Netflix Stuns Hollywood with Monumental $83B Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition
In a groundbreaking announcement that has left Hollywood reeling, Netflix unveiled its plans on Friday to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets in a staggering $83 billion deal. This cash-and-stock transaction would hand over the reins of Warner Bros.’ iconic film and TV studios, HBO, and HBO Max streaming service to the streaming behemoth.
The acquisition signifies Netflix’s most substantial deal to date and illustrates a significant shift in strategy for the company, which has traditionally steered clear of major mergers and acquisitions. Co-CEO Greg Peters expressed that the deal would enhance Netflix’s offerings “for decades to come” by merging Warner Bros.’ century-long entertainment heritage with Netflix’s extensive global reach.
Despite the optimism, the deal has already ignited intense skepticism from the Trump administration and robust opposition from industry figures, including actress Jane Fonda, who labelled it a “catastrophic business deal.”
The transaction is projected to close in the latter half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Sources: The New York Times