Netflix, Apple, Sony, and Warner Bros. Sit Out Super Bowl Film Marketing — Here’s What That Means

As Super Bowl LX approaches on February 8, 2026, Hollywood’s usual Big Game marketing frenzy looks different this year. Some of the biggest names in film; Netflix, Apple Original Films, Sony, and Warner Bros. etc  are reportedly opting out of traditional Super Bowl advertising for their upcoming releases.

The move is striking because for decades, the Super Bowl has been the ultimate stage to debut movie trailers, with over 100 million viewers tuning in worldwide. Traditionally, a well-timed Big Game spot can spark massive social media buzz, drive trailer views, and generate early ticket sales. But this year, these studios are taking a different path.

Reports confirm that Netflix is skipping Super Bowl ad slots for its upcoming films, while Apple Original Films is also sitting out, favoring other promotional channels. Sony Pictures will not be buying movie ad space during the Big Game, and Warner Bros. is absent as well, despite its history of high-profile Super Bowl campaigns. Instead of spending millions on 30-second TV spots, these studios are focusing on digital-first marketing, using online trailers, social media campaigns, and targeted fan events to reach audiences without the massive price tag.

Not all studios are sitting on the sidelines. Disney, Universal, and Paramount are expected to lead the Super Bowl film marketing charge this year, with trailers for major blockbusters. Fans can anticipate promos for Toy Story 5, The Mandalorian & Grogu, and Super Mario Galaxy, among others. This split shows a strategic divide in Hollywood, with some studios viewing the Super Bowl as an essential launchpad while others are betting on digital-first campaigns and extended hype-building.

Several factors explain the shift. Skyrocketing costs make a 30-second Super Bowl ad increasingly expensive, with average prices hitting $8 million, not including production or talent fees. Digital platforms like YouTube and social media allow studios to reach their audiences more precisely. Meanwhile, many franchises are adopting strategies that favor sustained hype through social campaigns, trailers, and exclusive previews rather than relying on a single broadcast moment.

Even without Netflix, Apple, Sony, and Warner Bros. participating, the Super Bowl will still feature high-profile trailers and teasers. For studios that do advertise, the game remains a chance to set the tone for their biggest releases of the year. The takeaway is clear: Hollywood is experimenting with where, when, and how to reach audiences. The Super Bowl remains important, but it is no longer the automatic marketing must-have for every studio.

After Bad Boys Success, Will Smith To Star in Sony’s ‘Resistor’

If you think an Oscar slap Will stop Will Smith, then you’re wrong and Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that.

Will Smith is currently in talks with Sony Pictures to star in a new film, ‘Resistor.’ The project is an Escape Artists Entertainment adaptation of the 2014 Daniel Suarez best selling novel, Influx. It imagines a chilling future where technological advances are held hostage by the government in this thriller that perfectly blends “nail-biting suspense with accessible science” (Publishers Weekly).

Though details about the plot of the adaptation is yet to be revealed, the first draft of the script was written by Zak Olkewicz and Eric Warren Singer currently working on the latest draft.

Deadline reveals the film is to be produced Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists, which has been developing the project for some time with along with Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook, with Heather Washington exec producing. Dave Wilson is also producing.

Will Smith and Todd Black have previously collaborated on movies with Sony including Seven PoundsThe Pursuit of Happyness and Emancipation.

Will Smith film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, co-starring Martin Lawrence, has surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office after 10 days of release with the franchise becoming a billion dollar franchise.

Sony’s Creators Convention

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, Sony held the 2024 edition of Sony’s Creators Convention in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s edition aims to redefine the creative landscape for content creators. In attendance were prominent off-screen and on-screen content creators. Every participant in this year’s event was assured access to the necessary resources to stay motivated, educated, and armed with the tools required to elevate their content creation abilities.

The Sony Creators Convention 2024 took place at the Nexthought Creative Hub in Lekki, Lagos, with Daro Umaigba as the host. The efforts and contributions of creators in diverse areas like art, culture, and digital content creation were celebrated.

Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director at Sony Middle East and Africa, says, “We are proud to support and empower Nigerian creators as they continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The Creators Convention serves as a testament to our commitment to support content creators and provide them with the best available technologies, create lasting connections to learn and network, and establish collaborative opportunities together.”

Dr. Emmanuel Iwueke, Ifiok Effanga, Timi Agbaje, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, and Precious Omoregie were the speakers at the event, addressing issues that impact creators, such as the preservation of intellectual property. In a panel discussion on crafting content with widespread appeal, Debo Adedayo, Maryam Apaokagi, Dami Dawson, and Hauwa Lawal.

Kelechi Amadi-Obi gave a presentation on turning inspiration into action. Adaora Mbelu, Tobi Ayeni, Fisayo Fosudo, and Salem King shared insights on diversifying revenue streams and forging lasting partnerships.

Anjola Awosika, Tilewa Odedina, and Ify Igwe also facilitated a riveting masterclass in food photography, offering practical tips for elevating creative pursuits to professional heights. 

Participants had the opportunity to engage in sessions tailored to their interests during the event and an opportunity to network and collaborate.

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