Netflix’s rumored plans for Warner Bros. movies are causing a stir among fans.
Recently, it was revealed that Netflix has successfully secured a bid to acquire Warner Bros. for an estimated equity value of $72 billion. This acquisition saw Netflix triumph over competitors Comcast and Paramount Skydance.
This merger is set to take place after Warner Bros. undergoes a division into two separate entities: Streaming & Studios (S&S) and Global Linear Networks (GLN).
S&S will encompass Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, along with its storied film and television collections, as outlined by the company earlier in June.
On the other hand, GLN will focus on premier entertainment, as well as sports and news television brands globally.
Netflix plans to acquire the S&S segment of the entertainment giant, which is known for popular franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe.
Following Netflix’s success in the bidding war, reports suggest the platform intends to release new Warner Bros. movies in theaters for a brief 17-day period before making them available on Netflix.
According to Deadline, insiders mentioned that ‘Netflix have been proponents of a 17-day window, which would steamroll the theatrical business, while circuits such as AMC believe the line needs to be held around 45 days’.
This proposed strategy could potentially impact upcoming films like Man of Tomorrow, The Batman: Part 2, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, and The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed these speculations, stating: “There’s been a lot of talk about theatrical distribution, so we want to set the record straight: we are 100 percent committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows.”
The reports have sparked concerns among movie enthusiasts online. One user commented on X: “The Batman Part 2 being in theaters for 17 days before hitting Netflix doesn’t sound real. Netflix is going to kill cinema.”
Another added: “Based on the deal theatres have with studios to share profits, theatres will make basically no money on WB films because they’re not playing exclusively long enough. You should be very concerned about your local cineplex.”
“17 DAYS IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH, NETFLIX,” expressed another frustrated fan. Similarly, someone else remarked: “Not a fan of this decision. Not a fan at all.”
“RIP to the Cinema,” lamented another user.
Even some well-known personalities have shared their thoughts on the impending acquisition, including former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan.
Brosnan described the deal as ‘unsettling’, stating: “To have one dominant force that colors what we see, how we see it and where we see it is a change that doesn’t feel culturally right.
“I love cinema and I’ve seen cinemas evaporate from the landscape where I live in California, and here in London. Netflix has given me employment, but you have to be diligent and ask yourself: how do you now traverse these waters without getting mangled and embittered by it?”
Netflix has been approached for comment.