According to Variety, a group of prominent film directors has written to Congress, expressing serious concerns that a Netflix takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery could have damaging effects on the industry.
Paramount officially protested Netflix’s attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery on the same day, adding to the growing opposition within the industry to this deal.
Anonymous Filmmakers Warn of “Meltdown” if Netflix Wins
Variety reports that a group of film producers, identifying themselves as “concerned feature film producers,” sent a letter to legislators on both sides of the aisle via email.
The filmmakers explained they didn’t sign the letter because they worried Netflix, as a major purchaser and distributor, might retaliate against them – not because they lacked courage.
A source confirmed to Variety that the group includes multiple A-list filmmakers.
Fears Netflix Would Squeeze Theatrical Releases
The letter highlights three key worries, with the main one being Netflix’s potential to severely harm movie theaters. Filmmakers are concerned that Netflix could become powerful enough to release Warner Bros. films on its streaming service around the same time as—or instead of—in theaters, potentially favoring a combined Netflix and HBO Max release strategy.
According to Variety, some in the industry worry Netflix might shorten the time movies play exclusively in theaters to just two weeks. While one source disputed that timeframe, filmmakers are concerned that Netflix could severely damage movie theaters and the way films are distributed after their theatrical release, ultimately reducing revenue for everyone involved.
Both Paramount and Comcast are major players in movie distribution. Paramount has promised that if it buys Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), Warner Bros. will continue operating as its own studio and release at least 14 movies in theaters each year.
Netflix’s Track Record Cited as Red Flag
The letter points to several previous statements made by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, where he emphasized that movie theaters aren’t a key part of how Netflix operates. For example, he said in 2023, “Getting people to go to theaters isn’t our focus.”
Filmmakers Urge Congress to Act
The group is calling on Congress to strongly reject the deal and thoroughly investigate it for potential antitrust violations, arguing that millions of jobs and the future of movie theaters could be threatened.
This increasing opposition strengthens Paramount’s claim that Netflix would likely face problems getting approved by regulators, making the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery even more intense.
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2025-12-05 04:01