Netflix and Disney+ are expanding their Catalan-language offerings under a new agreement with the Generalitat and public broadcaster 3Cat. Announced by the Department of Language Policy, the deal will make 48 additional films and series available with Catalan dubbing. It is part of a broader strategy to increase Catalan’s presence in the audiovisual sector and give viewers more opportunities to watch international entertainment in the language.
Disney+ will add 35 Catalan-dubbed titles to its catalogue, including well-known films such as Mary Poppins and Moulin Rouge. The Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire is also among them. Previously broadcast on 3Cat, these films will now be available on the streaming platform with Catalan audio options. The move follows earlier collaborations with platforms such as HBO Max and Filmin, which have also added Catalan-language content through similar agreements.
Netflix, meanwhile, will introduce 13 new Catalan-dubbed films and series from Warner and 3Cat. The additions include Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and The Legend of Tarzan. Hope Springs and Sully are also among the titles. They are part of the ongoing partnership between 3Cat and the Department of Language Policy, which aims to strengthen Catalan’s visibility in mainstream entertainment.
The agreement falls within a wider European and Spanish regulatory structure for audiovisual services. Under the European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive, on-demand services must reserve at least 30% of their catalogues for European works. The directive also allows member states to require financial contributions from platforms serving their audiences. In Spain, audiovisual financing rules set a general contribution obligation of 5% of revenue for covered providers, rising to 6% for public broadcaster RTVE. These rules on European works and production financing provide broader context for language-access initiatives, though their application depends on the provider and the relevant legislation.
The Generalitat says the initiative complements other measures to support Catalan in the media, including grants for dubbing and subtitling. A separate agreement with Movistar+ covers subtitling new releases, while dedicated programmes support Catalan-language cinema and children’s films. Catalonia’s public support for audiovisual activity also includes funding for cinema-related work and videogames. Eligibility criteria can consider Catalan- or Aranese-language elements alongside local professional participation. An overview of the regional aid system puts annual support for these activities at more than €35 million. These production-side measures complement efforts to make existing films and series available in Catalan.
3Cat is also seeking to reach viewers beyond its traditional broadcast channels. Ara has reported plans for as many as 18 thematic YouTube channels covering areas such as humour and fiction. The plans also include sport. They form part of a strategy to increase Catalan’s presence in digital spaces where it remains a minority language. Commercial streaming agreements extend that effort to platforms with large international catalogues. The broader policy shift builds on earlier measures to maintain Catalan’s presence in broadcasting, including a reported 25% Catalan-music requirement for private thematic radio stations.
Other high-profile changes in Spain’s media field, such as Josep Pedrerol’s departure from Atresmedia, have drawn attention to the developing strategies of broadcasters and streaming services. The transition of El Chiringuito to a new channel reflects how content providers are adapting to changing viewer demands and distribution environments.
Language policy remains a practical issue in Spain, particularly in regions with strong linguistic identities such as Catalonia. The Generalitat’s push for more Catalan-language content is part of a wider effort to support regional languages amid global streaming trends. By securing more dubbed and subtitled programming, authorities aim to make Catalan more available in everyday media use and strengthen cultural diversity. The agreement gives families and other viewers more choice and reinforces Catalan’s place in contemporary entertainment.
