DStv In Trouble. Netflix Obtains Global Rights To Sony Group Films Including Spider-Man And Jumanji

Netflix obtained global streaming rights to Sony Group’s films after they complete their run in theatres and pay-per-view, adding releases from one of Hollywood’s biggest studios.

A multiyear agreement announced on Thursday (Jan 15) expands a partnership the companies struck in 2021. That accord gave Netflix US rights to show Sony films after their theatrical release and after they are available for online purchase or rental, as well as rights in Germany and parts of Asia.

Sony Pictures will gradually start appearing on Netflix globally later this year as individual territory rights become available, the companies said in a statement, with the rollout complete by early 2029. As part of the deal, Netflix will also be able to license select films and TV series from Sony’s library, which includes hit franchises such as Spider-Man and Jumanji. 

The deal is worth roughly US$7 billion and runs till 2032, according to sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named as the terms are not public. It beefs up Netflix’s lineup of theatrical pictures, a slate that could grow even more if the streaming company acquires the studio operations of Warner Bros Discovery. It’s vying with Paramount Skydance with duelling bids for Warner Bros.

In 2024, Netflix expanded a deal with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, adding rights to stream live-action films to an agreement for animated pictures from the studio’s DreamWorks Animation and Illumination divisions. 

Starting in 2027, the live-action films from Universal Pictures and Focus Features, which include franchises such as Fast & Furious and Jurassic Park, will appear on Netflix “no later than eight months following theatrical release”, the companies said at the time.

DStv Needs To Be Restructured

Rationality is realising that gone are the days when DStv could offer a bouquet of entertainment from across the world. As suppliers and consumers shift their focus to online viewing further reducing the portfolio for linear consumers.

In general, there's nothing wrong with DStv if it offered more Zee World than HBO content as that's where most consumers reside. It's not that House Of Dragons and The White Lotus aren't superb but most would rather pay for this if it were on Showmax.

If Canal+ is hoping to scale up on subscriber count through its MultiChoice buyout the only best option would be rethinking how content gets packaged.

The premium market needed to be restructured even before the pandemic. Consumers haven't gotten anything worthwhile outside of sports and what little is left is being duplicated and becoming more accessible on cheaper packages.

MultiChoice initially offered DStv Select 1 and 2 in South Africa and from what I recall it's active in few African markets. Think of DStv Easyview but with only the must haves of DStv but expensive which is M-Net, KykNET, BBC Earth and SS Grandstand.

This is something I believe needs to be revived somehow then there's the other which is a standalone sports package or add-on.

SuperSport takes a very large audience share within DStv while eMedia, SABC and even Netflix can offer select sporting events. SuperSport continues to offer the whole enchilada from Premier League, NBA, La Liga, WWE and Moto GP.

Canal+ you could try to offer a promotions to consumers who wish to see select sporting events.

Getting back to the packages, MultiChoice had explored an entertainment only package maybe split this offering into two separate packages. One package carries premium networks like Mzansi Magic while the other has Mzansi Wethu.

Existing Threat Awaiting SuperSport And DStv Customers

In 2024, it was reported Netflix had acquired global rights to WWE's catalogue which include Raw, SmackDown, NXT and live PPVs like Summerslam. As of last year, it has been streaming in the US, UK, Canada and various other international markets.

At the time, SuperSport had confirmed that they remain the exclusive home to WWE's offering across Africa. Of course, this multi-year agreement between both parties was finalised back in 2022 and will conclude sometime in 2027.

If anyone remembers how Disney+ panned out, you had various countries in Europe and other parts of the world awaiting for the streaming service. This was because of existing agreements with other broadcasters.

Then when that fell through it opened up the doors for Disney+.

This is what is expected to happen with SuperSport once their current agreement for WWE expires. You won't have a 24 hour channel for old PPVs, Mzansi Magic and all other SuperSport channels will no longer have live broadcasts to Crown Jewel.

MultiChoice is less likely to replicate WWE and even if that were to be the case it's likely to end up like TNA Wrestling on e.tv. The only logical option would be bulking up the offering on SuperSport Action in the event WWE ceases to exist.

If I'm being honest here, SuperSport has a lot going for itself despite existing threats in the market. To some extent, recovery is possible for them unlike DStv which has seen more content being taken away without alternatives in place.

Maybe I'm exaggerating here and WWE continues through 2030 on SuperSport but if you read between the lines. This deal is sort of being built up like that of Disney+ were some things SuperSport can't prevent from occuring happen.

Were Mexican Imports On TLNovelas A Miss On DStv?

As I've reported, TLNovelas will be going dark on DStv in the coming weeks likely as part of Canal+'s aggressive cost cuts at MultiChoice. The channel is on track to wrap up Love To Death and It Had To Be You as Fall Into Temptation concludes this week.

Fans of the shows feel like MultiChoice's response is vague because often when a channel is removed the same statements. All consumers want is some clarity and what led TLNovelas to become an afterthought as Telemundo lives another day.

Over the years, Telemundo had seen a major drop in primetime and TLNovelas was regarded to some of these viewers as their holy grace. It features content from Mexico's biggest broadcasters Las Estrellas with Rubi, Love Spell and A Woman Of Steel.

