Netflix sets exclusive streaming deal with Sony for access to Uncharted, Morbius, and more blockbusters

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The deal replaces a pact Sony had with Starz

Tom Holland in the Uncharted movie
(Image credit: Sony)

Netflix and Sony have reached a deal that gives the streaming service exclusive rights to the studio's theatrical releases, including Uncharted and Venom 2, within an 18-month window.

Deadline reports that the licensing deal replaces an agreement Starz and Sony had that dates back to 2005, and gives Netflix exclusive rights to stream Sony movies within a year-and-a-half after their theatrical release. The deal officially starts in 2022 and with the state of movie theaters still in flux due to COVID-19, it makes sense that Netflix will also "have a first-look deal for any direct-to-streaming titles Sony is contemplating." However, the likes of Morbius, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and other Sony movies will not be released on Netflix at the same time as a theatrical release, and these movies would seemingly end up on VOD services before heading to Netflix.

Whether the Sony deal will fall into a similar 45-day timeframe in 2022 remains to be seen – that 18-month window opens things up and Sony will no doubt want to make as much money as possible when cinemas are running at full capacity again. This does, though, give Netflix access to a wealth of blockbusters.

Netflix revealed other Sony Pictures movies that will get the exclusive streaming window treatment, including Bullet Train, Where the Crawdads Sing, Morbius, Venom 2, the Jumanji sequel, and the Bad Boys sequel. 

Alyssa Mercante
Alyssa Mercante

Alyssa Mercante used to be a features writer at GamesRadar and is now a freelance writer and editor. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.