Netflix buys Warner Bros. Discovery for $83 billion, securing rights to HBO Max, DC Comics and “Game of Thrones.” What changes for subscribers.
On December 5, 2025, a bang went through Hollywood and the world of the film industry. Streaming giant Netflix concluded a billion-dollar deal and took over Warner Bros. Discovery – one of the oldest and most important studios in Hollywood. The deal cost Netflix around $83 billion and raises some questions for subscribers and the future of cinema.
Netflix is securing the rights to well-known brands such as “Game of Thrones” and “DC Comics” and, according to Netflix co-chief Ted Sarandos, is ushering in “the next century of storytelling”.
What could change for subscribers?
Shortly after the acquisition was announced, Netflix sent an email to millions of Netflix subscribers late on Friday, December 5th. In this, the company solemnly wrote “Welcome to Netflix Warner Bros.”. Many users of the streaming service are wondering whether the takeover will bring about changes – for example in terms of the subscription prices to be paid.
Netflix provides answers in the email regarding two possible changes. Under the subject “What will change?” the company announces: “Nothing will change!” Netflix also wrote that it would still be a few months before the deal was finalized. The transaction is expected to be finalized in twelve to 18 months.
Another question is whether those who already have an HBO Max subscription should cancel it. However, Netflix’s statement said that the two streaming providers will continue to operate separately until at least the transaction is completed. Customers can also continue to use all content with their existing subscription plans. So no price increases are expected for the time being.
The end of classic cinema?
Another concern of many lovers of classic cinema is whether it will finally die out with the takeover and whether everything will only take place on streaming platforms in the future. Netflix has already commented on this too. Netflix boss Ted Sarandos emphasized that Netflix is still not an alternative to classic cinema and that the films produced by Warner will continue to be shown in cinemas.
Netflix has already released 30 films in cinemas in 2025. What was noticeable here, however, was that these had a shorter running time than other films. As Variety reports, these shorter windows for movie running times in theaters are “much more user-friendly,” and the windows will “continue to evolve in that direction.” So if you want to continue watching films produced by Warner in the cinema in the future, you shouldn’t wait too long before going to the cinema.
Here is a list of possible consequences according to “Crew United”:
How do the competition authorities react?
However, the takeover is likely to encounter antitrust resistance in both Europe and the USA. With HBO Max, Netflix is taking over a major competitor – the streaming provider has around 130 million subscribers. There is also criticism of the deal in Hollywood circles, as Netflix could restrict the cinema business in the future. James Cameron, for example, described the takeover in the podcast “The Town” as “a catastrophe”.