Netflix wins the bidding war for Warner Bros and HBO iMax n a US$83 billion agreement that will make Netflix an even bigger streaming giant if it closes.
Our mission has always been to entertain the world. By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling — Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix in statement.
A deal would bring these legendary properties under Netflix.
Warmer Brothers library:
The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, DC (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Joker) Barbie,, Dune, Monsterverse (Godzilla, King Kong), The Conjuring, Final Destination, IT, Minecraft.
ER, Friends, the Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Gilmore Girls, Supernatural.
HBO library.:
The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Game of Thrones, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, White Lotus, The Last of Us, The Penguin, The Pitt, IT: Welcome to Derry.
But a deal will need approval from the highly partisan Trump administration. That could mean paying a “Trump tax”, according to some.
What is the reaction from Hollywood insiders?
Many are concerned that this deal will spell the end of theatrical releases as Netflix famously doesn’t see the value of putting its movies in theatres.
A group of feature film producers expressed “grave concerns” about Netflix buying the famed Warner Brothers Studio in a letter sent to Congress — arguing that “Netflix views any time spent watching a movie in a theater as time not spent on their platform. They have no incentive to support theatrical exhibition, and they have every incentive to kill it.”
The same anonymous group of producers warned that Netflix would have “monopolistic control” of the global streaming business if the deal goes through.
Who were the other bidders?
Paramount, now owned by the Trump-friendly Ellisons (David and his father Larry), bid on the entire Warner Bros Discovery company including the cable networks.
Comcast, owned by the Roberts family, bid on the Warner Brothers studios and HBO Max.