Movies / News
Netflix Wants To Acquire One Of The Biggest Film Studios
In the coming years, significant changes are expected in the American film industry, particularly with Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros.
Netflix is considering making a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that could fundamentally change the entertainment industry. The streaming giant is thus a new player in the race to take over the iconic film and television company.
The rumors follow closely after the news that Paramount and Skydance have finalized their merger. This combination, led by David Ellison and backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is reportedly already preparing a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery as a whole according to insiders.
In contrast to the expected bid from Paramount Skydance, Netflix would primarily focus on the studio and streaming operations of Warner Bros. Discovery. This includes HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios, and the film catalog.
What further fuels the speculation is that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. head David Zaslav were recently spotted together at the boxing event between Crawford and Álvarez in Las Vegas. This adds to the impression that high-level discussions are taking place.
Although no official bid has been made yet, the acquisition is considered a complex financial undertaking. Warner Bros. Discovery has a market value of about $41 billion, with a debt load of $35 billion. Therefore, Netflix would need to adopt a targeted strategy to acquire the right components.
An acquisition would give Netflix direct access to a range of valuable franchises such as DC, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and more. This would strengthen the platform in its quest to build a library of strong IPs, something it has struggled with so far.
Fans and analysts are concerned about the potential ramifications for theatrical releases. Netflix is known for its preference for direct streaming, which could mean that future Warner Bros. films will appear in theaters less frequently.
The acquisition would also further consolidate the media landscape. Following previous megadeals like Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, this would again lead to fewer major players in Hollywood, potentially resulting in less diversity in studio offerings.
The rumors follow closely after the news that Paramount and Skydance have finalized their merger. This combination, led by David Ellison and backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is reportedly already preparing a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery as a whole according to insiders.
Netflix Focuses On Studio And Streaming Division
In contrast to the expected bid from Paramount Skydance, Netflix would primarily focus on the studio and streaming operations of Warner Bros. Discovery. This includes HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios, and the film catalog.
What further fuels the speculation is that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. head David Zaslav were recently spotted together at the boxing event between Crawford and Álvarez in Las Vegas. This adds to the impression that high-level discussions are taking place.
Financial And Strategic Challenges
Although no official bid has been made yet, the acquisition is considered a complex financial undertaking. Warner Bros. Discovery has a market value of about $41 billion, with a debt load of $35 billion. Therefore, Netflix would need to adopt a targeted strategy to acquire the right components.
Netflix is reportedly considering placing a bid to buy Warner Bros
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 19, 2025
(Source: @DylanByers/@PuckNews) pic.twitter.com/EzJHYZtSwd
An acquisition would give Netflix direct access to a range of valuable franchises such as DC, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and more. This would strengthen the platform in its quest to build a library of strong IPs, something it has struggled with so far.
Impact On Cinema And Streaming Landscape
Fans and analysts are concerned about the potential ramifications for theatrical releases. Netflix is known for its preference for direct streaming, which could mean that future Warner Bros. films will appear in theaters less frequently.
The acquisition would also further consolidate the media landscape. Following previous megadeals like Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, this would again lead to fewer major players in Hollywood, potentially resulting in less diversity in studio offerings.
