Netflix CEO Promises 45-Day Theatrical Window for Warner Bros. Movies “I Want to Win the Box Office”

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As a huge movie fan, I’ve been following the potential Netflix and Warner Bros. deal closely, and things are really starting to get real. Ted Sarandos, one of the heads of Netflix, has now openly talked about how theatrical releases would work if they actually buy Warner Bros. Discovery – basically, he’s laid out a clear plan for how movies would hit cinemas if the deal goes through. It’s moved beyond just rumors now, and people in the industry are taking it very seriously.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, as noted by Deadline, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos directly responded to concerns that a merger would lead to Warner Bros. abandoning traditional movie theater releases in favor of quickly putting films on Netflix.

Sarandos clearly stated that Netflix will continue to wait 45 days after a Warner Bros. film is released in theaters before adding it to their streaming service.

“We will run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows,” Sarandos said.

This is the first time Ted Sarandos has publicly stated a specific goal for Netflix releasing movies in theaters, especially now that they’ve acquired a cinema chain from Warner Bros. It’s a big change for Netflix, which used to be known for avoiding theaters altogether.

Netflix’s Changing Tune on Theatrical Releases

I was really interested to hear Sarandos explain their decision. He didn’t present it as giving in to pressure, but as a smart business move. He made it clear that Warner Bros. still makes a ton of money from movie theaters, and Netflix doesn’t want to mess with that. It’s about recognizing that theatrical releases are still valuable and profitable for them.

Sarandos explained that once the acquisition is finalized, they’ll control a hugely successful film distribution network generating billions in ticket sales, and they’re unwilling to jeopardize that success.

He also dismissed the notion that Netflix considers movie theater releases unimportant or just for show. Sarandos stated that how a film performs in theaters will still be a key consideration.

I’m setting a clear goal: we’re in the movie business to be successful, and that means winning. Specifically, I want our film to perform best during its opening weekend and achieve the highest box office numbers.

These comments stand out considering Sarandos has previously suggested that movie theaters are becoming outdated. He once described the traditional theatrical release model as “outmoded” now that streaming is so popular.

Addressing that perception directly, he claimed that his earlier remarks were taken out of context.

Sarandos clarified his earlier statement, saying, “I said it was outmoded for some people.” He used the setting of the show Sinners as an example, explaining that the town it’s based on doesn’t even have a movie theater. For residents there, going to the movies is definitely a thing of the past. However, he contrasted that with his daughter, who lives in Manhattan and has six movie theaters within walking distance, going to see films twice a week. So, it’s not outdated for everyone.”

The Warner Bros. Business Netflix Wants to Protect

You know, Ted Sarandos actually explained that Netflix staying away from movie theaters for so long wasn’t some big principle or anything. It just worked out that way because of when they started and how quickly they became the biggest player in streaming. It was more about good timing and being successful than making a statement, apparently!

He explained that the business was successful and financially rewarding for them. We chose not to compete because our own company was thriving, not because we disliked their line of work.

Netflix now appears less like a company trying to completely change the entertainment industry and more like one looking to acquire and maintain a reliable source of income, at least based on how they present themselves publicly.

This news comes at a key time. The partnership between Netflix and Warner Bros. is already drawing a lot of attention from regulators and politicians, who are worried it could give the companies too much control over the market.

President Trump’s Objection and Sarandos’ Response

Former President Donald Trump recently posted an article from OAN on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he criticized the partnership between Netflix and Warner Bros. and expressed concern about Netflix’s growing influence on culture.

Sarandos said he was surprised by the public intervention and downplayed its significance.

Sarandos said he was surprised by the article and couldn’t understand why the author would have written it. He added that they never discussed those topics in their conversations, and he didn’t want to speculate too much about it.

I’ve been following the deal, and while Ted Sarandos seems to be trying to keep things calm, the President’s recent statements really highlight how political this whole thing has become. It’s clear there’s a lot of worry about how this impacts jobs here at home and the fact that we’re seeing fewer and fewer independent media companies.

Sarandos explained that unlike a potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., which he believes would likely result in layoffs, Netflix aims to be a steady and reliable partner for the Warner Bros. brand.

Sarandos stated they intend to continue supporting Warner Bros. by maintaining the traditional theatrical release model for movies, effectively keeping the company operational.

What Comes Next for Netflix Warner Bros.

Even though Ted Sarandos seems confident, it’s still unclear if the agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros. will actually happen. Getting official approval isn’t a sure thing, and opposition from politicians and regulators could grow as people consider the impact of combining these two large companies.

Sarandos’ recent statements seem intended to calm several groups at the same time: movie theater owners worried about shorter exclusive release windows, artists hesitant about being required to release films directly to streaming, government regulators concerned about one company having too much power, and politicians focused on protecting jobs.

It’s still uncertain if Netflix’s promises will actually lead to official approval or lasting confidence. However, it’s now evident that Netflix is adopting a strategy that’s surprisingly similar to the more conventional approach of Warner Bros., something many observers didn’t anticipate.

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2026-01-17 19:58