Netflix has officially taken ownership of the former Fort Monmouth military base, clearing a major hurdle in its plan to develop a large-scale film and television production studio in Monmouth County. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both the streaming giant and New Jersey’s growing entertainment industry, signaling that long-discussed plans for the site are now firmly moving into the execution phase.
The Fort Monmouth property, which spans hundreds of acres across Eatontown and Oceanport, has sat largely dormant since the U.S. Army closed the base in 2011. Over the years, the site has been the subject of numerous redevelopment proposals, but none have carried the scale or national attention of Netflix’s vision. With the transaction now complete, Netflix controls the land and can begin advancing its long-term studio project.
State and local officials have framed the deal as a major win for New Jersey, positioning the Fort Monmouth studio as a potential anchor for the state’s film and television sector. New Jersey has steadily rebuilt its reputation as a production-friendly location in recent years, boosted by tax incentives and a growing talent pool. A permanent Netflix studio would further solidify that momentum, offering a home base for productions rather than relying solely on temporary locations.
According to previously outlined plans, Netflix intends to transform the site into a modern production campus featuring multiple soundstages, backlot space, offices, and support facilities. The studio is expected to host both film and television projects, creating a pipeline of work that could last decades rather than a single production cycle. While construction timelines have not been finalized publicly, the ownership transfer allows Netflix to begin the next stages of design, permitting, and infrastructure development.
Economic impact remains a key talking point surrounding the project. Officials estimate the studio could generate thousands of construction jobs during the buildout phase, followed by long-term employment opportunities in production, post-production, and related industries. Local businesses, from catering to hospitality, are also expected to benefit from a steady influx of cast and crew working in the area.
The project has not been without questions from residents, particularly regarding traffic, environmental impact, and how the historic aspects of Fort Monmouth will be preserved. Netflix and local redevelopment authorities have previously stated that community input will remain part of the planning process as details are finalized.
For Netflix, the Fort Monmouth studio represents a strategic investment in East Coast production capacity. As competition among streaming platforms intensifies, owning dedicated studio space allows for greater control over schedules, costs, and creative logistics.
With ownership now secured, Fort Monmouth’s long-awaited transformation appears closer than ever. What was once a closed military installation may soon become one of New Jersey’s most prominent hubs for film and television production, placing the state firmly on Netflix’s global production map.
