Archive · 6 Dec 2025
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery
Netflix and Warner Bros.
Discovery have agreed to a very big deal worth $72 billion in equity and $82.7 billion including debt.
Some important people in Hollywood are worried about this deal because they think it might make it harder for other companies to compete.
These people wrote a secret letter to the US government to say they are not happy about the deal.
They didn't sign their names because they are afraid of Netflix.
Netflix and Warner Bros.
Discovery haven't said anything about the letter yet.
A former boss of Warner Bros.
Discovery said this deal is a very effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood.
Netflix is also expected to save $2-3 billion annually by the third year after the deal closes.
The Writers Guild of America and other Hollywood labor and industry groups are also opposing the deal, warning that it could eliminate jobs, reduce wages, and raise prices for consumers.
Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed an $72 billion (equity) and $82.7 billion (including debt) acquisition deal.
Anonymous top-tier filmmakers issued an open letter to US Congress opposing the merger.
The letter warns of potential economic and institutional crisis in Hollywood if the merger goes through.
The authors remained anonymous to avoid retaliation from Netflix.
Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar stated the deal is the most effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood.
- Who
- Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery
- What
- Confirmed a $72 billion (equity) and $82.7 billion (including debt) acquisition deal
- When
- December 5
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To reshape the industry and reduce competition
- Acquiring Company
- Netflix
- Target Company
- Warner Bros. Discovery
- Opponents
- Anonymous top-tier filmmakers, Writers Guild of America, Producers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, Cinema United
- Recipients of Letter
- US Congress members from both parties
- Date of Letter
- Thursday
- Reason for Anonymity
- Fear of retaliation from Netflix
- Response from Companies
- Both declined to comment
- Former WarnerMedia CEO's Statement
- No more effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood
- Key Franchises Acquired
- Game of Thrones, DC Comics, Harry Potter
- Expected Closing Date
- After Warner Bros. Discovery spins off its global networks unit in Q3 2026
Sources
Netflix-Warner Bros Acquisition: Anonymous A-Listers Lobby Against Move, Warn Against Hollywood Meltdown
Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar On Prospect Of Netflix-WB Deal: “No More Effective Way To Reduce Competition In Hollywood”
Netflix & Warner Bros. Discovery Confirm $82.7B Mega-Deal That Reshapes The Industry
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's TV, film studios, streaming division for $72 billion: Report
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros in $82.7-billion deal
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros’ studio & streaming division for $72 billion, WBD stock jumps 3%
Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery's studios, streaming unit for $72 billion
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. film and streaming assets in $72 billion deal
Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s studios, streaming unit for $72 billion
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for nearly $83 billion: statement
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery: New Streaming Home for Last of Us, Game of Thrones?
Netflix seals USD 82 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros and HBO - Telegraph India
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros in $72 billion cash, stock deal
European Cinema Body UNIC Slams Netflix-WB Deal As “Failing Cinema In Every Regard” & “Worse” Than Disney Acquiring Fox
Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery: EU Antitrust Experts Say $83B Deal Unlikely To Be Blocked — But Conditions May Be Imposed On Merger
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CEO David Zaslav’s memo to staff: Netflix’s $72 billion bid for Warner Bros. triggers new workplace guidance
Writers Guild of America joins Hollywood chorus against Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros.
How Netflix won Hollywood's biggest prize, Warner Bros Discovery - Telegraph India
Netflix’s Warner Bros acquisition: Multiplex Association of India flags competition, content concerns
“Nothing Is Changing Today”: Netflix Promises Subscribers In Carefully Worded Late Night Letter On Warner Bros. Deal
Netflix’s proposed $72 bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery will cost jobs, Hollywood unions warn
Multiplex association raises concerns over Netflix-Warner Bros acquisition
Netflix's $5.8 billion breakup fee for Warner among largest ever
How did Netflix get its name? Founder reveals streaming giant was almost called Netflicks
Netflix–Warner Bros. $82.7 Billion Deal: What It Means for Viewers as Iconic Franchises Join the Platform
Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025: Hugh Grant calls Netflix's Warner Bros acquisition ‘bad news’
Netflix-Warner Bros. deal may reduce theatrical releases: Multiplex Association of India
Directors Guild of America led by Christopher Nolan to meet Netflix over potential acquisition of Warner Bros
Netflix’s Warner Bros acquisition draws concerns from multiplex body
How the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal changes Hollywood
Why Netflix is buying Warner Brothers — and how the deal can change Hollywood
Netflix completes historic acquisition of Warner Bros. for record price
