European cinemas warn that Warner Bros. acquisition may impact the film industry; Netflix insists on a 45-day theatrical release period

AASTOCKS
2026.01.16 16:54

Several large theater operators in Europe have warned the EU antitrust regulators that if Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD.US) is acquired by Netflix (NFLX.US) or Paramount Skydance (PSKY.US), it would pose a significant blow to the theater industry, stating that such acquisition plans could weaken the exclusive theatrical release arrangements for blockbusters before they debut on streaming platforms.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated in an interview with The New York Times on Friday that if the acquisition is successful, Netflix will ensure that Warner films have at least a 45-day theatrical release period, expressing a desire to win both the opening weekend and box office.

Members of the industry organization representing several large theaters in Europe include AMC Entertainment (AMC.US), the parent company of Odeon, and Cineworld Group

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