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Netflix’s 17-Day Theater Plan Sets Up Clash With Cinemas as Warner Bros. Purchase Proceeds

The push comes as Netflix seeks to buy Warner Bros. for about $83 billion.

Overview

  • Industry reporting says Netflix has internally advocated a 17-day exclusive theatrical window for Warner Bros. releases, a move not yet finalized.
  • Exhibitor groups, including Cinema United, call the proposal an existential threat and point to long-favored windows near 45 days at chains such as AMC.
  • Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos reiterates a pledge to release Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows while criticizing long exclusivity as not consumer friendly.
  • A two-day Stranger Things theatrical event using concession-voucher seat reservations generated roughly $25–30 million, including about $15 million at AMC, highlighting an alternative revenue model.
  • The proposed Warner Bros. acquisition, valued around $82.7–$83 billion, still faces required asset spinoffs and antitrust reviews, leaving window policy under negotiation.