The film industry continues to adapt to the demands of a streaming marketplace. Universal announced today a new plan for sending films to Peacock, narrowing the window between theatrical release and streaming.

Starting in 2022, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) features will stream exclusively on Peacock, premiering as early as 45 days after their theatrical release. UFEG studios include Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation.

“As we continue investing in the most valued and sought-after content for Peacock, films are essential to that mix,” said Kelly Campbell, President of Peacock. “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.”

So, what movies can fans expect to stream as part of the deal? UFEG’s 2022 slate includes features like The 355, the globe-trotting espionage flick starring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Bingbing Fan, Diane Kruger, and Lupita Nyong’o; Ticket To Paradise, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts; The Black Phone from Blumhouse Productions starring Ethan Hawke; Marry Me starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson; new movies from DreamWorks Animation including The Bad Guys; Downton Abbey: A New Era from Focus Features; Ambulance, the breakneck thriller from director-producer Michael Bay; as well as the final installment of the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends.

Whether you prefer to skip the theater experience and wait for films to drop on streaming, or you just want the chance to stream your favorites again after you catch their theatrical premieres, this new arrangement is good news. Either way, movies will move from theaters to streaming sooner, leaving you waiting less to catch the latest releases.

So, which Universal release are you looking forward to in 2022? Do you like to catch new movies in theaters, or wait until they hit streaming? Let us know in the comments below.

Meanwhile, check back to THS for more updates on streaming and the film industry.

Source: NBCUniversal