Netflix has reportedly emerged victorious in a bidding war for the rights to a Sesame Street movie, outmaneuvering Universal Pictures for the project. The film will be developed by Sesame Workshop and produced by Rideback, the production company founded by Dan Lin, who recently took on the role of head of film at Netflix.
Details regarding the plot or specific characters, such as Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, are scarce, and no director has yet been attached. The production timeline also remains unclear, suggesting a release date is still some time away.
The competition for the Sesame Street film rights was reportedly intense, with Warner Bros. initially involved before exiting the race. Universal Pictures had enlisted the acclaimed directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known for "Everything Everywhere, All at Once," as producers, while Phil Lord and Chris Miller, creators of "The Lego Movie," were also rumored to be part of their bid. Sources suggest that neither directing duo was ever officially attached to direct the film.
This move by Netflix aligns with its existing relationship with the franchise, as the streamer began hosting new episodes of the Sesame Street television show last year. Sesame Workshop has previously explored feature film adaptations, with projects announced in 2012 and 2016 that did not come to fruition.
Rideback's involvement was reportedly a key factor in winning over Sesame Workshop, contributing to Netflix's successful acquisition despite the competitive landscape.