Carry-On’s Director Jaume Collet-Serra Locks Rare Netflix Mega-Deal — What It Means for Thrillers, Streaming, and Star Power

Netflix is officially doubling down on thrillers. Director Jaume Collet-Serra, whose hit Carry-On exploded to become Netflix’s second-most-watched film ever, has signed a rare multi-year overall film deal with the streamer. Under the agreement, he’ll develop and direct new original movies exclusively for Netflix, placing him among a select few feature filmmakers ever locked in long-term by the platform.

It’s a big swing—and it shows Netflix’s strategy for keeping eyeballs glued to its platform as the streaming wars heat up.

Collet-Serra Speaks: “Netflix is the Creative Home I’ve Been Looking For.”

In the announcement, Collet-Serra said:

“From production to release, my experience making Carry-On with the Netflix team was everything a filmmaker could hope for. I’m thrilled to call Netflix my creative home and excited to keep pushing boundaries together.”

Netflix exec Doug Belgrad praised the partnership:

“Jaume’s one of the most in-demand directors out there right now. He knows how to deliver big, high-stakes stories that audiences love. The fact that he chose to make this deal with us, especially after the great experience we had, says a lot.”

From Barcelona to Blockbusters: Collet-Serra’s Road to Netflix

Collet-Serra, born in Barcelona in 1974, first made waves with horror hits like House of Wax and Orphan before pivoting to sleek thrillers like Non-Stop and The Shallows. More recently, he directed blockbuster fare like Disney’s Jungle Cruise and DC’s Black Adam.

But Carry-On turned out to be his biggest streaming triumph yet.

Released on Netflix in December 2024, Carry-On stars Taron Egerton as a TSA agent blackmailed on Christmas Eve and Jason Bateman as the villain pulling his strings. Critics called it a “Die Hard–style Christmas thriller.” It became Netflix’s second-most-watched original film ever, amassing a stunning 185 million views worldwide.

The Industry Reacts: Streaming’s New Power Play?

Hollywood insiders are buzzing about what this deal means for the industry.

Rare Territory for Feature Directors

Overall deals are usually reserved for TV showrunners and series creators like Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes. For feature directors, they’re extremely rare. By signing Collet-Serra, Netflix signals it’s betting on trusted filmmakers who can deliver box-office-style thrills for the streaming era.

High-Volume Hits vs. Prestige Cinema

Not everyone’s sold. Some critics warn Netflix risks leaning too heavily on “content factories” instead of curating diverse cinematic experiences. As one analyst told Variety:

“Netflix wants steady engagement—but if everything becomes mid-budget thrillers, you lose prestige and variety.”

Still, Collet-Serra’s films hit a unique niche: big, accessible movies that don’t rely on superhero franchises or massive IP.

Fan Buzz: Is More Carry-On-Style Mayhem Coming?

Fans online are mostly excited. Some praise the deal as smart, given Collet-Serra’s knack for crowd-pleasing, fast-paced thrillers. Others wonder if he’ll keep repeating the same formula.

One top Reddit comment summed it up:

“Carry-On was the perfect plane movie. If he can bring that same energy but switch up genres, I’m in.”

Critical Commentary: The Stakes for Netflix

So what does this mean for Netflix—and for film fans?

On one hand, it’s a savvy move. Collet-Serra is a known quantity who makes movies that keep viewers hooked. That’s pure gold for a streamer fighting to hold subscribers.

On the other hand, there’s a risk of overreliance on one genre. Netflix’s slate already skews heavily toward mid-budget thrillers. Audiences might get tired of the formula. Plus, there’s the looming question: Will Collet-Serra get creative freedom—or will Netflix’s algorithm steer his projects?

Either way, this deal proves Netflix is serious about locking down talent, not just buying finished films. And for Collet-Serra, it’s a massive step into streaming’s elite circle.

The Final Word

My take? This is a smart but calculated gamble. Jaume Collet-Serra knows how to craft movies that keep you glued for two hours—even if they’re sometimes more style than substance. Netflix clearly wants more magic after Carry-On’smonster numbers. But I’d love to see Collet-Serra push boundaries and surprise us under this deal, not just keep making airport-thriller reruns.

Either way, one thing’s clear: Netflix just bet big on thrills—and it’s Collet-Serra’s move now.

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