Netflix, as a part of its provide to amass Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming biz, has pledged to proceed releasing WB’s motion pictures in theaters.
That’s based on a report by Bloomberg, which cited nameless sources as saying Netflix would honor Warner Bros.’ “contractual agreements” to launch motion pictures in theaters. Reps for WBD and Netflix didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark Thursday.
Warner Bros. Discovery‘s board is within the technique of evaluating in-bound acquisition gives, with preliminary bids due Nov. 20. The media conglomerate stated it can contemplate proposals wherein the Warner Bros. entity (HBO Max and studios) is bought individually from Discovery World, the TV-centric firm. The bidders embrace David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance (which desires to amass your complete firm) and Netflix and Comcast (that are anticipated to make bids for Warner Bros. with out the linear TV networks).
Netflix, for essentially the most half, has shunned releasing its personal motion pictures in theaters, with exceptions for awards-qualifying theatrical runs. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has known as the theatrical moviegoing expertise “an outdated idea.” At a Time journal convention in April, Sarandos stated, “Of us grew up considering, ‘I wish to make motion pictures on a huge display screen and have strangers watch them [and to have them] play within the theater for 2 months and folks cry and sold-out reveals … It’s an outdated idea.”
Extra lately, Netflix has opportunistic about bringing a few of its hottest originals to theaters with particular occasions. Netflix’s two-hour “Stranger Issues” finale will hit cinemas on New Yr’s Eve and New Yr’s Day because the episode concurrently drops on the streamer. The corporate additionally launched a sing-along model of smash hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” its most-watched film ever, in U.S. theaters in August after which once more over Halloween weekend.
Warner Bros. Discovery Bids Are Due This Week. How Do Paramount, Netflix, Comcast Stack Up?
On WBD’s third-quarter 2025 earnings name, chief David Zaslav touted the theatrical efficiency of current releases, together with James Gunn’s “Superman” and horror titles “Weapons” and “The Conjuring: Final Rites,” which have collectively grossed greater than $750 million in ticket gross sales. “As we glance forward, 2026 and 2027 can be a strong and powerful slate of movement footage,” he stated.
Amongst Warner Bros.’ upcoming titles: a third installment within the “Gremlins” franchise, set for theatrical launch Nov. 19, 2027, from govt producer Steven Spielberg with Chris Columbus returning to direct and produce; and “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, slated to open in theaters Dec. 17, 2027.
Warner Bros. Discovery has advised buyers that it’s aiming to launch 12-14 movies theatrically per 12 months from Warner Bros. Photos, DC Studios, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation. Zaslav cited WB’s “tentpoles” and “mini-tentpoles” reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, Batman, Superman, Marvel Girl, Gremlins, Goonies and Sensible Magic. “You haven’t seen Lord of the Rings for over a decade,” Zaslav stated.
Zaslav additionally known as out the animated “Cat within the Hat” film starring Invoice Hader (slated to premiere Feb. 26, 2026). As well as, Warner Bros. is ready to launch Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, in theaters Feb. 13, 2026.
