Netflix’s Rumored Controversial Plan Gives Warner Bros Movies Too Few Days in Theaters

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Movie theater owners are voicing concerns about how long Netflix intends to show Warner Bros. films in theaters. With Netflix nearing the completion of its purchase of Warner Bros., theater companies want a firm promise that movies will still have a traditional cinema run.

Many fear Netflix could drastically shorten the time films spend on the big screen.

The company recently showed the final episodes of “Stranger Things” in movie theaters, which some believe is a trial to see how audiences react and an effort to improve their relationship with cinema owners.

I recently heard from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos about their plans for releasing movies in cinemas, and honestly, he was a little vague. He addressed all the chatter about theatrical releases, saying they’re fully committed to showing Warner Bros. films in theaters with the typical amount of time they’re shown exclusively in cinemas – what the industry considers standard. It’s reassuring to hear, but it doesn’t really tell us how long that window will be. He didn’t commit to any specific timeframe, which left me wanting more.

However, many in Hollywood are doubtful about Netflix’s approach. According to sources who know about their plans, Netflix might only show films in theaters for 17 days after buying them from Warner Bros. This is much less than the around 45 days that large theater chains, like AMC, usually require.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been hearing concerns that shortening the time movies are in theaters could really hurt the cinema experience we all love. Some people worry it might also lessen the big cultural moments that come with a massive blockbuster release – you know, when everyone’s talking about the same film!

Sarandos has often dismissed traditional movie theater releases as outdated, believing that streaming films can provide a viewing experience just as powerful as going to a cinema.

He argued that releasing movies in theaters with large budgets isn’t as effective as streaming them. This is widely seen as a move to encourage more people to watch films on Netflix and similar platforms.

The situation has created friction between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, David Zaslav, who could profit from the deal. Some people familiar with the companies believe Zaslav’s emphasis on making money is already harming the traditional movie theater experience.

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2026-01-02 20:44