Netflix is Buying the Iconic Studio Warner Bros – What Happens Next?

by Alex Billington
December 5, 2025
Source: Netflix

Major news in the movie business announced today. Warner Bros has accepted an offer from Netflix to be sold to the streaming service tech company. Even though this is shaking up the industry and everyone is writing “end times” diatribes, we don’t really know anything yet. The ink has barely begun to dry. And, well, technically the US government could come in and stop the deal before it finalizes. Who knows what will happen? Netflix has officially announced the news via a press release this morning. “Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” states David Zaslav, Pres. & CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. “For more than a century, Warner Bros has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s attention, and shaped our culture. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.” What worries most of us – will Netflix allow them to keep releasing films in theaters, and will they allow them to keep making movies meant for theaters: shot on film, projected on film (like both Sinners and One Battle After Another this year)? I hope so. We all hope so.

FirstShowing has been supporting the theatrical experience ever since we launched the site back in 2006. It has always been the goal to make sure going out to the movie theater remains a beloved and celebrated experience for movie lovers all over the world. This news about Netflix buying Warner Bros makes me very nervous, but I can’t say for sure what will happen next. I’m hoping for the best, or at least nothing bad. I’m hoping they don’t screw things up big time. Warner Bros just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 a few years ago – they had a big celebration with screenings & events & more. Founded in 1923 by four brothers, Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner, the company quickly established itself as a leader in the American film industry for decades. The company’s name originated from the founding Warner brothers (originally born Wonsal, Woron and Wonskolaser before Anglicization): Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. During the transition from silent to talkies, WB was actually the studio that decided to release The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson in 1927, known as the iconic movie that forever changed Hollywood, ending the silent era once and for all. Most importantly – I hope Netflix is willing to maintain this legacy and hold onto their archives, their studio lot in Burbank, and everything else that still makes this Hollywood studio iconic today.

What do I make of this? Well, it could’ve been worse with some truly evil person taking control. I would’ve rather they got rid of Zaslav and not sold it to anyone. Netflix’s announcement does contain a few important claims: “Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros. current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.” They also add this: “This acquisition will enhance Netflix’s studio capabilities, allowing the Company to significantly expand U.S. production capacity and continue to grow investment in original content over the long term which will create jobs and strengthen the entertainment industry.” But that all just sounds like PR mumbo jumbo meant to make everyone think “oh okay, this sounds good.” But will they hold to these promises? I’ve already been critical of Netflix for years – in 2024 I wrote a scathing article titled Hey Filmmakers – Stop Selling Your Audience Favorite Films to Netflix because they just don’t allow films to thrive in theaters. I hope this acquisition pushes Netflix to create a better symbiosis between theatrical viewing and streaming and home entertainment. Only time will tell how it all shapes up. For now, well, there’s not much we can do except hold on & batten down the hatches. But there will always be movies.

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