Directors Guild to Discuss Netflix's Plans for Warner Bros. Acquisition

As Netflix prepares to negotiate exclusively for the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) has announced its intention to meet with the streaming giant to address concerns regarding the future of the iconic studio.

Netflix securing exclusive negotiation rights for WBD raises serious issues for the DGA, the guild stated. We believe a dynamic and competitive entertainment industry is crucial for protecting the careers and creative rights of directors and their teams. We will engage with Netflix to share our concerns and gain insight into their plans for the company. Until this process is complete, we will refrain from further comment.

The Netflix-Warner deal emerges roughly three months after Christopher Nolan was elected president of the DGA. Nolan, who directed nine films at Warner Bros., including Inception and the Dark Knight trilogy, recently moved to Universal for his 2023 release Oppenheimer and the upcoming The Odyssey.

Nolans last Warner Bros. project, Tenet, debuted in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by his desire to support cinemas financially. His stance reflects a broader concern among prominent DGA members about preserving the theatrical experience, which contrasts with Netflixs co-CEO Ted Sarandos focus on primarily streaming-exclusive releases, with only limited theatrical windows.

Despite competition from Paramount and Skydance, Netflix secured the WBD deal with a $30 per share offer and a $5 billion break-up fee to match Paramounts conditions. The DGA is the first union to publicly respond, though others are expected to follow. Previously, the Writers Guild of America opposed a potential Paramount acquisition, citing negative impacts on writers, audiences, and industry competition.

Netflixs successful bid has also triggered attention from regulators. Sources reported by the New York Post indicate that the Department of Justice may initiate an antitrust review of any Netflix-WBD deal. Additionally, California Attorney General Robert Bonta has expressed opposition to consolidations involving Warner Bros. Discovery, warning that further concentration in key markets could harm the economy, consumers, and competition.

Author: Zoe Harrison