This summer, Netflix signed a deal with Universal’s two animation studios (DreamWorks and Illumination) to receive all theatrical releases for a limited time on Netflix in the US. Below is your complete guide on what movies are coming and when they should be on Netflix.
The deal was announced in July 2021 and is not the first time Netflix has access to Universal Animation titles. It has held the first window rights for the Illumination titles for years, but in 2019 Dreamworks lost the contract.
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How is the new Netflix Universal Animation Movie Deal?
Previously, Netflix’s Pay-1 windows (and actually expected to play for Sony movies starting in 2022) were 18 months long and in the case of Universal Animated Movies, Netflix ‘did not have full-length movies.
Instead, Netflix ranges from 18 months to 10 months.
The Pay-1 window for Universal Animated Movies starts from 2022
Once this pay-1 window is up, it is unclear where the movie will air. However, Netflix will be airing movies again 4 years after its initial release window.
So let’s take an example. Suppose one of the movies is released on January 1, 2022.
Here is what its release schedule is (keep in mind that these dates may change in a few weeks):
- Theatrical release window: January 1 – May 1, 2022
- Peacock Window 1: – May 1 – September 1, 2022
- Netflix Window 1: September 1, 2022 – July 1, 2023
- Peacock Window 2: July 1 – November 1, 2023
- Netflix Window 2: January 1, 2026 – TBA
This currently only applies to America. With that, Universal has output deals with most areas of Netflix outside the US but has not been publicized.
Illumination movies are coming to Netflix soon
Sing 2
Theatrical release date: December 22, 2021
Expected Netflix Release Date: 1July 13, 2022
Although Sing 2 It’s not part of Netflix’s new deal, it’s still coming to Netflix under the old deal, which means it should be released almost next 203 days after the theatrical release. It will be on Netflix for 18 months under the previous agreement.
The sequel to the 2016 film Garth Jennings will return to direct and write.
Bobby Canavale, Halsey, Farrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric Andre, Chelsea Peretti and Bono are back to provide their voices.
Servants: The Rise of Gru
Theatrical release date: July 1, 2022
Expected Netflix Release Date: 27 February 27, 2023
Three Despicable comes back 5 years after your movies and the spin-off Minions movie, the third entry in franchise theaters.
Here is what you can expect from the upcoming sequel:
“A fan of the supervilin super group called Wishes 6, Gru devised a plan to turn bad enough to join them with a backup of his followers.”
Steve Carell returns to Voice Grook under the direction of Kyle Balda.
The untitled Mario movie
Theatrical release date: TBA – 2022
Netflix Release Date: TBA – 2022/23
Netflix has reportedly lost the ability to produce a title in the Nintendo universe (we refer to The Legend of Zelda) but Illumination’s Mario movie is still going strong.
Shigeru Miyamoto is reported to be heavily involved in the project and so far only the release date in 2022 has been mentioned.
Worst of all I 4
Theatrical release date: TBA
Netflix Release Date: TBA
Fourth Damn me Information that this movie is developing but has not been fully confirmed yet. Without further ado, it would be too early to make any assumptions at this point.
DreamWorks movies coming to Netflix
The Bad Guys
Theatrical release date: April 15, 2022
Netflix Release Date: December 12, 2022
Currently in post-production, this adaptation of the book series is about unveiling a big exploit about Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mrs. Shark and Mrs. Tarantula.
In the list of voices you can hear The Bad Guys Sam Rockwell, Aquafina, Anthony Ramos, Jazzy Beatz, Mark Maran and Craig Robinson.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Theatrical release date: September 23, 2022
Expected Netflix Release Date: 22 May 22, 2023
The second standalone puss in the Boots movie returns the voice to the character first introduced in Antonio Banderas Shrek.
Here is the logline for the new movie:
“Puss in Boots realized that his passion for adventure had been damaged: he shot eight of his nine lives, leaving him with only one life left. Puss embarked on an epic journey to find the mythical last wish and revive his nine lives.
Other DreamWorks animation films have been reported in development
Sadly, the DreamWorks animation lineup beyond these two titles is yet to be finalized.
The following films are also reported to be in development:
- Dog man
- Mice and spirituals
- Ronan Boyle and Bridge of Bridges
- Shrek5
- Spooky Jack
- Sputnik Guide to Life on Earth
- Once upon a time wizards
- Boss Baby3
Bookmark this post as we are updating it over time to reflect new date releases. Let us know in the comments below what title you are looking forward to.