Hollywood Braces For War As Insiders Say Trump Could ‘Stop’ Netflix–WBD Deal (Exclusive)

Although Netflix is currently in exclusive negotiations and appears to be leading the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets, sources tell me the agreement isn’t guaranteed yet.

There’s growing talk in Hollywood that influential figures are planning a strong response, and the Trump administration could inadvertently be what stops it all together.

Hollywood Creatives Reportedly Rallying Against Netflix Deal

Sources tell me there’s strong opposition among established players in the entertainment industry to Netflix potentially acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. The main concern is that Netflix would devalue movie theaters, reduce the size of the studio, and diminish well-known brands.

Okay, so I’m hearing some interesting buzz from people in the industry. Apparently, there’s a growing feeling that some big names in Hollywood might actually start publicly supporting the Trump administration – and it’s all to try and stop the Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. I’ve even heard whispers that some A-list directors have already been secretly contacting Congress, urging them to block the deal. It’s a pretty wild situation, honestly.

According to sources familiar with the situation, this is only the first step in a larger process, and there’s significant opposition to the deal within Hollywood. Some even believe Donald Trump could be seen as a positive figure for preventing the merger from happening.

Everyone inside is feeling anxious and on edge, and they seem prepared for conflict.

Zack Snyder Still Holds an Edge

Sources say Zack Snyder is in a special position regarding the future of his DC films. They point to Joe Manganiello publicly suggesting a sale to Netflix as evidence that Snyder and his team are looking for ways to continue the series.

Netflix is always looking for new shows and movies. Because they don’t have to follow traditional release schedules, they’d likely invest heavily in projects like Zack Snyder completing his vision, or even making a movie based on the classic comic book The Dark Knight Returns.

I’m also hearing a really interesting possibility: if DC starts letting other companies use its characters, Netflix might back a crossover event featuring heroes from both DC and Marvel, potentially directed by the Russo brothers and Zack Snyder. This is the kind of idea a major studio would usually reject.

Fear Netflix Will Downsize DC Comics and Restructure the Studios

Inside DC, the insiders say there’s real concern about what Netflix ownership means:

Netflix has no interest in maintaining a publishing division
DC Comics could be shrunk or stripped to IP management
The studio would shift toward one-off films and Netflix-style franchises
Other studios could license DC characters if Netflix embraces an open model

That creates chaos, but also opportunity for filmmakers like Snyder.

Only De Luca and Abdy Likely Survive a Netflix Takeover

Netflix operates with a surprisingly flat structure. Sources tell me there aren’t separate division heads; instead, everyone reports to a central team led by Dan Lin and his key leaders, who make all the major decisions.

The insiders say Netflix would want:

Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy running WB Films
All film and TV fully consolidated
No meaningful power center for DC, which means limited authority for James Gunn and Peter Safran

One insider puts it bluntly: “This would force Gunn and Safran out.”

Gunn May Use Netflix as His Exit

In the insider’s own opinion — not sourced info — Gunn may choose to walk away.

According to a source, Gunn could leave his current position, potentially claiming Netflix doesn’t offer enough creative freedom. While he may have rushed things, he might stay for another year before using the Netflix situation as a reason to depart.

Nobody Actually Knows What Happens Next

People within Warner Bros. Discovery are feeling very uncertain about the future. Sources say even James Gunn doesn’t know what’s going to happen with the company and its projects.

People are watching to see if government regulators will act, if Donald Trump will get involved, and if the growing criticism from within the entertainment industry can stop or change Netflix’s current plans.

Currently, the future is unclear, and a major conflict within the industry seems likely. It feels like difficult times are ahead.

2025-12-05 10:32