“MobLand” and “The Agency” EP exits Paramount for NBCUniversal pact set to launch January 2027
Jez Butterworth, the Academy-recognized screenwriter and executive producer behind two of Paramount+‘s biggest series, has closed a five-year exclusive overall deal with NBCUniversal spanning television, streaming and film.
The new pact kicks in January 2027, following the expiration of his current Paramount contract at year’s end.
On the feature side, Butterworth will work alongside the Universal Pictures team led by President Peter Cramer. His television work will fall under Universal Studio Group (USG), headed by Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted. USG serves both NBCUniversal’s internal platforms and third-party buyers.
The signing is the latest chapter in a notable talent exodus from Paramount to Universal. 101 Studios — Butterworth’s producing partner on Paramount+ hits MobLand and The Agency — previously announced its own production pact with Universal back in November.
READ MORE: Charli xcx’s ‘The Moment’ Sets HBO Max Premiere Date for May 29
Former Paramount co-CEO Chris McCarthy has also landed a producer deal at Universal, where he will help oversee the studio’s new film and TV arrangement with Taylor Sheridan — the TV portion of which transitions to NBCUniversal in 2029. Both 101 Studios and McCarthy’s deals go into effect in 2026.
MobLand, starring Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren, debuted on Paramount+ in March 2025 and became the streamer’s biggest global series launch ever, drawing 2.2 million viewers for its first episode alone.
NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Donna Langley praised the signing in a statement.
“Jez Butterworth is a versatile creator whose storytelling has a way of getting under your skin,” Langley said. “Whether it’s on stage or screen, his distinct voice is surprising and intense but always deeply human. Having the opportunity to work across the entire Universal Entertainment ecosystem will provide multiple entry points for Jez to make a lasting impact at the Studio.”
Butterworth echoed the enthusiasm. “I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to join Donna and the team at Universal,” he said. “I feel fortunate to continue my incredible partnership with 101 Studios and Chris [McCarthy] while I embark on this new adventure.”
Butterworth’s feature credits include major tentpoles such as Edge of Tomorrow, Spectre, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Black Mass and Universal’s own Get On Up.
His theatrical résumé is equally distinguished. His debut play, Mojo, won seven major awards including the Olivier Award for Best Comedy. The Ferryman earned nine Tony nominations and took home four, including Best Play. His most recent work, The Hills of California, received widespread critical acclaim on both Broadway and in London’s West End.
Butterworth was awarded the E.M. Forster Award in 2007 and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2019.
He is represented by CAA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.
