In a significant move for the global entertainment industry, Netflix's top executive has made a firm commitment regarding the future of a major Hollywood studio's films. The streaming giant's Chief Executive Officer, Ted Sarandos, has promised that Warner Bros. movies will continue to have a traditional cinematic release if Netflix's proposed takeover is successful.
A Strategic Shift in Stance
Sarandos made these remarks during an interview on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Paris, France. He was speaking at an event in the French capital, interviewed by Maxime Saada, the head of the Canal+ media group. The event was held in a Paris theatre showcasing Canal+'s projects for 2026.
The Netflix boss stated, "We're going to continue to operate Warner Bros. studios independently and release the movies traditionally in cinema." This declaration marks a notable shift from his previous public comments, which he admitted "now confuse people." In the past, Sarandos had suggested that the cinema experience was becoming outdated, overshadowed by the convenience of streaming platforms like his own.
Respecting a Century of Legacy
Sarandos explained the rationale behind this strategic pivot by highlighting the vast experience gap between the two companies. He pointed out that Netflix only began producing its own original programming about twelve years ago. "Our library only extends back a decade, where Warner Bros. extends back 100 years," he said. "So they know a lot about things that we haven't ever done, like theatrical distribution."
This acknowledgment underscores Netflix's intention to leverage Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) deep industry knowledge, rather than dismantle its established business models. The potential acquisition, announced in early December, would see Netflix pay a staggering $83 billion to acquire most of the Warner Bros. Discovery group.
Regulatory Hurdles and a Rival Bid
However, the path to this mega-deal is not without obstacles. Significant doubts remain about whether competition regulators in various jurisdictions will grant approval for such a consolidation of media power. Adding to the complexity, a rival offer has emerged.
The television and film conglomerate Paramount Skydance has presented a counter-offer valued at an even higher $108.4 billion, setting the stage for a potential bidding war for the storied studio.
If Netflix ultimately prevails, the prize would be immense. The streaming service would acquire:
- HBO Max, one of the world's largest and most prestigious media platforms.
- A legendary movie catalogue featuring iconic franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
- The rights to the vast universe of DC Studios superheroes, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
For audiences in Nigeria and across Africa, this deal could significantly alter the content landscape on streaming platforms, bringing a century of Hollywood history under the same roof as Netflix's innovative production model. The assurance of continued cinema releases also offers reassurance to the theatrical exhibition sector, which remains a popular entertainment destination in major Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja.
