There’s a major ripple moving through the industry: Netflix is reportedly considering a bid to acquire Warner Bros. While nothing is confirmed yet, the possibility alone raises big questions for those of us working across development, production, and distribution.
If this deal goes through, it could mark a historic shift from legacy studio to streaming-first ownership. Warner Bros holds iconic IP like DC, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. Netflix, known for its binge model and global reach, could reshape how these stories are produced and released.
So I’m wondering:
What would this mean for theatrical releases?
Would Netflix prioritize streaming-only distribution for major franchises?
How might this affect independent producers pitching to either studio?
Could this open new doors or close some?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you worked with either Netflix or Warner Bros.? What do you think this potential merger signals for the future of producing?
here's the link:
https://collider.com/netflix-wants-to-buy-warner-bros-discovery-theatric...
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I think Netflix buying Warner Bros would have a huge impact on the industry, Sandra Isabel Correia! Netflix releases some films in theaters, but I think if they buy Warner Bros, they'll still be streaming focused. I can see Netflix doing theater releases for major franchises though. I'm not sure how Netflix buying Warner Bros will impact indie creatives and professionals, but I hope it's positive!
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Netflix is $14B in debt, and WB is $34B in debt to buy everything WB. Does anyone really think Netflix wants this level of debt and take a hit to their credit rating? Yes, WB has pushed a lot of debt into the other arms of it's business so there's a chance WB could be sold off in sections, i.e. Netflix would only want the studio and HBO. Doubt this would be approved by the government.
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The push by the MPA cartel to become a monopoly seems to be their major strategy to keep on top in a dissolving industry... Lindbergh E Hollingsworth points out the debt - is it sustainable? Nope. What is really going on behind the scenes and who is talking. Because they clearly have a plan.
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You've all shed light on the true motives behind this potential venture. To me, it feels more like smoke and mirrors than a genuine strategy. Netflix has been supporting indie voices through streaming—like we're seeing in Spain—but I’ve never trusted an industry dominated by just two or three major players. That kind of control benefits no one. Let’s see how it unfolds. Grateful for the insights shared.:)
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Interesting share Sandra Isabel Correia - thank you :) It seems to be mostly a rumor, this Netflix reach for WB. I agree with the others in this thread that Netflix is doing too well now with just doing what it is doing (expanding globally, rolling out their ad suite in pretty much all markets, etc.) to consider increasing their debt. BUT they do have an impressive $2B cash flow - I mean... jeeez. lol so, maybe if a piece of WB falls off the back of the truck driven away by Paramount-Skydance, Netflix may wanna try to pick it up. Exciting times!