Comcast has decided to bring its new films to its Peacock streaming service first, after their initial release in cinemas. The new licensing deal takes effect with new releases in 2022 from the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, which includes Universal, Focus Features, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation titles. They will be available exclusively to Peacock no later than four months following their cinema release.
The deal creates a new, shorter window for movies to debut on premium TV platforms. The traditional 18-month Pay-One window will be broken into three segments, with titles available for the first and last four-month segments exclusively on Peacock. During the middle 10-month window, the films will be available for other streaming platforms or pay-TV channels. According to Variety, Universal has worked with HBO since 2005 on the initial TV release of its films.
The 2022 release slate from Universal Pictures includes the newest installment in the Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion; a new original film from Oscar winner Jordan Peele; new movies from DreamWorks Animation, The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish; and the next installment in the Minions franchise. Additionally, beginning in 2022, Universal Pictures will develop and premier original films exclusively for Peacock.
