Grandson of Warner Bros. Founder expresses discomfort with Netflix sale.

Greg Orr, grandson of Warner Bros. co-founder Jack Warner and a filmmaker and producer, expressed unease about the possible sale of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to Netflix. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Orr emphasized his desire for Warner Bros. to remain an independent studio, preserving its unique creative voice and decision-making authority.

While Orr acknowledges the merit in David Zaslavs plan to separate Warner and Discovery, he believes the company should be given more time to build on its recent box office achievements and strengthen its value, protecting against potential hostile takeovers.

The industry is at a pivotal moment, and Netflix faces a similar crossroads, Orr explained. Acquiring Warner Bros. would mean taking on not just its impressive creative leadership, but also a world-class theatrical distribution network. Netflix would need to expand its role beyond streaming to championing the essential theatrical experience. Watching films at home is convenient, yet nothing compares to the communal experience of a movie theater, which has vital social and mental health benefits in todays increasingly isolated world.

Orr raised broader questions about the purpose of Warner Bros., recalling how previous potential buyers, like Paramount, sparked discussions about a studios mission. He highlighted the importance of managing a single studio successfully before expanding further. Orrs documentary Jack Warner: The Last Mogul underscores the lessons of careful stewardship in the industry.

Orr also reflected on Warner Bros. historical contributions. His father, William Orr, led Warner Bros. television, which initially struggled as Jack Warner was skeptical of TVs future. Meanwhile, Harry Warner pursued early television ventures, aiming not for profit but to extend the reach and educational potential of media. These decisions reflected a commitment to public good alongside business interests.

Regarding the potential sale, Orr emphasized the significance of Warner Bros. beyond financial metrics. Investing in a studio that created classics like Casablanca is both a financial and emotional choice. The studio has historically produced films that engaged society, confronted injustice, and reflected cultural and political moments, he said.

Orr criticized the idea of reducing filmmaking to mere content creation, comparing it to art made solely for waiting rooms rather than meaningful impact. He stressed that Warner Bros. has always had a distinct voice in Hollywood, delivering stories that challenge conventions and resonate across generations.

The Warner brothers were pioneers, taking risks on sound films and socially relevant narratives, while investing personally in civic initiatives like schools and hospitals. The legacy of Warner Bros. lies in both its creative output and its cultural significance. If Netflix completes the acquisition, it would inherit a vast library of historic films, including MGM classics and the entire Warner Bros. catalog.

Orr highlighted the tangible connection to history present at the Warner Bros. lot. Visiting the studio, Karen Sperling, Harry Warners granddaughter, reflected on how the facades serve as living monuments to iconic cinematic moments. The studios legacy inspires and informs all productions created there, linking past successes to future endeavors.

Orr expressed concern over the influence of wealth in media ownership: If billionaires can control major institutions, what protection does a studio have? Yet, he acknowledged that industries evolve, drawing parallels between modern platforms like TikTok and the early Nickelodeon experience, noting that audiences eventually seek deeper engagement.

Ultimately, Orr is not entirely opposed to the sale but hopes that any transaction recognizes Warner Bros. centennial history and creative legacy. Warner Bros. was founded on dreams and ambition, and its value is more than a line on a balance sheet, he said, emphasizing the importance of honoring the studios enduring cultural impact.

Author: Natalie Monroe