Netflix's Quiet Plan in Warner Bros. Deal Is a Nightmare for Movie Theaters
The blockbuster deal, featuring Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, has been in the spotlight since it was first announced in late 2025. While Paramount Skydance has continued to press Warner Bros. to accept its offer, all signs point to Netflix and its $82.7 billion offer winning out regardless. Still, there is no shortage of rumors and reports flying about the potential deal; the latest tidbit to surface could have drastic implications for movie theaters worldwide. With Netflix being known for its popularity as a streaming service, this has been a concern since the initial deal was announced. And it's now being reported that the company's purchase of Warner Bros. could significantly affect cinemas.
The 'Industry-Standard' Windows for Movie Releases May Be Shorter in Netflix's Eyes
While the obvious hope is that Netflix will continue to allow movies with theatrical releases to move forward as planned, a new report from Deadline casts some doubt on the matter. Specifically, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos' comments initially helped ease concerns. After initially saying that Netflix prioritizes its first-run films for the streaming service, Sarandos offered a different take a bit later.
"There’s been a lot of talk about theatrical distribution, so we want to set the record straight: we are 100% committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows," Sarandos said.
However, according to a report from Deadline, Netflix has been "proponents of a 17-day window."
"Sources have told Deadline 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."
Here's a rundown of the report, along with Sarandos' initial thoughts on theatrical releases following Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros.:
- Netflix initially prioritized its first-run movies for the service.
- Co-CEO Ted Sarandos later said Netflix is "100 percent committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry standard windows."
- Deadline reports that Netflix is interested in a 17-day window for theatrical releases.
- AMC is targeting around the 45-day range, creating a significant gap between the sides.
Obviously, the difference between what Netflix views as a window for theatrical releases and what AMC believes it should be is troubling. And, as the report notes, dropping that window to just over two weeks would indeed be a significant hit to movie theaters.
Holding the Line: Why AMC and Circuits Are Panicking
Although movie theaters had previously taken a hit from streaming services releasing their own movies, this outcome would be on an entirely different scale. It's worth noting that Netflix will have contracts with filmmakers if and when the deal with Warner Bros. goes through, but it's unclear what that deal could look like.
There are several ways this could all play out following Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. However, if the outcome is anywhere close to a 17-day window, it puts cinemas in an extremely tough spot. Theaters need to generate the positives that come from strong box office runs. At the same time, Netflix, as a streaming service, relies on the immediate gratification and "newness" that go with it.
In a worst-case scenario for theaters, the ripple effect could extend beyond Netflix/Warner Bros., with other studios eventually following suit. That's far from the most likely outcome, but the hypothetical result would drastically change and potentially end the modern movie theater experience that so many people grew up with.
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