Unlike most major studios, Sony Pictures chose to delay its entire 2020 slate rather than sell movies off to streaming services or consider Digital debuts. It doesn't help that they don't have a streaming platform of their own, of course, but we now know that Netflix will become the exclusive destination for its entire slate from 2022 onwards.
Well, after they've played in theaters.
As The Hollywood Reporter reveals, Sony has signed a multi-year deal with the streaming giant which will see Netflix nab movies like Morbius, Uncharted, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 following their theatrical and home entertainment windows (that's around eighteen months, but could be shortened depending on how the pandemic continues to affect the movie business).
Interestingly, this deal will see Netflix commit to financing a number of movies from Sony Pictures, encompassing titles the studio intends to make strictly for streaming platforms. With The Defenders no longer part of the streamer, you can't help but wonder if this could include some Marvel content.
"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," said Keith Le Goy, Sony's president of worldwide distribution, in a statement today.
Added Netflix film head Scott Stuber: "This not only allows us to bring their impressive slate of beloved film franchises and new IP to Netflix in the U.S., but it also establishes a new source of first-run films for Netflix movie lovers worldwide."
This is a big deal for Netflix, especially with most studios flocking to regain exclusive rights to their content for their own streaming services (like Peacock, Disney+, and HBO Max).