Warner Bros. Discovery Has Agreed to Merge With Netflix in $72 Billion Deal Amid Antitrust Pressure
In a shocking move, Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to merge its film studio and HBO Max streaming service with Netflix in a deal worth an astonishing $72 billion. The acquisition is set to send shockwaves through Hollywood as the combined entity will have more than 300 million paid subscribers.
The deal was announced today (Dec. 5) after months of intense bidding war, during which several rival media giants, including Comcast and Paramount, pursued WBD's studio and streaming businesses. Netflix ultimately emerged victorious, outbidding its competitors with a massive offer that is expected to be finalized in the next 12-18 months.
The merger has raised significant concerns about antitrust, with some politicians already voicing their opposition to the deal. U.S. Senator Mike Lee described the acquisition as "raising serious competition questions" and warned that it could "entrench and extend global dominance in a matter not allowed by domestic or foreign competition laws." The Trump administration is also viewing the transaction with skepticism.
The proposed merger will bring several highly acclaimed HBO shows, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The White Lotus, to Netflix. WBD's studio and television and film archives, which include beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, and DC Universe, will also become part of the deal.
However, there are concerns about how WBD's theatrical business will fare under Netflix's ownership. While Netflix has historically prioritized streaming, the company has stated its intention to maintain WMD's theatrical slate. Industry experts have warned that this could lead to a decline in the number of films released theatrically and a loss of jobs in the film industry.
Cinema United, a trade association representing movie theater owners, has expressed strong opposition to the deal, warning that it will lead to the closure of 25% of the annual domestic box office and result in job losses. The organization accused Netflix of "emerging victorious" after a "heated bidding war" with rival companies.
As the deal moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by regulators and whether it will ultimately be approved. If successful, the merger would mark a significant shift in the entertainment industry landscape, cementing Netflix's dominance as the world's largest media conglomerate.
In a shocking move, Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to merge its film studio and HBO Max streaming service with Netflix in a deal worth an astonishing $72 billion. The acquisition is set to send shockwaves through Hollywood as the combined entity will have more than 300 million paid subscribers.
The deal was announced today (Dec. 5) after months of intense bidding war, during which several rival media giants, including Comcast and Paramount, pursued WBD's studio and streaming businesses. Netflix ultimately emerged victorious, outbidding its competitors with a massive offer that is expected to be finalized in the next 12-18 months.
The merger has raised significant concerns about antitrust, with some politicians already voicing their opposition to the deal. U.S. Senator Mike Lee described the acquisition as "raising serious competition questions" and warned that it could "entrench and extend global dominance in a matter not allowed by domestic or foreign competition laws." The Trump administration is also viewing the transaction with skepticism.
The proposed merger will bring several highly acclaimed HBO shows, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The White Lotus, to Netflix. WBD's studio and television and film archives, which include beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, and DC Universe, will also become part of the deal.
However, there are concerns about how WBD's theatrical business will fare under Netflix's ownership. While Netflix has historically prioritized streaming, the company has stated its intention to maintain WMD's theatrical slate. Industry experts have warned that this could lead to a decline in the number of films released theatrically and a loss of jobs in the film industry.
Cinema United, a trade association representing movie theater owners, has expressed strong opposition to the deal, warning that it will lead to the closure of 25% of the annual domestic box office and result in job losses. The organization accused Netflix of "emerging victorious" after a "heated bidding war" with rival companies.
As the deal moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by regulators and whether it will ultimately be approved. If successful, the merger would mark a significant shift in the entertainment industry landscape, cementing Netflix's dominance as the world's largest media conglomerate.
I'm not sure what to make of this massive $72 billion deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix... it's like they're playing with fire here 
. With all these iconic shows coming to Netflix, it's gonna be a wild ride for the streaming giant... but will it lead to a decline in theatrical films? 
I'm worried about the impact on the film industry jobs and smaller theaters 
. And what about the competition concerns? 
Will regulators give them the green light or say no way, no deal? 
Only time'll tell...
just can't believe wbd is selling out to netflix!!! $72 billion is insane 
and now they're gonna merge their studio with netflix? it's like a nightmare come true for cinema lovers 
my only concern is how this'll affect the film industry 
. I mean, we already know Netflix has been crushing it in the streaming game, but now they're basically taking over Hollywood too 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out, especially with some politicians already speaking out against it 
. But you know what? If anyone can make it work, it's probably Netflix 
. They're like the ultimate disruptors in the entertainment industry 
. And who knows, maybe we'll finally get to see some decent movies on Netflix 
. But for real though, this merger is a game-changer and it's gonna be huge 
.
and now we're worried about antitrust issues? what if it does lead to a decline in theatrics? 
cinema united is spot on tho... 25% of box office closures is no joke 
. It does feel like a huge concentration of power in one company's hands.
. But hey, maybe Netflix can prove me wrong and make it work? Stranger things have happened 
.
i'm all for progress but I gotta wonder if this is good for consumers or just bigger corps getting richer 
It's a dream come true for binge-watching fans everywhere. But, at what cost? 
i just hope they can make it work & not mess up netflix's streaming game 
what do u think?? 
. I'm not worried about antitrust issues, either - it's all about progress, right? 
. It's time to adapt and evolve!
, you know? So when I heard about this massive merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix for $72 billion 
Maybe Netflix can make it work with a mix of streaming and theatrics? Only time will tell 
!
. But, I'm a bit concerned about the future of WBD's theatrical business under Netflix's ownership 
! 