Netflix could possibly be set to turn into the brand new dwelling of a few of Hollywood’s most iconic superhero movie franchises.
Superman, Batman, Harry Potter and Barbie – alongside cinematic classics resembling Casablanca, Bonnie and Clyde, Goodfellas, Unforgiven and The Shining – are stated to be underneath dialogue to be completely hosted by the streamer.
The corporate, led by co-CEO Ted Sarandos, is alleged to be “actively exploring” an acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, in accordance with sources.
It’s been reported Netflix has employed funding financial institution Moelis and Co. to advise on a attainable supply for the franchises.
Moelis beforehand acted as monetary adviser to David Ellison’s Skydance Media throughout its takeover of Paramount World from the previous Paramount-Skydance partnership.
Warner Bros. Discovery just lately confirmed its board had obtained inbound merger and acquisition curiosity from “a number of events” and had begun reviewing potential presents.
The corporate is alleged to have granted Netflix entry to its monetary information because the streaming big evaluates a attainable bid. It stays unclear whether or not any Netflix proposal would come with Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max streaming enterprise. Representatives for Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and Moelis Co. have to this point declined to remark.
Throughout Netflix’s third-quarter earnings interview, Ted stated: “We’ve got no real interest in proudly owning legacy media networks” – a comment indicating a full acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, together with channels resembling CNN, TBS, HGTV and Meals Community, wouldn’t be a part of the deal.
He added: “Nothing is a must have for us to satisfy our targets that we’ve for the enterprise.”
The reported curiosity from Netflix comes amid competitors from different media firms.
David Ellison has made three escalating bids by way of Skydance Media to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery in full, the newest valuing the corporate at $23.50 per share.
All presents have been rejected as too low.
Comcast has additionally been linked to a possible bid.
Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh stated throughout the firm’s third-quarter earnings name “the bar is excessive” for main mergers or acquisitions however urged that alternatives may improve after the deliberate spinoff of its cable networks – besides Bravo – into a brand new entity known as Versant later this yr.
He stated: “What we’d be searching for and what we’re going to appear like post-Versant spin, I feel extra issues are viable than possibly among the public commentary that’s on the market.”
Warner Bros.’ movie division has just lately loved a resurgence on the field workplace.
Its 2025 slate contains Superman directed by James Gunn, A Minecraft Film, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Sinners, Last Vacation spot: Bloodlines, Brad Pitt’s F1: The Film and Weapons.
The 2024 line-up featured Dune: Half Two, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Warner Bros. Tv additionally continues to produce main exhibits to Netflix, together with Working Level, You and Maid, whereas its different titles – resembling Abbott Elementary, Shrinking and The Voice – have been top-rated for different broadcasters.