Netflix has completed the purchase of a 292-acre parcel at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, finalizing a $55 million land deal to build its new East Coast production studio. The company held a ceremony marking the closing on December 5, 2025. The planned studio will involve an investment of more than $1 billion and is set to feature 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, as well as additional film production facilities and community spaces.
Demolition work at the former U.S. Army installation is underway and is expected to take about 13 months. Netflix projects that the new studio will open in 2028.
Governor Phil Murphy described the project as “the most complex he has been involved with in his eight years as governor,” citing the scale of redeveloping a former military base. The redevelopment required multiple approvals related to zoning, environmental impact, tax agreements, traffic management, noise control, and other site-specific issues such as transforming historic buildings into modern studios.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed appreciation for state officials and others who contributed to advancing the project. “Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” Sarandos said. “We estimate that these studios will create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions of dollars in economic output, and many other cultural benefits to the region and state. Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the US economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members. And we’re excited to continue our investment in the US and New Jersey in the coming years.” He also noted that two films are currently being shot in New Jersey with over 500 people employed.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill highlighted growth in New Jersey’s film industry: “In 2024 alone, the New Jersey film industry set records by generating $833 billion in in-state spending, filming more than 500 productions and hiring more than 30,000 crew members.” She attributed part of this increase to New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program—reinstated in 2018—which offers up to a 40% tax credit for eligible expenses through 2049.
Murphy emphasized New Jersey’s history with filmmaking: “As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, New Jersey couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Netflix — a name synonymous with 21st century entertainment — to the Garden State,” he said. He added that this move enhances New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production.
Netflix announced its intention to redevelop Fort Monmouth—a site largely vacant for over ten years—in 2022. The company cited local talent and strong creative resources among its reasons for choosing New Jersey.
Cleanup efforts began at Fort Monmouth’s Eatontown section last May. According to Netflix, demolition has progressed steadily each week; work will continue into early 2026. Construction involves removing about 100 old Army buildings while restoring eight structures for use within the future studio campus.
