Netflix will continue releasing Warner Bros. films in cinemas if its proposed takeover of the Hollywood studio goes through, the streaming giant’s chief executive, Ted Sarandos, said Tuesday.
Speaking in Paris, Sarandos said Netflix would preserve Warner Bros.’ traditional film distribution model, including cinema releases, if the acquisition is approved.
“We’re going to continue to operate Warner Bros. studios independently and release the movies traditionally in cinema,” he said at an event in the French capital, acknowledging that his earlier remarks questioning the relevance of theatres had “confused people”.
Sarandos had previously suggested that the cinema experience had been overtaken by the convenience of streaming.
He was interviewed by Maxime Saada, chief executive of French media group Canal+, at a Paris theatre during a presentation of Canal+’s projects for 2026.
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Sarandos noted that Netflix’s experience in film production is relatively recent compared with Warner Bros.’ long history.
“Netflix only began to produce its own programmes a dozen years ago,” he said, adding that “our library only extends back a decade, where Warner Bros. extends back 100 years. So they know a lot about things that we haven’t ever done, like theatrical distribution.”
Earlier this month, Netflix announced it had reached an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to acquire most of the group in a deal valued at $83 billion.
The proposed takeover, however, still faces regulatory scrutiny, and rival media group Paramount Skydance has since submitted a counter-offer reportedly worth $108.4 billion.
If successful, Netflix would gain control of HBO Max, one of the world’s largest streaming platforms, and a vast film catalogue that includes the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises, as well as DC Studios’ superhero titles.
