Now that Warner Bros. is officially up for sale, companies like Paramount and Netflix are looking to gobble it up. It’ll be a while before we learn who ends up grabbing the studio, but to make itself a more viable candidate, Netflix is saying it won’t just dump all of WB’s films on streaming.
Per a recent Bloomberg report, sources have alleged the streamer will honor the longtime studio’s contractual agreement of big-screen theatrical releases. WB’s had a pretty strong 2025, all things considered, with the success of films like Superman, Sinners, and Minecraft, a notable hot streak considering concerns early in the year that the studio’s motion picture heads, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, would leave.
While Netflix puts out the occasional movie on the big screen, the streamer’s not a fan of the theater. It only really puts something out if it’s got awards potential (or if you’re Greta Gerwig), and for longtime partners like the Stranger Things creators, the lack of a theatrical run can be what leads to them leaving for more traditional studios. Exactly what it means for Netflix to honor Warner Bros.’ agreements while also possibly keeping some of those movies streaming only is currently up in the air.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
