Peacock is taking a page from the HBO Max mode of operations book and setting its first same-day theatrical premiere. DreamWorks’ new animated sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business will be available to stream at no extra charge with Peacock Premium on July 2, the same day it hits theaters. The film’s release date was moved up from the originally scheduled September 2021 premiere and will now be available just in time for Independence Day weekend.
“Our Peacock subscribers love movies, so we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with UFEG and to offer Peacock customers this premium content from one of the industry’s most beloved animation brands,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal. “DreamWorks Animation films, from Trolls World Tour to Shrek and beyond are among Peacock’s top-performing titles to date, and we’re certain that The Boss Baby: Family Business is sure to become this summer’s ultimate streaming event.”
Animated films have done surprisingly well during the pandemic. Last year, DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour thrived on digital video-on-demand alongside its limited theatrical release in the early stages of lockdown. It went on to be the highest-grossing digital new release of all time. Similarly, DreamWorks’ The Croods: A New Age saw a hybrid theater/in-home release at the end of 2020 and was one of the year’s highest-grossing films.