Netflix The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Sign Deal with Directors 2026

Netflix has officially signed a deal with Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, the directors behind Netflix The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Galaxy Movie Sign project, to develop new content for the streaming service. This partnership grants Netflix exclusive rights to animated series and films produced by the duo, alongside first-look rights for any future live-action projects they undertake.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Directors Netflix Partnership Explained

The decision to secure Jelenic and Horvath follows a period of significant viewership metrics for their previous work on the platform. Between 2023 and 2025, the directing team's contributions, including the Teen Titans Go! series and Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, accumulated over 80 million views. Furthermore, The Super Mario Bros. Movie maintained a position in the global top 10 list for 24 consecutive weeks, securing more than 240 million total views on the platform during the period spanning December 2023 through the end of 2025.

John Derderian, Netflix’s vice president of animation series and kids and family TV, stated that the company is responding to a clear demand from its global audience for the storytelling style established by Jelenic and Horvath. In a joint statement, the directors expressed their intent to create immersive series and films for the platform, highlighting the opportunity to reach the world's largest streaming audience.

Background of Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath

The creative history of Jelenic and Horvath is deeply rooted in animation and established intellectual properties. Michael Jelenic previously held a tenure at Warner Bros. Animation, where he served as a writer for The Batman and a producer for both ThunderCats and Teen Titans Go!. His work also extended into music, as he co-wrote the song "Peaches," which was performed by Jack Black in the role of Bowser for The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Aaron Horvath brings an extensive background in animation oversight and development. During his time at Warner Bros., he directed and managed the animation production for Teen Titans Go!. Additionally, he was responsible for developing Unikitty for Cartoon Network. Their combined experience in managing high-profile franchises is a central factor in the new agreement with Netflix.

Future Projects and Industry Impact

While the partnership between the directors and Netflix is confirmed, the scope of their future work remains broad. The agreement covers animated series and films, with a specific first-look clause for live-action projects. At In Game News, we have tracked the trajectory of these directors as they moved from traditional animation studios to global streaming dominance. The following list outlines the key areas of focus for this new partnership:

• Exclusive Animated Series: Original content developed specifically for the Netflix platform.
• Animated Feature Films: New cinematic projects under the Netflix banner.
• Live-Action First-Look Rights: Netflix retains the option to produce any live-action concepts developed by the duo before they are shopped elsewhere.

It remains unconfirmed whether this deal limits Jelenic and Horvath from participating in future animated projects involving Nintendo and Illumination. The existing Super Mario film franchise has generated over $2.3 billion at the global box office. While Nintendo and Illumination have confirmed a project scheduled for 2028, official details regarding the directors or the specific nature of that production have not been released.

Contextualizing Netflix Animation Trends

Netflix has increasingly prioritized animated content as a pillar of its growth strategy. The success of titles such as KPop Demon Hunters and the recently released Swapped demonstrates the platform's ability to drive high engagement through original animation. The addition of Jelenic and Horvath is viewed as a move to sustain this momentum. For those following these trends, our animation industry coverage provides deeper analysis into how studios are shifting their distribution strategies toward streaming platforms.

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie remains high, and industry analysts expect the title to perform well upon its eventual release on the service. For readers interested in how these developments affect the broader gaming-to-film sector, our Nintendo news coverage offers a detailed look at how the company manages its intellectual property across different media formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Super Mario movie directors making new Netflix shows?

Yes, Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath have signed a deal to develop new animated series and films exclusively for Netflix.

What new projects are Super Mario movie directors making for Netflix?

The directors are tasked with creating original animated series and films, while also holding first-look rights for live-action projects on the platform.

What is the latest news on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie directors 2026?

As of 2026, directors Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath have entered a partnership with Netflix to produce exclusive content following their success with The Super Mario Bros. Movie.