Disney and Netflix Expand Licensing Pact, Bringing 'Ice Age' and 'Percy Jackson' to Streaming Rival

Key points

• Disney Entertainment and Netflix signed an expansive licensing agreement covering library titles and current-season TV shows.
• All five 'Ice Age' films and 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' (Seasons 1-2) arrive on Netflix globally on October 4 for three-month promotional windows ahead of new releases.
• Current series 'Will Trent' (S1-4) and 'Shifting Gears' (S1-2) join Netflix in November and December 2026, respectively, ahead of their new seasons on ABC.
• Library series including 'Felicity,' 'Revenge,' 'Army Wives,' and 'This Is Us' are added to Netflix, with varying regional availability.
• Disney-branded animated films like 'Soul' and 'Elio' will stream on Netflix starting early 2027, while titles remain available on Disney+ and Hulu.

Background

This deal follows a previous licensing agreement from December 2023, which included titles like 'Scandal' and 'Black-ish.' It also comes after director Shawn Levy left Netflix for a multi-year deal with Disney's 20th Television in September 2026, signaling shifting alliances in the streaming landscape. Netflix continues to invest in originals, including 'KPop Demon Hunters' and upcoming titles like 'Steps' and 'Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory.'

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasizes the strategic 'win-win' nature of the deal, highlighting how Disney leverages Netflix's 325 million subscribers to monetize library content and promote upcoming releases without compromising Disney+ exclusivity. What's on Netflix frames the agreement as a significant shift in the historically 'frosty' relationship between the two companies, noting the contrast with Bob Iger's past criticism of licensing to Netflix. Both outlets agree on the specific titles and dates but differ in tone: Variety focuses on business strategy, while What's on Netflix highlights the historical context and subscriber impact.

Why it matters

The deal demonstrates how major media companies are balancing streaming exclusivity with broader distribution to maximize revenue and audience reach. It reflects a pragmatic approach to the streaming wars, where even competitors collaborate to leverage each other's strengths. For consumers, it means greater access to popular Disney content across multiple platforms, potentially influencing subscription decisions and viewing habits.

What to watch

Netflix subscribers can expect the first batch of titles, including 'Percy Jackson' and 'Ice Age,' to arrive on October 4, 2026. 'Will Trent' and 'Shifting Gears' will follow in November and December 2026, respectively. Disney-branded animated films will begin streaming on Netflix in early 2027. The deal may influence future licensing agreements between major media companies and streaming platforms.