Netflix is positioning this as a match made in heaven — John Derderian called the duo 'visionary creators who remind us why we fell in love with animation,' while Jelenic and Horvath issued a joint statement about being 'thrilled' to reach 'the world's largest audience.' Classic win-win framing from both sides.
But let's read between the lines: why did Netflix need to dangle a live-action first-look into this deal? Sources suggest Jelenic and Horvath have been quietly exploring beyond animation for months. This isn't just a talent grab — it's Netflix locking down creators who could pivot if they wanted to.
The numbers don't lie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed $1.3 billion globally in 2023, opening at $146.3 million domestically. Its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, has made $966.5 million since April 1 release. On Netflix alone, the first film spent 24 weeks on the global top 10 and hit 240 million views from December 2023 through end of 2025.
Netflix just acquired animation's hottest ticket — and made a smart play by letting them peek into live-action. With $2.3 billion in combined box office and proven streaming pull, Jelenic and Horvath aren't just talent; they're leverage.
Animation's power couple is officially off the market. Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath — the directing duo behind the back-to-back billion-dollar Super Mario Bros. hits — have signed an overall deal with Netflix, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. The streaming giant confirmed Tuesday that it has entered into a creative partnership with the pair, who will develop animated series and films exclusively for Netflix under the new arrangement.
But here's the interesting wrinkle: as part of the deal, Netflix also gets a first look at any live-action projects Jelenic and Horvath might want to pursue. That's not nothing — it signals both sides are thinking beyond the immediate animation lane. "Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath are visionary creators who remind us why we fell in love with animation," said John Derderian, Netflix's vp of animation series and kids and family TV.
"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." The numbers behind this deal are staggering. Jelenic and Horvath co-directed 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie (with Pierre Leduc), which became an unexpected juggernaut — opening to $146.3 million domestically on its way to a $1.3 billion global gross.
That wasn't supposed to happen for a video game adaptation with zero pedigree in live-action cinema. Then came The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, released April 1 this year, and it's already at $966.5 million worldwide. That's two consecutive hits in a genre that usually burns out after one disappointment.
But the Netflix relationship predates this formal deal. According to the streamer, The Super Mario Bros. Movie appeared on its global top 10 for 24 straight weeks and racked up over 240 million views from December 2023 through the end of 2025.
Teen Titans Go! seasons one through five, plus their theatrical spinoff Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018), combined for over 80 million Netflix views during that same period. Jelenic and Horvath issued a joint statement: "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!" They are repped by CAA, Allison Binder at Goodman Genow, and Angela Cheng Caplan at Cheng Caplan Company.
