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Netflix Pledges 45-Day Theater Window for Warner Bros. Films if Acquisition Closes

The pledge follows a review that Sarandos says showed Warner Bros.’ theatrical business is stronger than Netflix had modeled.

Overview

  • Ted Sarandos told the New York Times that Warner Bros. releases would retain a 45-day theatrical exclusivity and called it a “hard number.”
  • He said due diligence revealed the studio’s box-office economics are healthier than Netflix previously assumed, reinforcing plans to keep a robust theatrical strategy.
  • Exhibitor groups have pressed Congress to scrutinize the deal after reports suggested Netflix had considered a 17-day window, which theaters warned would be harmful.
  • The proposed roughly $82.7–$83 billion purchase remains contested as Paramount Skydance pursues a hostile bid and prepares a proxy fight for WBD’s board.
  • Bloomberg reported that Netflix is weighing changes to its offer, including an all-cash option, to accelerate a shareholder vote potentially to late February or March.