The deal would mean the streamer would own some of the biggest franchises in the world: DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes and more. Critics argue the deal would make Netflix too dominant in the entertainment industry, could mean fewer movies in theaters in favor of streaming at home, and potential price increases for Netflix because consumers will have fewer options.
Sarandos is the co-CEO of Netflix, the Los Gatos streaming giant that, last week, offered to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for a whopping $72 billion, plus debt. The streamer would take over Warner Bros.' film and TV studios, its buffet of franchises, and its competing streaming service, HBO Max. For Sarandos and Netflix, it's a coup - more proof that tech's leading media companies have far surpassed the financial might of their legacy predecessors.
Netflix is currently on track to purchase Warner Bros., the legendary film and media company. The 82.7 billion dollar acquisition, if it clears regulatory hurdles, will position the supreme ruler of streaming services as a God Emperor of a massive TV and film catalog, as well as the properties belonging to Warner Bros. Games, which include the Lego games, as well as DC adaptations like the Arkham series of Batman games, and the Mortal Kombat games.