Netflix may have won the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war and entered exclusive talks, but according to my insiders, the deal is far from safe.
The buzz inside Hollywood is that powerful creatives are preparing to push back hard, and the Trump administration may end up being the unexpected force that shuts the entire thing down.
Hollywood Creatives Reportedly Rallying Against Netflix Deal
My insiders describe a “wild scenario” happening among industry veterans who don’t want Netflix taking over Warner Bros. Discovery. The sentiment is widespread. The fear? Netflix eliminates theatrical value, downsizes the studio, and shrinks the brands.
According to the insiders, the belief circulating is that Hollywood figures might openly back the Trump administration to block the merger (A-list filmmakers anonymously have already urged Congress to oppose Netflix buying WBD, and the Director’s Guild – led by Christopher Nolan – has already responded).
The insiders said: “This is just the beginning. No one in Hollywood wants it. And Trump may be a hero for stopping the merger.”
The internal mood right now is one of anxiousness, volatility, and that they’re all ready for a fight.
Zack Snyder Still Holds an Edge
Regarding the SnyderVerse, the insiders add that Zack Snyder is uniquely positioned in all this, pointing to Joe Manganiello hash-tagging “sell to Netflix” as proof Snyder’s camp sees opportunity.
Netflix needs content. They aren’t tied to theatrical windows and would pour money into Snyder finishing his story or even funding a Dark Knight Returns adaptation.
There’s also another wild scenario my insiders went over: if DC opens up character licensing outside the studio system, Netflix could support a Russo Brothers / Zack Snyder DC vs. Marvel crossover, something traditional studios would scoff at.
Fear Netflix Will Downsize DC Comics and Restructure the Studios
Inside DC, the insiders say there’s real concern about what Netflix ownership means:
- Netflix has no interest in maintaining a publishing division
- DC Comics could be shrunk or stripped to IP management
- The studio would shift toward one-off films and Netflix-style franchises
- Other studios could license DC characters if Netflix embraces an open model
That creates chaos, but also opportunity for filmmakers like Snyder.
Only De Luca and Abdy Likely Survive a Netflix Takeover
Netflix is lean. My insiders say there are no “heads” of divisions, only subordinates reporting into one central structure. Dan Lin and his lieutenants call all the shots.
The insiders say Netflix would want:
- Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy running WB Films
- All film and TV fully consolidated
- No meaningful power center for DC, which means limited authority for James Gunn and Peter Safran
One insider puts it bluntly: “This would force Gunn and Safran out.”
Gunn May Use Netflix as His Exit
In the insider’s own opinion — not sourced info — Gunn may choose to walk away.
“Gunn has an opportunity to bail with the excuse that Netflix is too limiting. He pushed everything way too fast, but he may ride out his last year and bail with the Netflix excuse,” said the source.
Nobody Actually Knows What Happens Next
The insiders stress that Warner Bros. Discovery employees and creatives are in uncharted waters: “Nobody in the building right now actually knows what’s going to happen, including Gunn.”
Everyone is waiting to see whether regulators step in, whether Trump intervenes, and whether Hollywood’s brewing backlash can slow or derail Netflix’s move.
Right now the only certainty is uncertainty and a looming industry fight. There’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne…
