Earlier this week Netflix rocked the media world when it announced its acquisition of Warner Bros, including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO, for nearly $83 billion.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, said in a statement this week. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
Not long after the polarizing move, Sarandos’ previous comment about the movie theater industry and global box office struggles resurfaced. In an April conversation with Variety, Sarandos offered revealed the brutal truth facing Hollywood.
“What does that say? What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they’d like to watchmovies at home, thank you. The studios and the theaters are duking it out over trying to preserve this 45-day window that is completely out of step with the consumer experience of just loving a movie,” he shared.
Sarandos admitted Netflix’s “bespoke releases” where some films hit theaters for a brief time are just to satisfy awards requirements.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos previously said that people want to “watch movies at home” rather than in theaters.
“What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they’d like to watch movies at home, thank you. The studios and the theaters are duking it out over trying to preserve… pic.twitter.com/QygIinFR6v
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 5, 2025
“We have these bespoke releases … we have to do some qualification for the Oscars,” Sarandos said. “They have to run for a little bit, it helps with the press cycle a little bit. But I’ve tried to encourage every director we work with to focus on the consumer, focus on the fans. Make a movie that they love, and they will reward you.”
Netflix’s deal with Warner Bros is facing mounting pressure as major names like director Christopher Nolan attempt to weigh in.
Related: Netflix Is Buying HBO Max — What That Means for Fans
