Full Breakdown
Proximity Media Secures Multi-Year Television Deal with Netflix
6/19/2026, 8:22:07 AM
Deal Overview
Proximity Media Television—founded by filmmaker Ryan Coogler, his wife Zinzi Coogler, and producer-writer Sev Ohanian—has signed a multi-year overall agreement with Netflix to develop series exclusively for the streaming service. The partnership was announced in June 2026, shortly after the expiration of Proximity Media’s five-year overall television pact with Disney earlier that year.
Background: Disney Partnership and Prior Productions
During its Disney tenure, Proximity Media produced Marvel Studios’ “Ironheart,” the National Geographic documentary “Hurricane Katrina: A Race Against Time,” and the animated series “Eyes of Wakanda” for Disney+. The company also secured pilot orders for a “The X-Files” reboot (starring Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel) and a live-action adaptation of the Image Comics title “Southern Bastards” (starring Kevin Bacon, Erin Kellyman and Tim McGraw), both slated for Hulu. These projects remain under Disney’s umbrella despite the new Netflix arrangement.
Key Players
- Ryan Coogler – Oscar-winning writer-director of “Sinners,” also known for “Black Panther,” “Creed,” and “Fruitvale Station.”
- Zinzi Coogler – Golden Globe-winning producer of “Sinners,” executive producer on “Ironheart,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” and “Creed III.”
- Sev Ohanian – Golden Globe-winning screenwriter/producer of “Searching,” “Run,” “Missing,” and co-producer of “Sinners.”
- Simone Harris – Vice President of Television at Proximity Media, overseeing current pilots.
- Jinny Howe – Netflix Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series.
- Nne Ebong – Netflix studio executive involved in the partnership.
Timeline of the Transition
- Early 2026 – Proximity Media’s Disney overall TV deal expires.
- June 2026 – Announcement of the exclusive Netflix overall deal.
- May 2026 – Filming begins on “The X-Files” pilot in Vancouver (under Hulu/Disney).
Data & Milestones
- “Sinners” grossed $365 million worldwide, became the highest-grossing original feature of 2025, earned 16 Oscar nominations and won Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor.
- Proximity Media’s television catalog includes three Disney+ series and two Hulu-bound pilots.
- The Netflix deal is described by industry observers as the streamer’s most high-profile overall agreement in recent years.
Strategic Implications
The partnership expands Netflix’s slate of event-driven, culturally resonant series while depriving Disney of future Proximity-originated content. For Netflix, the deal reinforces its commitment to distinctive creators amid intensifying competition in the streaming market. Disney retains ownership of projects commissioned before the transition, ensuring no immediate disruption to existing pipelines.
Official Statements & Responses
Proximity Media’s founders reiterated their mission to create event-driven stories about overlooked subjects and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Netflix executives Bela, Jinny Howe and Nne Ebong to reach global audiences. Netflix’s Jinny Howe highlighted Proximity Media’s reputation for championing visionary creators and affirmed the studio’s intent to launch the company’s forthcoming slate of series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We started Proximity Media with a simple goal: to tell event-driven stories that bring people in close proximity with often overlooked subjects,” — Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
- “As we continue to expand Proximity’s television business, we’re thrilled to partner with Netflix, a company that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to distinctive creators and original storytelling.” — Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
- “We look forward to working alongside Bela, Jinny, Nne and the entire Netflix team as we bring stories to television audiences around the world.” — Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
- “ Jinny Howe, Netflix Head of US and Canada Scripted Series, adds, “Proximity Media has built a remarkable reputation for championing visionary creators and producing stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.” — Jinny Howe, Netflix Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series
- “We are excited to welcome the entire Proximity team to Netflix and look forward to bringing their next slate of groundbreaking series to life alongside Nne Ebong and our studio team.” — Jinny Howe
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently describe the deal’s terms and the status of existing Disney-affiliated projects; no contradictory information was identified.
Future Projects
Proximity Media will develop new, Netflix-exclusive series while continuing to produce the “The X-Files” reboot and “Southern Bastards” pilots for Hulu. Additional adaptations, including an “Animorphs” series, remain in development.
