Universal movies like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and The Odyssey will play exclusively in theaters for five weeks, up from a current minimum of just 17 days

Universal is dropping the 17-day release minimum that was implemented during Covid in favor of a five-week release window, which will increase to seven weekends in 2027.

According to Deadline, Universal movies will now play in theaters for a minimum of five weekends, rather than a minimum of 17 days, and will receive a minimum of seven weekends starting in January 2027... the latter of which makes it the longest release window for any studio.

You might recall that, back in 2020, Universal implemented a 17-day minimum for movies set to open to less than $50 million before heading to streaming, and then 30 days for movies set to open higher than $50 million before heading to streaming. This is all done and dusted except for Focus Features titles, which will remain at around 17 days.

As for 2026 releases, movies like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, The Odyssey, Disclosure Day, and Focker-In-Law will play in theaters for a minimum of five weekends. Universal movies that will play for a minimum of seven weekends starting in 2027 include How to Train Your Dragon 2, Shrek 5, Cocomelon: The Movie, and Miami Vice.

"Universal remains a theatrical-first studio," NBCUniversal Entertainment chairwoman Donna Langley said in statement. "That’s proven by the breadth of our slate, our commitment to our filmmakers and the ongoing investments we make in the creative community.”

For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies in 2026 and beyond, or, check out our list of movie release dates.