Podcast: ‘A Friendly Film Take’ - Why do Paramount and Netflix want to buy Warner Bros?
On the latest episode of Film News Blitz's 'A Friendly Film Take' podcast, Dan Lawrence welcomes the return of friend and fellow cinephile, Rhys Stacey, to discuss what's going on at Warner Bros.
The legendary Hollywood studio has been on a hot streak at the box office, but why are the likes of Paramount and Netflix trying to purchase it?
Dan and Rhys ponder this question and discuss what a sale of Warner Bros. to either party would mean for the film industry.
Warner Bros. is on a hot streak
Warner Bros. has produced a Hollywood first with an unprecedented streak at the U.S. domestic box office.
Not one, not two, but seven releases in succession have gone on to open at over $40 million.
Why is Warner Bros. attractive to buyers?
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav plans to split the company into two by April 2026, with Warner Bros. cinematic, streaming and television property on one side, and the Discovery slate on the other.
Even Warner Bros. alone is a treasure trove, chock-full of glorious IP, including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and DC Studios.
Together with its cable networks and Discovery slate, it’s a media powerhouse.
Who is trying to buy Warner Bros.?
Warner Bros.’ treasure trove is being coveted by two parties: the recently formed Skydance Paramount conglomerate and Netflix.
The former wants the whole cake, the latter is considered to only want the studio and streaming slices.
You can listen to our A Friendly Film Take discussion on the matter below.
