AceShowbiz - Jez Butterworth, the acclaimed writer and producer, has entered into a significant five-year overall deal with Universal Entertainment. This agreement encompasses both television and film projects, marking a major new chapter in Butterworth’s career.

Under the terms of the deal, Butterworth will collaborate with Universal Studio Group for television and streaming content, while working with Universal Pictures on movie development. This arrangement allows him to leverage the full scope of Universal’s entertainment divisions.

In addition to this partnership, Butterworth will maintain his existing relationship with 101 Studios. This company is currently producing two series, MobLand and The Agency, both of which stream on Paramount+. Butterworth serves as executive producer and writer on these shows. Notably, 101 Studios signed a production deal with NBCUniversal last year, coinciding with Taylor Sheridan’s shift of his overall deals to NBCUniversal.

Donna Langley, chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment, praised Jez Butterworth as a “versatile creator whose storytelling has a way of getting under your skin.” She emphasized his distinct and deeply human voice across stage and screen, expressing enthusiasm about his potential impact across Universal’s entire entertainment ecosystem.

Expressing his excitement, Butterworth stated that he feels “fortunate to continue” his partnership with 101 Studios and Chris McCarthy while embarking on this new journey with Universal. McCarthy, former co-CEO of Paramount, transitioned to NBCUniversal last year and is instrumental in managing the company’s relationships with prominent creators like Taylor Sheridan, whose film deal moved to NBCUniversal this year, with TV following in 2029.

Butterworth’s notable writing credits include major films such as Ford v. Ferrari, Edge of Tomorrow, and Fair Game, as well as the television series Britannia. He is represented by CAA and Jackoway Austen, underscoring his established position in the industry.

This new overall deal highlights Jez Butterworth’s expanding influence in both film and television, positioning him to contribute strongly to Universal Entertainment’s future slate of projects.