Writers Guild of America Opposes Netflix’s Acquisition of Warner Bros.

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Netflix today announced it’s buying Warner Bros. in a deal worth billions of dollars, making it one of the biggest acquisitions in history. However, the Writers Guild of America and many others have expressed strong disapproval of the purchase.

As a movie critic, I’m keeping a close eye on the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. deal, and the Writers Guild of America is sounding the alarm. They’ve come out strongly against it, essentially saying it needs to be blocked. Their concern? This $83 billion merger could lead to job losses, lower pay for writers, and ultimately, higher prices for those of us who love to watch movies. It’s a potentially worrying situation for the future of the industry, and the WGA is making its voice heard.

Antitrust laws exist to stop massive companies from buying out their rivals, and that’s exactly what’s happening here. This deal would likely lead to job losses, lower pay for entertainment professionals, higher prices for viewers, and less variety in the shows and movies available. With so few companies already controlling what we watch on TV, streaming services, and in cinemas, this merger would only make things worse. It should be stopped.

The Writers Guild of America isn’t alone in its opposition to the deal. The Producers Guild of America has also voiced strong concerns, stating that producers are understandably worried about Netflix buying one of the industry’s most respected and important studios. They went on to add:

For over a hundred years, the entertainment industry has provided jobs for millions of Americans, brought joy to audiences, and shared American culture with the world. Now, as the economy and technology rapidly change, industry leaders and lawmakers need to work together to ensure the industry remains sustainable. This means supporting the people who create content, preserving the movie theater experience, encouraging innovation, expanding opportunities for workers and artists, giving consumers more choices, and protecting free expression.

This is the key test for the Netflix agreement. Our established studios aren’t just collections of shows and movies; they represent a vital part of our national identity and heritage.

Netflix is buying Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion in stock, valuing the company at around $82.7 billion overall. This makes Netflix a major force in Hollywood, and now gives them ownership of HBO’s popular content, including shows like The White Lotus and The Sopranos.

Netflix has indicated it will continue Warner Bros.’ current movie release strategy, including showing films in theaters. In a statement, Netflix said they plan to support Warner Bros.’ existing operations and continue releasing movies theatrically. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed that any films already planned for theatrical release through Warner Bros. will still be shown in cinemas.

Netflix is now showing some of its original films in cinemas, including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Greta Gerwig’s Narnia. Plus, the last episode of the popular series Stranger Things will be released in certain U.S. and Canadian theaters.

The boards of directors at both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have all agreed to the deal. It’s predicted to be finalized within 12 to 18 months, allowing Warner Bros. time to prepare before Netflix completes the acquisition.

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2025-12-05 21:48