Netflix has secured the exclusive streaming rights for The Legend of Zelda movie. To be clear, the highly anticipated live-action film is still slated to release in theaters in May 2027, but following its theatrical run and home release, it will head to Netflix for streaming.
The announcement was part of a larger deal struck between Netflix and Sony Picture sthat will bring Sony's movies to the streaming service after they finish their theatrical run and release on home video. Under this agreement, Netflix will become the first streaming service worldwide to exclusively stream Sony’s new theatrical films during the “Pay-1” window, the period when movies first move to subscription streaming. This effectively makes Netflix the main streaming home for all future Sony movies once they leave theaters and digital rental platforms.
It's worth noting that Netflix already had a "Pay-1" deal with Sony in certain regions, including the United States. This new announcement expands that deal globally. According to the press release, the new global Pay-1 arrangement will roll out gradually starting later this year.
Some countries will see Sony movies arrive on Netflix sooner than others, depending on contracts, but Netflix expects the agreement to be fully in place globally by early 2029.
“Our members all over the world love movies and giving them exclusive access to Sony’s much loved films adds incredible value to their subscriptions,” said Lauren Smith, Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix. “Sony’s impressive slate of iconic film franchises like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and originals like Anyone But You have been popular with our U.S. audience and now we’re excited to expand that offering to our members all around the world.”
“Our partnership with Netflix has always been incredibly valuable,” added Paul Littmann, EVP of Global Distribution, Sony Pictures Television. “This new Pay-1 deal takes that partnership to the next level and reinforces the enduring appeal of our theatrical releases to Netflix’s global audience. It also further underscores the strength of our independence and unique ability to create meaningful opportunities that benefit our creative stakeholders, consumers, and world-class partners.”
The Legend of Zelda movie is one of the most anticipated movies currently in development for Sony, though it still a bit of ways off. The film, which is a live-action adaptation of Nintendo's legendary video game franchise, is slated to arrive in theaters on May 7, 2027.
Nintendo is deeply involved in the production and development of the project, which was first announced in late 2023. The film is being produced with Sony's backing with Sony Pictures Releasing handling worldwide distribution.
Nintendo's legendary creative boss Shigeru Miyamoto, who is also heavily involved in the creation, is producing alongside Avi Arad, chairman of Arad Productions and former CEO of Marvel Studios. Wes Ball, best known for directing The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is directed and producing.
Specific plot details are still mostly wraps, but the basic premise is expected to echo classic themes from the games. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Haunting of Bly Manor) has been cast as Link, while Bo Bragason (Three Girls) will play Princess Zelda.