Netflix’s official announcement that it plans to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations is already raising new questions across Hollywood, especially around theatrical releases and the future of DC Studios.
The official press release notes:
Complementary strengths and assets: Warner Bros.’ studios are world-class, with Warner Bros. recognized as a leading supplier of television titles and filmed entertainment. HBO and HBO Max also provide a compelling, complementary offering for consumers. Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.
The statement stands out because Netflix has long favored short theatrical windows. Rumors suggested the company might move to two-week theatrical runs before pushing films straight to streaming. The press release signals something different: Netflix intends to keep Warner Bros.’ standard theatrical model in place.
It also suggests that Netflix will be sticking with the current WB execs.
What This Means for Theatrical Releases
Warner Bros. has traditionally supported wide theatrical rollouts for its major films, followed by structured windowing. Netflix keeping that system points to a major shift from the company’s usual approach.
It also suggests Netflix understands the value of franchises that rely on theatrical momentum, including DC, Dune, Harry Potter, and legacy WB brands.
Reports have noted that exhibitors pushed back hard against the idea of Netflix shrinking theatrical windows. Maintaining the existing structure appears to be a concession to keep theaters on board and stabilize the release strategy for high-budget films.
What It Means for DC Studios and James Gunn
Keeping “current operations” also implies Netflix will retain Warner Bros. executives, which could include James Gunn as head of the DCU.
But Gunn himself has publicly questioned whether he’ll remain in charge once the WBD sale closes. His own uncertainty highlights how little clarity there is inside the studio. If Netflix intends to evaluate leadership after the acquisition closes in 2026, Gunn’s position may not be guaranteed.
Our insiders say Netflix has floated ideas about reshaping DC, potentially by:
- Shrinking the division
- Moving away from a long-term connected universe
- Licensing characters and films to outside studios
- Producing one-off DC movies, not a decade-long roadmap like Marvel
This would mirror Netflix’s content strategy: flexible, IP-driven, and less reliant on multi-phase storytelling.
A Brewing Industry Fight
Our insiders also say the Netflix–WB deal is triggering a larger conflict in Hollywood. Creative guilds, top filmmakers, and competing studios are preparing to push back.
And there’s talk that Donald Trump may intervene, given his reported interest in the parallel WBD bidding scenarios involving Paramount and his ties to industry factions.
If that happens, the entertainment landscape may get even more volatile as the merger moves toward regulatory review.
