FORT MONMOUTH, NJ. May 19, 2025 — Netflix held a groundbreaking ceremony at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, marking the start of construction on its new state-of-the-art production facility. The company plans to invest $1 billion to transform the 292-acre former U.S. Army installation into a premier East Coast production hub. The development will include 12 cutting-edge soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, along with additional areas dedicated to film production support and community amenities.
“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “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.”
After Sarandos’ remarks, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took the stage and emphasized the project’s economic and cultural significance for the state. “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,” said Governor Murphy. “The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators to the state. We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses.”
Local leaders echoed his sentiments, including Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., Oceanport Mayor Thomas J. Tvrdik, New Jersey Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr., and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, each expressing their support and excitement for the redevelopment.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy also attended, joining the chorus of support afterward. “Today’s groundbreaking of the Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth brings our vision of making New Jersey the premier destination for world-class film and television to fruition,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As a global leader in entertainment and innovative storytelling, Netflix has completely re-shaped the industry as we know it today. While I look forward to seeing more New Jersey landscapes grace screens around the world, I am even more excited for the economic potential this studio brings to our state. From thousands of good-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses, expanded education and more, this state-of-the-art facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.”
In 2022, Netflix announced plans to transform Fort Monmouth — a property that had been largely vacant for over a decade — into a major economic driver. The project is expected to generate a substantial number of permanent production jobs and construction-related positions, boosting employment opportunities across New Jersey.
Over the past three years, Netflix has worked with the cities of Eatontown and Oceanport, as well as Monmouth County, to secure approvals for the initial phase of the proposed Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth. Demolition is expected to take approximately 13 months, and the studio is projected to open in 2028. However, additional approvals are still required before full construction can proceed.
In recent years, Netflix has actively participated in various community-focused events. These include organizing two supplier networking events—in January and April—to connect with local vendors and discuss future opportunities at the studio; engaging with young filmmakers at the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival in nearby Red Bank in 2024; sponsoring the 2025 edition of the festival; and co-hosting a Veterans Day cookout alongside Soldier On and JBJ Soul Kitchen in both 2023 and 2024.
With this groundbreaking, Netflix is not only building a studio but also strengthening its ties with the community and laying the foundation for a vibrant production ecosystem in New Jersey.
