US EditionNetflix Planning To Release Warner Bros Movies In Theaters Should Merger Occur; But Others Have Doubts
Netflix pledges to maintain Warner Bros. theatrical releases and honor contracts if acquisition succeeds, assuring stakeholders who value traditional film distribution methods.
- With initial bids due Nov. 20, Netflix pledged to keep releasing Warner Bros. movies in theaters as part of its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and streaming business, Bloomberg reported.
- The Warner Bros. Discovery board is evaluating offers with bids due Nov. 20, with bidders including David Ellison's Paramount Skydance and potential buyers like Netflix and Comcast as WBD may sell the Warner Bros. entity separately.
- Historically, Netflix has shunned wide theatrical releases but made exceptions for awards-qualifiers like Roma and The Irishman, while co-CEO Ted Sarandos called theatrical moviegoing "an outdated concept" and recently brought originals like KPop Demon Hunters and the Stranger Things finale to cinemas.
- Despite the pledge, industry observers express skepticism and note uncertainty about Netflix's long-term plans, and Warner Bros. and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
- Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav highlights a strong 2025 slate and box-office momentum, with recent releases grossing more than $750 million, and plans for 12-14 films annually, including Wuthering Heights on Feb. 13, 2026.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Netflix Would Maintain Warner Bros. Theatrical Window Following Acquisition
With today’s Nov. 20 deadline to submit nonbinding acquisition bids for all or parts of Warner Bros. Discovery, suitors Paramount Skydance, Comcast and Netflix, among others, are reportedly ready to play. On Nov. 19 Netflix reportedly informed WBD that it would continue releasing Warner movies in theaters should its bid emerge victorious — a major … Continue reading "Netflix Would Maintain Warner Bros. Theatrical Window Following Acquisition" Th…
Netflix Claims it Will Still Release WB Movies in Theaters if Sale Goes Through
For years, one constant in Hollywood has been Netflix’s resistance to theatrical windows. But now, as Netflix positions itself as a top contender to buy Warner Bros. (WB), a seismic shift appears to be underway — and the entire industry is bracing for what could be the most consequential studio sale in modern entertainment history. According to Bloomberg’s reporting, Netflix has assured Warner Bros. Discovery leadership that if it wins the WB bi…
Netflix Claims It Would Keep Warner Bros. Movies in Theaters — Should We Believe Them?
After months of denial on their part, it’s now abundantly clear that Netflix wants to buy portions of Warner Bros. Discovery. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is evaluating a bid—but only for the divisions that make strategic sense to them (the studio and streaming assets), not the legacy TV networks. And Warner Bros. is listening.If Netflix were to take control of Warner Bros., the consequences for the film industry could be grim. Unless, of course, Ne…
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