Netflix’s Plan Against Warner Bros. Revealed
The massive acquisition process between Netflix and Warner Bros. has sparked a new debate in the film world. According to recent claims, Netflix wants to keep Warner Bros. films in theaters for a much shorter runtime, an approach that has seriously alarmed both studios and theater chains in Hollywood.
Netflix’s 17-Day Theater Plan for Warner Bros. Films
According to Deadline, if the acquisition goes through, Netflix is advocating for a mere 17-day theater run for Warner Bros. films. This is significantly shorter than the traditional 45-day run that has been accepted in the industry for many years. Large theater chains, particularly AMC, argue that this timeframe should be maintained, while Netflix is prioritizing a more “user-friendly” and faster digital access model. This is seen as a scenario that directly threatens the revenue model of movie theaters.
Although this 17-day window hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, claims that Netflix is pushing for it have created significant unrest in Hollywood. It’s being discussed that a potential deal could see the timeframe fall somewhere between 17 and 45 days. However, it’s clear that Netflix’s priority is to increase its subscription value by bringing films to its platform as quickly as possible.
If this approach is implemented, major Warner Bros. projects like James Gunn’s new DC film Man of Tomorrow, The Batman: Part 2, and The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be directly affected. How directors and creative teams will react to their films appearing on Netflix in just two or three weeks is already a subject of debate. The removal of large-budget productions made for theatrical release from theaters in such a short time is seen as a significant loss of value in creative circles.
On the other hand, the $82.7 billion Netflix–Warner Bros. deal is drawing criticism not only from within the industry but also from politics. While there are concerns that the agreement could face antitrust scrutiny in the US for potentially reducing competition, some subscribers have already taken legal action. Netflix, however, is currently stating that “nothing is changing for today” and expects the process to be completed within 12-18 months.
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