Netflix has secured the deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the largest traditional movie and television studios, for $72 billion plus debt. The acquisition would give Netflix control over valuable intellectual property like Batman, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. However, the deal still faces intense regulatory review in the US and other countries.
The news has jolted Hollywood, with Warner Bros. Discovery announcing plans to split into two publicly traded halves in 2026. Once the split takes effect, Netflix intends to acquire the Warner half. Paramount and Comcast are also known to have submitted offers for WBD, but their pursuit of the company may not end after this deal.
The acquisition has sparked concerns about antitrust regulations, with some politicians expressing alarm over potential consolidation. Netflix’s stock fell more than 2% in early trading, while Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock gained 2%.
Industry experts have weighed in on the deal, with some hailing it as a strategic move to boost the streaming giant’s offerings and others expressing doubts about its impact on the entertainment industry.
The acquisition would give Netflix control over Warner Bros.’ vast library of content, including movies and TV shows. However, there are concerns that this could lead to a shift away from theatrical releases, which have been crucial for many studios.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/05/media/netflix-deal-warner-bros