Oppenheimer Finds Streaming Home on Peacock in Strategic Move

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed biopic “Oppenheimer,” chronicling the life of Robert J. Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb, is set to make its streaming debut exclusively on Peacock. This represents a significant win for the platform, particularly amidst the film’s impressive run during the 2024 awards season.

Scheduled to stream on Friday, February 16, “Oppenheimer” marks a notable addition to Peacock’s film catalog. The Universal-distributed movie, which has grossed $954 million globally during its theatrical run, had been previously available for rental or purchase since November 2023. However, its inclusion in a streaming service’s back catalog is a first, and Peacock has nabbed this opportunity, bypassing more prominent streaming services like Netflix or HBO Max.

This move is not entirely surprising, given that Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, parent company of Universal Pictures. Strategically, it makes sense for NBCUniversal to showcase one of 2023’s most acclaimed movies on its streaming service.

International Availability and Additional Nolan Films

While U.S. audiences can look forward to streaming “Oppenheimer” on Peacock, viewers in the UK and Australia will have to wait a bit longer. British audiences can expect the film to be available on Sky/NOW TV starting April 12, while an Australian release date remains unconfirmed.

In addition to “Oppenheimer,” Peacock will also be adding six other Nolan-directed films to its library starting February 1. These include “Memento,” “Dunkirk,” “Inception,” and the famed Dark Knight trilogy.

A Turning Point for Peacock

The acquisition of “Oppenheimer” could be a turning point for Peacock, a service that has lagged behind giants like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. Despite having hits like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “M3GAN,” Peacock has struggled to compete with the star power and acclaim of content available on other platforms.

Nolan’s latest film, enjoying a successful awards season with multiple wins at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, and expected nominations at the BAFTAs and Oscars, could significantly boost Peacock’s profile. The timing of the release, over a month before the Oscars, is also opportune, potentially increasing the buzz around the film and the platform.

“Oppenheimer” represents not only a major success for Christopher Nolan but also a potential game-changer for Peacock. By securing the streaming rights to such a high-profile film, Peacock has positioned itself to attract a wider audience and gain a stronger foothold in the competitive streaming landscape.

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