Bob Iger Comments on Warner Bros. Sale—Flags Big Concerns for Consumers and Theaters Some Found Hypocritical

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During a CNBC interview on Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Iger discussed the ongoing situation at Warner Bros. While he’s observing the developments like everyone else, Iger has unique experience – he’s previously led significant mergers of major studios.

Bob Iger has expressed worry that if Netflix were to acquire Warner Bros.’ streaming and studio businesses, it would give Netflix too much power to raise prices for viewers.

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) December 11, 2025

Last week, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav surprised the entertainment industry by agreeing to a $82.7 billion acquisition offer from Netflix. The situation became more complicated on Monday when Paramount CEO David Ellison made a competing $108 billion offer directly to Warner Bros. stockholders.

With many in Hollywood, Washington, and the financial world choosing sides, Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, is staying neutral. He stated that Disney hasn’t decided if it will publicly support a particular side.

However, when speaking for himself, a personal preference nearly came through.

Consumer Protections

Bob Iger, who has previously considered a career in politics – even hinting at a possible presidential campaign in 2016 – recently shared his views with CNBC on how the government should address the current situation.

If I were reviewing this deal as a regulator, my primary concern would be how it affects consumers. That’s where I’d start my assessment.

Warner Bros. is free to be bought by any company that offers its shareholders the best deal. However, the deal needs to be approved by government regulators to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has experience with this process, having led the 2017 merger between Disney and 20th Century Fox.

Bob Iger questioned whether a single company could gain too much control over streaming prices, potentially harming consumers, especially if that company has a large share of the global subscription market. He specifically wondered if Netflix’s size could give it unhealthy pricing power.

Honestly, when I saw Iger asking why people are canceling streaming services, I couldn’t believe it! It felt pretty hypocritical, considering Disney bought out Hulu, and ever since Disney+ launched and started bundling with Hulu, the price of everything has just kept climbing. It’s like, they created the situation they’re now questioning!

I can see your games, Bob. 😂

— anonymouscrimson (@DibboKumar) December 11, 2025

However, Iger’s concern is one shared by Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

I’ve warned that a Warner Bros. merger could mean higher prices.

Don’t just listen to me – Disney’s CEO believes that if Netflix were to acquire Warner Bros., it could give Netflix more power to raise prices for viewers.

Translation: Higher prices for you to watch your favorite shows.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 11, 2025

Putting that issue to the side, Iger also pointed out that regulators should consider the impact of a studio merger on movie theaters.

Concern for Movie Theaters

Iger said he’d consider how any changes might affect those in the creative industries, particularly movie theaters.

A major question surrounding Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. is what will happen with movie releases in cinemas. Netflix has historically preferred to skip theatrical releases, only putting films in theaters to qualify for awards. However, they’ve assured everyone that they will uphold Warner Bros.’ current agreements regarding films already scheduled for cinema release.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has also argued that making people wait a long time to see movies after they leave theaters isn’t good for viewers. This stance has worried some, who believe Netflix might speed up the struggles of traditional movie theaters.

Iger stated that Disney is careful to maintain the health of the movie theater business. While he didn’t reveal whether he wants Netflix to finalize its deal or prefers Paramount to acquire the company, his remarks imply he’s hoping the eventual owner will continue to support movie theaters.

Conclusion

It’s ironic that Bob Iger gave an interview on CNBC right after news broke that Netflix had explored the possibility of buying Disney. Had the timing been different, Iger could have been in the same situation as David Zaslav, facing a potential takeover.

I’ve been watching all this unfold, and honestly, it’s fascinating to see the major players battling it out. He seems to feel the same way – he told me he’s actually enjoying being an observer in all of this, rather than getting involved himself. It’s a smart position, really – letting others take the heat while he gets a front-row seat!

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2025-12-13 00:58