The agreement, dating back to 2023, between Netflix and Paramount has officially come to an end. The deal, signed between the streaming platform and Skydance Animation, Paramount’s animation studio and division, had led to the distribution of animated feature films on Netflix over the past three years.
As they redefine their collaboration, Netflix and Paramount have nevertheless decided to honor their existing commitments for the next two animated feature films: Netflix will still distribute Ray Gunn, the new project from Brad Bird, which is set to be released on December 18, 2026, as well as Rich Moore’s untitled film inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk.
The split comes after the release of Swapped, produced by Skydance Animation for Netflix. The film achieved impressive results, reaching 144.9 million global views in its first 91 days and becoming one of the platform’s most-watched animated films.
To understand the reason behind the split, it is necessary to look at the merger between Skydance and Paramount. When the agreement with Netflix was signed in 2023, Skydance Animation was still independent, whereas today it is part of the Paramount Group. Following the merger, Paramount appears intent on bringing Skydance Animation’s films back to the big screen.
The company is in fact seeking to significantly expand its presence in cinemas, and in this new scenario, sending the studio’s future films directly to Netflix appears increasingly out of line with its new strategy. A significant example is Cosmic Motors, the new film directed by John Lasseter and Louie del Carmen, which is expected to be released theatrically by Paramount Pictures in 2027.
Despite the end of the agreement, the two companies have specified that they will continue their long-standing licensing relationship, and in this new scenario, the studio’s future films are intended for Netflix.
Photo Credits: Photo by Dima Solomin su Unsplash ; Photo by BoliviaInteligente su Unsplash
