An all-out bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery could be well underway as industry insiders report that Paramount – who merged with Skydance last month under CEO David Ellison – was looking to acquire the storied Hollywood studio and its accessory parts, including properties and titles like HBO, CNN, Food Network, HGTV and more.
Netflix Enters Bidding War with Paramount for WBD Catalogue
Now, Puck News has reported that streaming giant Netflix is also putting together a bid to acquire the studio. While the rumors are unconfirmed, they’ve been bolstered by Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent rendezvous with WBD chief David Zaslav at a Las Vegas boxing match on September 13.
While Paramount-Skydance is reportedly interested in acquiring the entirety of WBD, including its cable networks from both the Warner Bros. and Discovery sides of the studio, Netflix could potentially only have their eyes on the studio and streaming projects, including access to properties like “Harry Potter,” “DC Comics,” and “Lord of the Rings.”
A merger with WBD would also give Netflix direct access to Warner’s established theatrical distribution network, including recent blockbusters like “Weapons,” “Sinners” and “Superman.”
The news comes after Paramount CEO David Ellision was reported to be preparing what one source called a “presumtive all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery” earlier this week.
Franchises Netflix Could Revive After Acquiring Warner Bros.
While entertainment fans are split on whether or not a Netflix acquisition would be a good thing for the world of television and cinema, the prospect would allow the streaming giant to breathe new life into some of Warner Bros. most iconic franchises including James Gunn’s newly remastered DC Extended Universe, classic films like “Beetlejuice” and “The Terminator,” as well as a plethora of animated properties including “Scooby-Doo,” “Tom & Jerry” and “Looney Tunes.”
With Marvel Studio’s projects safely streaming at Disney+, a potential merger between Netflix and WBD could bring the entirety of DC Comics backlog of projects to the platform – including dozens of animated series focused on Batman, the Justic League and the Teen Titans – leveling the playing field between the two media giants.
Meanwhile, a merger could potentially make way for a third installment to the “Beetlejuice” franchise –now starring Jenna Ortega, who is already making waves with her continued appearance in Netflix’s hit “Addams Family” spin-off series “Wednesday.”
John Phillips/Getty ImagesThough projects like HBO’s “Harry Potter” reboot series and a new “Lord of the Rings” film are already in the works at WBD, a potential merger could see Netflix take control of them in their entirety. It remains unclear, however, if the projects would continue to stream on their original platforms or make the move to Netflix following a potential consolidation.
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