Netflix Buying WBD Would Be ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ for DC Says Insider

There’s been talk that Netflix might buy Warner Bros. Discovery, but people are starting to worry about how that could affect movie theaters, particularly when it comes to DC films.

A theater chain executive told The Wrap that Netflix taking over Warner Bros. would be a disastrous outcome.

The worry is that Netflix could start releasing big franchises like DC, and popular horror movies from New Line, straight to streaming instead of in cinemas.

The intense competition to buy Warner Bros. Discovery is making people think about what will happen to the iconic studio. One theater executive told TheWrap that Netflix acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery would be the most concerning outcome, as it could mean that movies from franchises like DC and New Line Horror would go straight to streaming instead of being shown in theaters.

Industry Pushback

The report points out that Netflix is testing out movie theater releases, such as with KPop Demon Hunters through AMC, but it’s unclear if they plan to consistently use theaters in the future.

Warner Bros. has seen recent success in theaters with films like Weapons and Sinners, showing people still enjoy going to the cinema. Plus, Netflix’s KPop also performed very well, demonstrating strong audience interest in entertainment overall.

The Bigger Picture

Paramount Skydance and Comcast are still in the mix to buy Warner Bros. Discovery.

So, from what I’m hearing, Comcast and Netflix aren’t interested in buying all of Warner Bros. Discovery. They’re really just after HBO Max and the Warner Bros. studio itself – that’s where their offers seem to be focused.

Everyone in the movie business – from theater owners to studio executives – is watching closely to see who will take over DC films and how they’ll be released. Will these movies play in theaters, or will they go straight to streaming?

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2025-11-29 10:01