Ted Sarandos has cleared the air surrounding Netflix’s plans for Warner Bros.’ theatrical output should the merger move forward. There has been considerable speculation about a shortened theatrical window, with one report even alleging that the streamer was considering a 17-day release window. Sarando, however, has clarified that the streamer will largely adhere to the traditional 45-day theatrical window. He said in the New York Times,
When this deal closes, we will own a theatrical distribution engine that is phenomenal and produces billions of dollars of theatrical revenue that we don’t want to put at risk. We will run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows. I’m giving you a hard number. If we’re going to be in the theatrical business, and we are, we’re competitive people — we want to win. I want to win opening weekend. I want to win box office.
Considering the streamer has been warming upto the prospect of theatrical runs in recent years, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Netflix leverage WB’s already established theatrical distribution structure for future releases.
2025 Proves Netflix Shouldn’t Abandon Traditional Release Windows
2025 was a major win for Warner Bros, not only in terms of franchise outings but also original releases. Releases like Sinners, Superman, F1 and A Minecraft Story were not only huge hits, especially domestically, but they were also major pop-culture touchstones of the year.
And it’s safe to say these releases wouldn’t have reached the same level of cultural heights if it weren’t for the theatrical experience. WB’s 2025 was an immaculate mixture of prestige releases, IP-driven movies, and original outings, contributing to a historic year for the studio, which saw it deliver seven consecutive $40M-plus openers at the domestic box office.
With WB largely sticking to a healthy mixture of IP-driven releases and original prestige outings for the future, there’s no reason to rob them of their theatrical potential, which will only diminish their cultural impact.
Netflix Reportedly Seeks to Fast-Track Warner Bros. Acquisition Bid
Although Netflix sticking to traditional release windows would be the best-case outcome, Paramount Skydance, despite setbacks, is still pushing for a hostile takeover, and even sued WBD and David Zaslav over rejections (via CNBC).
Netflix eyes to fast-track merger | Credit: Warner Bros.
Bloomberg now reports that Netflix is considering changes to its existing deal in an effort to fast-track the shareholder vote, which had previously been expected to take place in late spring or early summer. The streamer is reportedly weighing a shift to an all-cash offer, valued at approximately $72 billion in equity and $82.7 billion in enterprise value, or $27.75 per share, which could accelerate the vote to as early as late February or March.
Given Paramount Skydance’s aggressive approach, seemingly aimed at keeping the situation volatile, it’s easy to see why Netflix is moving fast to secure shareholder approval and close its acquisition of the media giant.
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