Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Their work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where they covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
Sony Pictures has announced that'll be the new home for the much-loved Peanuts.
Fans of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang should expect the Peanuts to stick around. Per Sony Pictures' official press release, "Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President and Group CEO: Shunsuke Muramatsu; “SMEJ”), Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (Headquarters: California, USA; President and CEO: Ravi Ahuja; “SPE”) and WildBrain Ltd. (formerly DHX Media Ltd.; Headquarters: Ontario, Canada; President and CEO: Josh Scherba; “WildBrain”) today announced that the three companies have signed a definitive agreement for SMEJ and SPE to indirectly acquire all of the approximately 41% stake ultimately held by WildBrain in Peanuts Holdings LLC. The closing of this transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals."
Sony Pictures continues, "Since acquiring an interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC in 2018, SMEJ, as an IP owner of “PEANUTS,” recognized as world-class IP, has focused on expanding the “PEANUTS” IP business and strengthening the brand, while maintaining and further building a positive relationship with the Schulz family. SMEJ aims to continue to use its expertise in the character business and the extensive network of the Sony Group to drive further growth of the “PEANUTS” IP business and enhance the brand’s value."
What Sony Has Said About Now Owning The Peanuts
Image via Apple TV+“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘PEANUTS’, an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide. With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘PEANUTS’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise," President and Group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Shunsuke Muramatsu said.
"We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘PEANUTS’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations—reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘PEANUTS’ gang for years ahead.”
The Peanuts made their modern big-screen debut with The Peanuts Movie, which was released in the mid-2010s and was distributed by 20th Century Fox. It remains unknown how or when Sony Pictures will move forward with continuing to build up the Peanuts brand, though it could be anticipated that more movies or shows might be on the way in the near future.
Following its theatrical release in 2015, The Peanuts Movie can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.
Created by Charles M. Schulz
First Film A Charlie Brown Christmas
Latest Film Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie
Latest TV Show The Snoopy Show
English (US) · 