Steven Spielberg, Netflix ink deal to release new Amblin films on platform

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Well, well, well.,…how the tables have turned! Just three years ago, iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg was vocal that films released on Netflix should not qualify for Academy Awards due to the fact they were not released primarily in movie theaters. Now? Spielberg's Amblin shingle is shutting its mouth and opening its wallet for a lucrative deal that will see them partner with Netflix for multiple films and series.

While this is not the first collaboration between Amblin and Netflix (The Trial of the Chicago 7), this is a major turning point from having a vocal opposition to the streaming platform. While it is unclear whether Spielberg himself will direct any movies for Netflix, it does give the legendary director a lot of room to make movies that traditional studios may not be able to make anymore.

Sources indicate that the deal will co-exist alongside the one that Spielberg and Amblin have at Universal Pictures. This means that neither will have the first crack at Amblin projects. Essentially, Spielberg will make films for both studios. Both companies have been collaborating for quite some time, though it seems like today's news will make things more official.

All right, folks. It's time for some quotes from the big wigs over at Netflix and Amblin. Prepare yourselves for flattery!

“At Amblin, storytelling will forever be at the center of everything we do, and from the minute Ted and I started discussing a partnership, it was abundantly clear that we had an amazing opportunity to tell new stories together and reach audiences in new ways. This new avenue for our films, alongside the stories we continue to tell with our longtime family at Universal and our other partners, will be incredibly fulfilling for me personally since we get to embark on it together with Ted, and I can’t wait to get started with him, Scott, and the entire Netflix team,” said Amblin Partners Chairman Spielberg in a statement.

Netflix's Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer also wanted to get in on the action by calling Spielberg “a creative visionary and leader. Like so many others around the world, my growing up was shaped by his memorable characters and stories have been enduring, inspiring, and awakening. We cannot wait to get to work with the Amblin team and we are honored and thrilled to be part of this chapter of Steven’s cinematic history.”

“By deepening our ties with Netflix via this new film partnership, we are building on what has for many years been an incredibly successful working relationship in both television and film. The global platform they’ve built — with more than 200 million members — speaks for itself, and we’re extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work closely with Scott and his amazing team to deliver Amblin’s iconic brand of storytelling to the Netflix audience,” said Jeff Small, Amblin Partners CEO.

Netflix Head of Global Film Scott Stuber said, “Amblin and Steven Spielberg are synonymous with incredible entertainment. Their passion and artistry combine to make films that both captivate and challenge audiences. We look forward to working with Steven, Jeff, and the entire Amblin family on a new slate of films that will delight generations for years to come.”

What do you think of Spielberg hopping the fence and making films for Netflix? Let us know in the comments section below.