Super Mario Bros. Movie Directors Sign Exclusive Deal with Netflix
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Super Mario Bros. Movie directors Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath have signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Netflix to develop new animated series, original films, and live-action projects.
Netflix continues to expand its heavy-hitting animation roster by signing Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath to an exclusive multi-year creative partnership. Reported initially by Polygon, the directing duo behind the multi-billion-dollar Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie will now develop original animated series and films exclusively for the streaming platform, alongside first-look rights for live-action projects. Jelenic and Horvath also created and produced Teen Titans Go!, proving their ability to build massive cross-generational audiences that fit right into today's streaming landscape.
The partnership comes on the heels of massive streaming metrics for both creators on Netflix. According to the platform, seasons of Teen Titans Go! alongside the theatrical film racked up more than 80 million views between 2023 and 2025, while the first Super Mario Bros. Movie spent 24 weeks in the global top 10 with over 240 million views. Netflix executives clearly see this pedigree as a major asset as competition among streaming services and video platforms intensifies.
It remains to be seen how this exclusive Netflix deal will affect potential future collaborations with Nintendo and Illumination beyond their current slate. Nintendo and Illumination already have another project scheduled for 2028, but the exact involvement of Jelenic and Horvath in future cinematic universe entries is still unconfirmed. For players and streaming audiences alike, this partnership signals that the creative minds behind some of the biggest video game adaptations in history will have a massive sandbox to play in for years to come.
Source: Polygon
Tags: Netflix, Super Mario, Animation, Streaming, Nintendo
Original article: Polygon