost that Netflix needed after losing some of its most popular material thanks to the rise of competing streamers.The OfficeandFriendshave since departed Netflix, and because those were among the streaming service’s most-watched programs, the streamer needed something huge as a way to stay competitive.
