Netflix just dropped a massive bomb on the entertainment world. Following days of intense rumors, the streaming giant confirmed it will acquire Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max. The price tag for this history-making purchase sits at approximately $82.7 billion.
The timeline for this takeover depends on a few moving parts. Warner Bros. first needs to complete its split from its legacy cable channels and Discovery assets as part of a previously announced de-merger. That breakup creates a cleaner path for Netflix to step in. Most analysts expect the separation to finish around the third quarter of 2026. Netflix will likely sign the final paperwork to take control shortly after that.
For movie fans, the immediate question is about theaters. Netflix addressed this quickly, stating that it plans to keep Warner Bros. operating as it does now. This includes keeping their policy of releasing films in cinemas. However, the future of the HBO Max app looks grim. Netflix’s statement said that its subscribers would soon have access to HBO’s extensive library. This phrasing strongly suggests they will fold HBO and HBO Max content directly into the Netflix interface, effectively killing the standalone app to boost their own catalog.
This deal hands Netflix the keys to some of the most valuable franchises in history. Beyond just the Warner Bros. film studio, they gain control of DC Studios, Cartoon Network, and TCM. They also pick up the parts of TNT that aren’t staying with Discovery.
The road ahead won’t be smooth. Competitors are already gearing up for a fight. Paramount Skydance publicly slammed the news yesterday, telling the Hollywood Reporter that the negotiation process between Netflix and WB was “unfair.” They likely won’t be the only ones shouting. Government regulators will almost certainly launch a deep investigation. With Paramount’s new owners holding close ties to the current administration, Netflix should expect heavy scrutiny. Washington will want to know if this merger gives one company too much power over the global media landscape.
