Netflix Acquires Warner Bros Film and Streaming Businesses for $72 Billion

Fri Dec 05 2025 22:55:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a landmark deal, Netflix has successfully acquired the film and streaming segments of Warner Bros Discovery, valued at $72 billion. This agreement, announced shortly after competitive bidding, will transform the entertainment landscape.

Netflix has agreed to purchase Warner Bros Discovery's film and streaming businesses for $72 billion, significantly impacting the industry. Expected regulatory approvals and potential synergies could redefine future storytelling in Hollywood, despite challenges in integration.

Netflix has agreed to buy the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn (£54bn) in a major Hollywood deal.

The streaming giant emerged as the successful bidder for Warner Bros ahead of rivals Comcast and Paramount Skydance after a drawn-out battle.

Warner Bros owns franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and the streaming service HBO Max.

The takeover is set to create a new giant in the entertainment industry, but the deal will still have to be approved by competition authorities.

Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos said the streamer was highly confident it would receive the regulatory approval it needs and it was running full speed towards this.

He stated that by combining Warner Bros shows and movies with Netflix's own series such as Stranger Things, they could deliver even more content audiences love and help define the next century of storytelling.

The acquisition is expected to provide Netflix with significant savings through elimination of overlapping functions, allowing for continued production of Warner Bros films in cinemas and for third parties.

David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros, noted the agreement would meld two of the most significant storytelling entities in the world.

Analysts suggest this deal could indicate Netflix's aim to assert itself as a leader in the evolving streaming landscape, although it may face challenges integrating into the sizable addition.

Amid the potential for increased content costs for consumers, the merger highlights Netflix's strategy to secure its future success for decades, delivering more premium content to its subscribers.