Universal Films to Spend 45 Days in Theatres Before Moving to Peacock

Universal is adapting a new model for its upcoming theatrical releases and will stream most of its 2022 titles on Peacock 45 days after their premiere.

The announcement was made by NBCUniversal, which comes under the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG), and this move does not affect UFEG’s existing PVOD deals regarding screening.

The 2022 slate has a lot of heavily-anticipated titles from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation.

These include The 355, Ticket To Paradise, The Black Phone, Downton Abbey: A New Era, and the final installment in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends, among others.

However, some big features will be excluded from this new pattern. As reported by Variety, films like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Jurassic World: Dominion, Minions: The Rise of Gru are not expected to follow the 45-day window.

Peacock President Kelly Campbell said in a statement,

As we continue investing in the most valued and sought-after content for Peacock, films are essential to that mix. The team at Universal Filmed Entertainment Group are fantastic partners, and we are excited to bring their amazing slate of blockbuster films and beloved franchises to Peacock as early as 45 days after their theatrical release and provide a steady stream of fresh, original films exclusively for Peacock customers throughout the year.

Kelly Campbell

Other major studios have already announced their own plans to have an exclusive 45-day theatrical screening before streaming on their respective streaming services. These include Disney titles going to Disney+, Warner Bros. to HBO Max, and Paramount to Paramount+.

Expected to be implemented at least throughout their 2022 slates, companies have said that, for the larger part, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the driving force for this move.

UFEG Vice Chairman and Chief Distribution Officer Peter Levinsohn added,

Prioritizing the theatrical experience and eventizing our world-class content remains the cornerstone of our business. By ensuring our upcoming slate has both a theatrical window and timely Peacock debut, we satisfy the needs and expectations for key stakeholders across the spectrum, from our filmmakers and producing partners to cinemagoers and Peacock subscribers.

Peter Levinsohn

Source: NBCUniversal