Former President Trump recently voiced concerns regarding a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix, focusing on the resulting concentration of power within the entertainment industry. He stated plainly, “They have a very big market share, and when they have Warner Bros, that share goes up a lot.”
Trump indicated he would personally be involved in any governmental review of the proposed deal, acknowledging the significant implications for the media landscape. Despite praising Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos as a “fantastic man” and acknowledging the company’s success, he emphasized the need for careful consideration.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s current president and CEO, David Zaslav, framed the potential merger as a union of “two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world,” promising continued access to beloved narratives for generations to come.
However, the Writers Guild of America West and East have strongly opposed the deal, issuing a joint statement urging regulators to intervene. They fear the consolidation will lead to job losses, suppressed wages, and deteriorating working conditions for writers and other entertainment professionals.
Netflix already boasts a formidable catalog of hit series, including “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Bridgerton,” captivating audiences worldwide. Adding Warner Bros.’ extensive library would create an unprecedented entertainment empire.
The Warner Bros. portfolio is equally impressive, encompassing iconic franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, and the timeless classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” This includes ownership of Adult Swim, Beetlejuice, and Casablanca.
Beyond films, the acquisition would bring HBO and HBO Max – home to critically acclaimed series like “Game of Thrones,” “The Last of Us,” and “Succession” – under the Netflix umbrella. This represents a massive shift in control of premium television content.
The deal’s progression hinges on Warner Bros Discovery completing a planned spin-off of its cable channels, including CNN, TBS, and TNT Sports. This restructuring is a key step towards facilitating the potential merger with Netflix.
The combined entity would also control significant gaming assets through WB Games, encompassing studios like TT Games, Netherrealm, and Rocksteady, further solidifying its dominance across multiple entertainment sectors.
Properties like “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Matrix,” and “Rick and Morty” would also fall under Netflix’s control, creating a powerhouse of popular culture touchstones.
The potential acquisition raises fundamental questions about competition, creative control, and the future of entertainment, sparking debate among industry leaders and creative professionals alike.
