NBCUniversal and U-Next have announced a comprehensive long-term partnership in Japan designed to integrate streaming entertainment with theme park experiences and global content distribution. The deal will bring Universal+, NBCUniversal’s international streaming service, exclusively to U-Next starting in October 2026, giving Japanese audiences access to major film franchises including “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Fast & Furious,” along with series from NBCUniversal studios.
The partnership encompasses three main components. Beyond streaming content, U-Next and Universal Studios Japan will collaborate on live music events, exclusive subscriber experiences, and video content production at the theme park, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Additionally, beginning in spring 2027, U-Next will offer NBCUniversal’s theatrical releases shortly after their cinema runs and new original series on an exclusive basis.
A third element of the agreement focuses on expanding Japanese entertainment globally. Japanese dramas, anime, films, and U-Next original productions will gain distribution through NBCUniversal’s Peacock service in the United States and Universal+ in Latin America, with plans to reach additional markets. U-Next, Japan’s second-largest streaming platform with over 5.2 million paid subscribers, operates under Usen & U-Next Group and offers movies, television, anime, sports, and live music through a single application.
Originally reported by Variety →
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