Netflix to ‘Shrink’ DC Comics? Insiders Fear the Worst (Exclusive)

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With Netflix beginning exclusive negotiations to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, people familiar with DC Comics are starting to worry about what that might mean for the future of the franchise.

I’m hearing some worrying things from folks connected to the studio. It sounds like Netflix might not be all that interested in keeping DC Comics as a traditional publisher, and a big cutback could be coming. It’s a real concern for those of us who love seeing these stories told and collected in comic form.

Concern Netflix Doesn’t Need a Publishing Arm

According to sources in Washington, Netflix doesn’t depend on comic book publishing for its success. The company primarily concentrates on its streaming service, developing its own popular series and movies, and creating a large amount of content.

The current organizational setup doesn’t allow for a strong comics division, and people familiar with the company are concerned that DC Comics might be scaled down to simply overseeing its existing characters and properties.

The fear is that the long-running monthly publishing line becomes the first casualty of the merger.

One-Off Films and Netflix-Style Franchises

Within Netflix, there’s discussion about moving away from complex, ongoing storylines. The company is reportedly planning to prioritize standalone films, projects led by individual directors, and franchises created specifically for streaming worldwide.

Those hoping Netflix will build a consistent, interconnected cinematic universe might be disappointed. Reports suggest the company is primarily focused on attracting viewers, rather than long-term universe building.

DC Characters Potentially Licensed to Other Studios

The biggest surprise within DC Comics is the possibility of Netflix letting other studios use its characters. This would be a major departure from how things have been done for decades.

According to sources familiar with the company, Netflix might find it more beneficial to license its characters to other studios rather than attempting to consistently produce large-scale, expensive hit movies themselves.

If this change occurs, movie studios throughout Hollywood would be able to propose their own ideas for Batman, Superman, or Justice League films – something they haven’t been able to do before when one studio controlled these characters.

A Radical Future for DC

People inside the DC circle describe the mood as uncertain and anxious.

As a huge DC fan, I’m honestly a little nervous about what Netflix taking the reins could mean. It’s not just about who’s in charge or what stories they tell next. It feels like the whole way DC makes and delivers its movies and shows could change completely, and that’s a pretty big deal. Netflix’s approach is so different – streamlined and focused on streaming – and it could really shake things up from the very foundation of DC.

I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter within the industry, and it’s starting to become clear just how much of a shake-up a Netflix acquisition could cause for DC. It’s all still behind the scenes right now, but the potential impact is huge.

Our insiders have also said that Hollywood is bracing for war and is against the Netflix-WBD deal.

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2025-12-05 11:01