Netflix promises 45-day theater window for Warner Bros. films if acquisition closes.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has confirmed that if the company completes its $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, it will maintain a 45-day theatrical window for new Warner Bros. films, aligning with industry standards. This marks a significant shift from Netflix’s historically streaming-first approach, as Sarandos stated the company now aims to compete in box office performance and win opening weekends. The pledge addresses concerns from theater chains and industry groups worried about streaming’s impact on cinemas, though skepticism remains over Netflix’s long-term intentions. The deal faces regulatory scrutiny and competition from Amazon, while the broader impact on theatrical distribution remains uncertain.