Netflix extends DreamWorks deal to include Universal properties

With 14 original Netflix series under its belt, DreamWorks' expanded relationship with the SVOD will kick off with a teen-skewing animated series based on the multi-billion-dollar Fast & Furious franchise.
April 24, 2018

Following Comcast-NBCUniversal’s US$3.8-billion acquisition of DreamWorks Animation in 2016, SVOD giant Netflix is set to expand its five-year relationship with the studio to include a first look at DreamWorks animated series that are based on Universal film properties.

First up is an animated show based on the multi-billion-dollar Fast & Furious franchise that has Vin Diesel, Neal Moritz and Chris Morgan—all producers on the live-action Fast & Furious film property—attached to executive produce. The series will focus on Tony Toretto, the younger cousin of Dom (Vin Diesel’s character from the film franchise), and his group of teenage friends as they are recruited by a government agency to infiltrate an elite racing league tied to a criminal organization.

Tim Hedrick (Voltron: Legendary Defender) and Bret Haaland (All Hail King Julien) will serve as showrunners and additional executive producers.

To date, the eight films that make up Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious franchise have generated a whopping US$5 billion-plus at the worldwide box office. After last year’s The Fate of the Furious, the next entry will hit theaters in July 2019, while chapters nine and 10 are expected for April 2020 and April 2021, respectively.

Since Netflix began its relationship with DreamWorks, 14 original series have bowed on the service, including Spirit Riding Free, All Hail King Julien and Trollhunters from Guillermo del Toro, who signed a multi-year exclusive deal with the studio last week to make animated family films.

Netflix and DreamWorks’ new slate of original series includes Trolls: The Beat Goes On!, She-Ra, The Boss Baby: Back in Business, Harvey Street Kids, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, a third season of Trollhunters and the previously announced second installment in the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, entitled 3 Below.

About The Author
Jeremy is the Features Editor of Kidscreen specializing in the content production, broadcasting and distribution aspects of the global children's entertainment industry. Contact Jeremy at jdickson@brunico.com.

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