Noah Baumbach signs Warner Bros. first-look deal, sets Clockwork film
Noah Baumbach is heading to Warner Bros.
The writer-director has signed a three-year first-look agreement for features that takes effect in 2027, Variety reported on 17 September 2026. A first-look deal gives the studio first chance to back his films before he can take them elsewhere. It follows a long exclusive pact at Netflix.
He already has his first project lined up. It will be released by Clockwork, Warner Bros.' indie label for smaller-scale films, Variety reported. Clockwork is run by Christian Parkes, a former Neon executive.
Baumbach will write, direct and produce the untitled film. It follows two college students in New York City. It is planned for a wide release in cinemas.
David Heyman and LuckyChap are on board as producers. LuckyChap already has its own multi-year first-look deal at Warner Bros.
The move brings a familiar arthouse name into the studio system. Baumbach co-wrote Barbie with Greta Gerwig and has collected four Academy Award nominations. He is the director-writer-producer behind Marriage Story, according to Deadline.
Under his Netflix deal he reteamed with Adam Driver and Gerwig for White Noise, The Hollywood Reporter reported in 2021. That project adapted the Don DeLillo novel of the same name.
What makes this stand out is the route to the screen. After several years with a streaming-only home, Baumbach's next original is being set up from the start for a full cinema release.
