Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion has raised significant concerns in Hollywood, particularly regarding the future of theatrical releases. While the streaming giant has expressed willingness to maintain industry-standard theatrical windows, insider reports suggest a much shorter timeframe than traditional exhibitors would prefer.
According to sources cited by Deadline, Netflix is pushing for a 17-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films, while major theater chains like AMC are advocating for a 45-day period. This substantial gap reflects the ongoing tension between streaming services and traditional cinema distribution models.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has previously stated that the company would release Warner Bros. films in theaters according to standard industry timeframes. However, the actual commitment remains unclear, and the reported 17-day window would be significantly shorter than the traditional 45-90 day periods that theaters have come to expect.
The deal, which could close in the third quarter of this year, would make Netflix the owner of a vast intellectual property portfolio, enabling the platform to produce films and series based on Warner Bros.’ extensive library. The acquisition still faces serious antitrust scrutiny, and the final terms regarding theatrical distribution will only be confirmed once the deal progresses further.
The potential 17-day window represents a compromise that would allow Netflix to maintain its streaming-first strategy while still providing some theatrical presence for major releases. However, theater chains argue that such a short window undermines their business model and could further accelerate the shift away from traditional cinema attendance.