Gunjan Chaudhary
In a shocking turn of event popular OTT platform Netflix has amazed people by its groundbreaking acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. This deal of Netflix has sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood, igniting fierce debate and widespread anxiety among studios, creators, and labor unions. The historic deal which is valued at $82.7 billion was officially confirmed on Friday, instantly becoming one of the largest entertainment mergers in history.
Netflix
Netflix Tookover Warner Bros
Under the agreement, Netflix will take ownership of Warner Bros’ core film and television operations, including powerhouse brands like HBO and HBO Max. However, the company will not acquire the global networks division; instead, those assets including CNN and TNT Sports will be carved out into a newly formed, publicly listed entity named Discovery Global.
Netflix
However, after this move, entire industry response has been swift and mostly everyone is alarmed. An anonymous consortium of top-tier Hollywood producers issued a strongly worded statement, warning that the merger could effectively hold a noose around the theatrical marketplace, potentially undermining the already-fragile cinema ecosystem. A primary concern centers on Netflix’s approach to theatrical releases.
Netflix
While the streaming giant assured stakeholders that it intends to maintain Warner Bros traditional theatrical distribution, many insiders remain skeptical, pointing to Netflix’s long-standing preference for limited theatrical windows in favor of streaming-first strategies. The deal has also triggered an outcry from major entertainment unions, including the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA).
Netflix
In a particularly forceful statement, the WGA cautioned, “The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers… This merger must be blocked.” The unions argue that the consolidation will intensify the power imbalance in Hollywood, giving Netflix unprecedented control over content pipelines, employment practices, and consumer pricing.