Netflix & Sony Strike Streaming Deal That Includes 2022 Film Slate, Sony's Library Titles & New Originals

If you’re an astute film fan, looking at the laundry list of streaming services, such as Disney+, Paramount+, and Peacock, makes you notice one thing — where is Sony Pictures’ streaming service? Well, the short answer is Sony just doesn’t have one. And honestly, considering the studio has the rights to ‘Spider-Man’ films, as well as “Jumanji,” “Bad Boys for Life,” and the upcoming “Uncharted,” it’s not like there aren’t massive blockbusters that would make for an attractive film library. This brings us to the massive deal that Sony just struck with Netflix. You see, why create a whole new platform when you can charge Netflix massive licensing fees and be part of the biggest streamer in the world?

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According to THR, that’s exactly what Sony has done. The report claims Sony and Netflix have struck a massive licensing agreement that will span multiple years and will see the streaming service gain exclusive access to the streaming rights for Sony’s 2022 lineup of films including “Uncharted” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse 2.” In addition, the deal will allow Netflix the opportunity to license anything from Sony’s library, including those classics from Columbia Pictures. And finally, and perhaps even more substantial, is the agreement that Netflix and Sony will co-finance a slew of new projects that will be made specifically for the streaming platform.

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Long story short, Sony and Netflix are new BFFs and that means the studio won’t have to try to cobble together a streaming service to compete with the aforementioned juggernauts that already occupy a cramped landscape. This is seemingly a win for Sony (in need of a streaming platform), Netflix (in need of something to satisfy its MORE CONTENT cravings), and consumers (in need of news that means they won’t have to spend more monthly subscription dollars on another streaming platform that is completely unnecessary). One of those classic win-win-win scenarios.

“At Sony Pictures, we produce some of the biggest blockbusters and the most creative, original films in the industry,” said Keith Le Goy, Sony’s president of worldwide distribution. “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.”

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Netflix’s Scott Stuber added, “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.”

It’s important to note the date when the theatrical release films will fall under this deal’s purview. Since the deal doesn’t affect those films until 2022, that means sequels such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” are exempt from this deal. However, future sequels in those franchises would be included.

So, in the Streaming Wars, we can consider this a pretty big win for Netflix.