It says a lot that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos keeps accepting interviews, while Paramount/Skydance chief David Ellison has refused to do a single live chat since this whole Netflix–Warner Bros.–Paramount saga began.
Of course, Sarandos’ attempt at full charm-offensive mode is a final push to convince Hollywood (and regulators) that Netflix buying Warner Bros. would somehow be good for the theatrical ecosystem, rather than the final nail in its coffin. Some believe him; others don’t. It really depends on who you ask — if you ask me, the ideal outcome would be that Warner Bros. isn’t sold to anyone and simply remains intact.
Just a few weeks ago, Sarandos told The New York Times that if Netflix were to acquire Warners., the plan would be to preserve a 45-day theatrical window. This is notable considering that in 2023 he publicly — and infamously — dismissed the theatrical experience as “an outmoded idea.”
Many in the industry wondered whether Sarandos’ promised “45-day window” actually meant something meaningful — or whether it was theatrical windowing in name only. Or worse, dumping titles on streaming. Would these films even hit premium VOD immediately after theaters?
On the latest episode of The Town, which just dropped this evening, Sarandos is grilled by host Matt Belloni and is even asked directly about Netflix’s true intentions if the deal is finalized.
According to Sarandos, “when this deal happens we’ll be in the theatrical business.” Not just that, he promises that a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. release plan would give every title 45 days of theatrical exclusivity, followed by a digital/VOD release, and only later a streaming debut on HBO Max.
It’ll go from theaters — 45 days — to PVOD to HBO Max [..] We’re buying a business model and not looking to kill it.
My question to readers is simple: after all the promises you’ve heard Sarandos make about his newfound commitment to theatrical — and taking into account his very public, very recent anti-theatrical comments — do you believe him?
Is this a genuine philosophical shift on the part of Sarandos? Or is this simply the language Netflix needs to speak until the deal is done?