What went wrong?

Firstly, we live in a market which is dominant by African stories and this content takes up a 40% audience share in primetime. TLNovelas was most likely not pulling up those same numbers making it vulnerable to potential cuts.

As for Telemundo, this is basically the HBO of Spanish television with shows like Iron Rose and Queen Of The South commanding a wider audience. It wouldn't be something you'd just let go despite Canal+'s scrutiny.

TLNovelas entire existence was solely based on archived Mexican telenovelas and those can often lead to low viewership.

Another problem stems from TelevisaUnivison, they had existing agreements with other local broadcasters for these shows. TLNovelas was basically another Discovery Family or Nicktoons funneled with repeats for some viewers.

February 2026 On Studio Universal Across Africa | Super-Charged Week With Alita: Battle Angel | Valentine's Special With Channel Premiere: The Super Mario Movie | More

Super-Charged Week

Mon 2nd – Sun 8th

Super-Charged Week returns to Studio, drifting into your February schedule for seven sensational days! A triple-billed, adrenaline-fueled takeover from 5pm

2 Fast 2 Furious

3rd February at 18:45

The second movie in the blockbusting action franchise hit cinemas two years after the original, with the pedal pressed all the way down. Former cop Brian O’Conner has moved to Miami, where he plans to turn over a new leaf. However, his love of street racing prompts him to fall foul of the law, and only a deal with the FBI to help take down a ruthless drug kingpin will keep him out of jail. Paul Walker reprises his role as O’Conner, while Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and Tyrese Gibson co-star.

Bad Boys

3rd February at 20:35

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith play detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey in this first outing in the action franchise. When millions of dollars’ worth of heroin recovered from a robbery is stolen from under their noses, they have three days to get it back before the narcotics division is shut down. But what should be an open-and-shut case hits closer to home than they imagined. Stay tuned during Super-Charged Week as Smith and Lawrence return in sequels Bad Boys II and Bad Boys for Life.

Alita: Battle Angel

7th February at 17:00

Robert Rodriguez directs this take on Yukito Kishiro’s blockbusting manga series, about a cyborg with no memory of who she once was. Named Alita by the scientist who revived her, she learns she has a human brain and, eager to know more, soon discovers there is also more to her creator than meets the eye. Determined to unravel the mystery of her past, Alita embarks on a violent journey of discovery. Rosa Salazar plays the eponymous lead, while Jennifer Connelly and Christoph Waltz co-star.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

8th February at 21:25

A stellar cast features in this spin-off tale, focusing on chalk-and-cheese duo Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). They are forced to put aside their many grievances and join forces to take down Brixton Lore (Idris Elba). He’s a psychopathic former MI6 agent with a brilliant intellect, pretty much indestructible, and in possession of a deadly pathogen he’s not afraid to use against humankind. Watch out for appearances by Ryan Reynolds and Helen Mirren.

Valentine’s Special + Action Weekend

Valentine’s Day Special: Sat 14th @ 6pm, Action Weekend: Sat 21st – 22nd Feb (Double-bills from 8pm)

Will Bowser woo Princess Peach with his awesomeness? Tune in to find out! and...No one should come between one man and his dog. Action Weekend? Try Action Wick-end!

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

14th February at 18:00

Look no further for Valentine’s Day romance than this channel premiere. Plumbing brothers Mario and Luigi’s business is on the brink of disaster, and they hope solving a city leak will put them back on top. Instead, a pipe whisks Mario to the Mushroom Kingdom, where Princess Peach rules, while Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands, where overlord Bowser aims to make Peach his bride. Mario and a host of characters set out to overcome all obstacles, save Luigi, protect Peach and preserve their business.

John Wick

21st February at 20:00

This beautifully choreographed action thriller not only revived Keanu Reeves’ flagging acting career, it spawned two sequels, a comic book and a spin-off. It all began here, with assassin John Wick, retired from his work and ready to embrace domestic bliss. However, the sudden death of his wife leaves him reeling, and when the puppy that was her last gift to him is killed by a mobster’s goons, Wick sets out to have his bloody revenge. Willem Dafoe, Alfie Allen and Michael Nyqvist also feature.

John Wick: Chapter 2

21st February at 21:50

Three years after the hit first film, Keanu Reeves is back as the stylish assassin in this sequel. After striking a peace deal with Abram Tarasov, Wick aims to go back to his quiet life. However, Camorra crime boss Santino D’Antonio has other plans, and calls in the debt that Wick owes him. Although he initially refuses (with violent consequences), Wick eventually agrees, only for the situation to spiral quickly out of control. Riccardo Scamarcio, Common and Ruby Rose are among the cast.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

22nd February at 22:05

The third film in the blockbusting franchise catches up with the legendary assassin as he tangles with Manhattan’s criminal underworld while having a price on his head thanks to a fatal mistake. Every hired gun in the city and beyond is eager to bring Wick down and claim the bounty. With almost every form of help denied him, the suited and booted ‘excommunicado’ Wick must use every ounce of his wits to stay alive. Keanu Reeves again heads the cast, with Halle Berry and Laurence Fishburne.