Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) and Peacock today announced a new licensing agreement where, beginning with the 2022 theatrical slate, all UFEG film content will become available to fans exclusively on Peacock as part of a dynamic redefined Pay-One window.
The deal includes an accelerated window that will bring Universal, Focus Features, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively to Peacock no later than four months following their theatrical debuts. The traditional 18-month Pay-One window will be broken into three segments with titles available for the first and last four-month segments exclusively on Peacock. Additionally, beginning in 2022, original films developed and produced exclusively for Peacock by Universal Pictures will also premiere on the service.
The 2022 theatrical release slate from Universal Pictures includes the newest installment in the blockbuster Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion; a new original film from Oscar winner Jordan Peele; new movies from DreamWorks Animation, The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish; the next installment in the biggest animated franchise of all time, Minions: The Rise of Gru, from Illumination; and more.
“Since launching Peacock just one year ago, we have seen incredible viewership of movies and continue to expand our catalog with a range of films for every fan and occasion,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal. “Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has been a fantastic partner and we are excited to not only bring their amazing slate of blockbuster films and beloved franchises to Peacock in the first-pay window, but also provide a steady stream of fresh, original films exclusively for Peacock customers throughout the year.”
“This new dynamic Pay-One agreement demonstrates UFEG’s continued commitment to building a film ecosystem that allows filmmakers and artists to reach the broadest possible audience, celebrates and strengthens the theatrical experience, and, above all, empowers fans to experience the films they love on their own terms,” said Peter Levinsohn, Vice Chairman and Chief Distribution Officer, UFEG. “We’re excited to become Peacock’s first Pay-One partner while the platform continues to curate and build a vast film library that will delight its rapidly growing subscriber base.”
The new agreement maximizes consumer access to UFEG film content by segmenting the traditional Pay-One window. Peacock will have the exclusive rights to all UFEG films for the first and last four-month segments, with additional distribution partner announcements for the rights to the remaining 10 months to come. By showcasing content across multiple platforms throughout the Pay-One window, UFEG titles will constantly refresh across the streaming ecosystem ensuring no title or platform is oversaturated. This approach allows multiple audiences across a variety of streaming services to experience Universal’s award-winning and critically acclaimed film slate.
Peacock customers will enjoy exclusive access to original movies from Universal Pictures beginning in 2022. Originals will be developed by Universal Pictures world class Production team and feature titles from some of the studio’s established first-look filmmaking partners and compelling new voices in storytelling.
