Netflix Is Transforming This US Army Base Into a $900 Million Movie Studio; CEO Ted Sarandos Says, ‘I Was in Love With…’
May 18, 2025 – Fort Monmouth, New Jersey — In a move that marks one of its boldest investments yet, Netflix has announced plans to transform a former U.S. Army base in New Jersey into a $900 million state-of-the-art production hub. The sprawling site, Fort Monmouth, once a center for military communications technology, will soon become a sprawling movie and television studio complex designed to rival Hollywood.
The deal, finalized earlier this year, includes more than 290 acres of land and several existing structures that will be refurbished or demolished to make way for cutting-edge sound stages, backlots, post-production facilities, and office space. Netflix says the project will not only revitalize the local economy but also reshape the East Coast’s role in the entertainment industry.
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, expressed personal enthusiasm for the project during a recent press event. “The first time I visited Fort Monmouth, I was in love with the possibilities,” Sarandos said. “There’s history in these walls, and we’re excited to write a new chapter that brings jobs, opportunity, and incredible stories to life right here in New Jersey.”
Construction is already underway, with a projected completion timeline stretching into 2027. Once completed, the Netflix New Jersey production hub is expected to be among the largest in the U.S., creating an estimated 3,500 jobs and drawing a mix of creative professionals, technical talent, and local vendors. The company projects the facility will generate billions in economic impact over the next few decades.
“This is about more than just making movies,” said Sarandos. “It’s about building an ecosystem where writers, directors, actors, editors, and set designers can work and live, all while producing some of the best entertainment in the world.”
Netflix’s decision to invest in Fort Monmouth follows a broader trend among streaming giants to establish more direct control over content production. As competition intensifies and the demand for original content grows, owning physical production space has become a strategic necessity. With its East Coast location, the studio will also offer proximity to major talent pools in New York and Boston, as well as easier access to European travel routes.
The state of New Jersey played a key role in securing the deal, offering a package of tax incentives and infrastructure support. Governor Phil Murphy hailed the development as a “transformative win” for the state. “This partnership between New Jersey and Netflix represents a new era for our creative economy,” Murphy said. “We’re proud to welcome a company that is synonymous with innovation and storytelling.”
Community leaders have largely embraced the project, citing long-term economic benefits and increased visibility for the region. However, some residents have raised concerns about environmental impact, increased traffic, and potential strain on local infrastructure. Netflix has pledged to work closely with local agencies to address these issues as development proceeds.
With production demand continuing to surge, Netflix’s Fort Monmouth studio could be the crown jewel in its global content strategy. And for Sarandos, the vision is personal: “It’s not just about buildings and budgets—it’s about imagination, and bringing stories to life in places that matter.”
Leave a Reply