Netflix Pledges Theatrical Releases for Warner Bros. Films if Acquisition Closes

Overview

• Ted Sarandos made the commitment in Paris at a Canal+ showcase, saying Warner Bros. titles would keep traditional cinema windows and then flow through Canal+’s output deal.
• Sarandos said Netflix avoided traditional theatrical releases in the past because it lacked a distribution mechanism and monetized films via subscriptions.
• He emphasized that Warner Bros. would operate independently under Netflix ownership, with a continued focus on releasing movies in theaters.
• The proposed acquisition faces regulatory reviews in the U.S. and Europe, and France’s 15‑month streaming window adds local complexity for distribution.
• French exhibitors have urged close antitrust scrutiny, and Deadline reported that Warner is expected to rebuff a hostile takeover bid from Paramount.