In a significant move, Netflix has secured a multiyear contract with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the renowned writers of the hit series “Game of Thrones.” This deal, valued at an impressive $200 million according to The Hollywood Reporter, demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to investing in top-tier creators.
After spending over a decade together at the cable network, Benioff and Weiss decided to explore new horizons. They had been actively searching for a new home, and Netflix emerged as the victor in a highly competitive bidding war that included HBO parent WarnerMedia, Disney, Comcast, Amazon, and Apple.
Netflix has yet to provide an official comment on the matter, and representatives for Benioff and Weiss were not available for immediate comment.
This signing adds to Netflix’s roster of renowned producers and content creators as the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive. With the upcoming launch of streaming services by Apple, AT&T, Comcast, Disney, and others, securing high-profile talent has become essential.
AT&T, for example, recently announced its decision to remove “Friends” from Netflix to bolster its own streaming platform set to debut next year. Disney, on the other hand, revealed plans to launch a bundle consisting of Disney Plus, ESPN, and Hulu later this year at a monthly price of approximately $13.
The rapid growth of streaming platforms has enabled successful producers like Benioff and Weiss to secure lucrative deals, with multi-million dollar figures being offered to those with a proven track record. Netflix previously made a notable five-year, $300 million deal with Ryan Murphy, a longstanding collaborator with Fox known for producing popular titles such as “Glee” and “American Horror Story.” Similarly, in 2017, Netflix signed Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” to a reported $100 million contract for the production of eight shows.
With the addition of Benioff and Weiss to its roster, Netflix continues to demonstrate its dedication to captivating storytelling and bringing exceptional content to its subscribers.
