Netflix CEO Commits To Keeping Movies on the Big Screen

In an interview with the New York Times, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has confirmed that Netflix is committed to releasing future Warner Bros. releases in theaters if the widely discussed acquisition goes ahead.

Conversations about Netflix's takeover of WB Discovery began in October 2025, though it wasn't the only studio willing to bid high for the Hollywood giant. Paramount and Comcast both put in sizeable offers, but Netflix ultimately won the bidding war with a proposed $83 billion acquisition of WB's streaming and studios division.

Since then, Sarandos has faced major scrutiny from the industry for his seemingly apathetic attitudes towards the cinematic experience. Netflix's stock has fallen drastically since the bidding war ended, and Paramount even submitted a hostile takeover bid to prevent the streamer from acquiring WB.

Sarandos caused particular disconcern within the cinema industry back in December 2025 when he claimed that "over time the [theatrical] windows will evolve to become more consumer-friendly" — leaving many concerned that he planned to cut down the amount of time that WB movies would be in theaters.

However, it seems like that's no longer the case. Speaking with the NYT, Sarandos has confirmed that Netflix has no intention to change WB's release model, and that he's willing to commit to a 45-day theatrical release window.

"If we're going to be in the theatrical business, and we are, we're competitive people — we want to win. I want to win opening weekend. I want to win box office," Sarandos expressed.

The CEO admitted that Warner Bros. already has a "healthy, profitable" business model, and Netflix doesn't want to ruin that by cutting down the amount of days that movies will be shown in theaters.

Crucially, Netflix's deal with Warner Bros. isn't official yet. While Paramount is waging its hostile takeover bid, the studio has also threatened to launch a proxy war against Netflix in order to install its own directors on WB's board who are loyal to the idea of a Paramount acquisition. This has essentially halted the bidding war until Netflix, WB, and Paramount can come to an agreement.

"There are two outcomes of this deal," Sarandos claims, "and [Netflix] has a signed deal done."