Peacock bolstered by NBCU deal to shorten theatrical window for blockbusters

NBCUniversal has unveiled a new theatrical windowing model that will see most titles from Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) stream exclusively on its streaming service Peacock as early as 45 days after their release in theatres and on premium VoD (PVoD).

Kelly Campbell

The distribution model is set to begin with UFEG’s 2022 film slate and will not impact UFEG’s existing PVoD deals with exhibition.

“As we continue investing in the most valued and sought-after content for Peacock, films are essential to that mix,” said Peacock president Kelly Campbell, who joined the company two months ago from Hulu, where she also served as president.

The upcoming theatrical slate includes films from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation.

Specific titles include: espionage drama The 355 starring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Bingbing Fan, Diane Kruger and Lupita Nyong’o; Ticket to Paradise starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts; Blumhouse Productions’ The Black Phone starring Ethan Hawke; Marry Me starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson; The Bad Guys from DreamWorks Animation; and Downton Abbey: A New Era from Focus Features.

“By ensuring our upcoming slate has both a theatrical window and timely Peacock debut, we satisfy the needs and expectations for key stakeholders across the spectrum, from our filmmakers and producing partners, to cinemagoers and Peacock subscribers,” said Peter Levinsohn, vice chairman and chief distribution officer, UFEG.

Peacock, which launched in the US in April 2020, expanded into the UK and Ireland last month through a deal with Sky, which like NBCU is owned by Comcast. Sky plans to continue rolling out Peacock content in Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland over the coming months, making it available to almost 20 million Sky customers.