Netflix Signs Super Mario Directors to Animation Deal

Deal and Announcement

Streaming giant Netflix announced Tuesday that it has signed Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath — the pair who directed both of Nintendo and Illumination’s animated Mario features — to create original series and movies exclusively for the platform. The agreement reportedly grants Netflix first-look rights on any live-action ideas the duo may pursue.

Past Success on the Service

The filmmakers also created and produced the long-running Teen Titans Go! series for DC Comics characters. That show and their first Mario project delivered major audiences to Netflix. Combined seasons one through five of Teen Titans Go! plus its theatrical spinoff drew more than 80 million views between 2023 and 2025. The initial Mario film remained a global top-10 title for 24 consecutive weeks and surpassed 240 million views from December 2023 through the end of 2025.

Executive and Filmmaker Comments

John Derderian, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family TV, said the platform’s viewers clearly want more from the pair. “After the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. movies and Teen Titans Go! on our service, it’s clear our global audience craves their unique brand of storytelling,” Derderian stated. “We are thrilled to embark on this partnership and can’t wait to see what they dream up next for Netflix members.”

In a joint response, Jelenic and Horvath added, “We are thrilled to partner with Netflix to create captivating and immersive series and films over the coming years. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to entertaining the world's largest audience!”

Background and Open Questions

Jelenic spent years at Warner Bros. Animation, writing for The Batman, producing ThunderCats and Teen Titans Go!, and co-writing the hit song “Peaches” performed by Jack Black’s Bowser in the first Mario movie. Horvath directed and supervised animation on Teen Titans Go! at Warner Bros. and created Cartoon Network’s Unikitty! series.

The exact terms remain undisclosed on whether the Netflix pact prevents the filmmakers from contributing to future Nintendo and Illumination projects. The two existing Mario films have together earned more than $2.3 billion worldwide. A third installment is already slated for theaters in 2028, although no plot or cast details have been released.

Broader Context for Netflix Animation

The service continues to see strong results from animated originals such as the record-setting KPop Demon Hunters and the newly launched Swapped. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, already headed to Netflix, is expected to continue that trend when it arrives.

The two directors’ deal adds another high-profile name to the streamer’s growing animation pipeline.