In one of the most consequential entertainment mergers in Hollywood history, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Friday that it has agreed to sell its film, television and streaming assets to Netflix in a deal valued at $82.7 billion.
If approved by regulators in the Trump administration, the acquisition would unite the world’s largest streaming service with a 102-year-old studio that has shaped global filmmaking for decades — creating an unprecedented titan in the entertainment and technology sectors.
A Merger That Reshapes Hollywood
The acquisition would bring together:
- HBO and HBO Max
- Warner Bros.’ full movie library
- The Harry Potter franchise
- DC Comics intellectual property (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman)
- Legacy classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane
All under Netflix, which already reaches over 300 million subscribers across more than 190 countries and is home to hits like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and KPop Demon Hunters.
“This deal allows us to entertain the world even better,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO.
He added that combining Warner Bros.’ iconic storytelling legacy with Netflix’s global reach will help “define the next century of entertainment.”
A New Era in the Streaming Wars
The takeover marks a major milestone in Hollywood’s shift from theatrical-first models to digital-first, on-demand entertainment. By acquiring Warner Bros. and HBO Max, Netflix gains a massive advantage over competitors including:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
The deal also provides Netflix with a vast library of lucrative IP — from Game of Thrones to DC superheroes — strengthening its ability to produce franchises and expand global streaming dominance.
Regulatory Approval Still Pending
The merger must first be reviewed by US federal regulators. The Trump administration has taken a more permissive stance toward large-scale mergers, but because this deal consolidates two major media entities, it is expected to face scrutiny over:
- Market dominance
- Competition concerns
- Impact on consumer choice
- Effects on creative labor and studios
Hollywood analysts say approval would significantly reshape the entertainment industry’s balance of power.
