After Netflix takes over the Warner Bros film studio, it would like to see the exclusive theatrical window reduced from 45 to 17 days, according to Deadline's sources.
Publicly, Netflix has stated that it intends to continue releasing Warner films in theaters.
However, ahead of acquisitions of this magnitude, such statements should be treated with caution, as they are often partly aimed at reassuring antitrust bodies.
- "There's been a lot of talk about theatrical distribution, so we want to set the record straight: we are 100% committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows. While this hasn't been part of our business model until now, we are looking forward to bringing this expertise from Warner Bros. to Netflix," Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, co-CEOs of Netflix, wrote in an open letter in mid-December.
A 17-day theatrical window?
Behind the scenes, however, Netflix is reportedly preparing changes once the deal has been approved and finalized.
According to Deadline's sources, these internal plans involve shortening the exclusivity period – the theatrical window – for new Warner Bros films from the current 45 days to just 17 days.
- "Sources have told Deadline that Netflix have been proponents of a 17-day window which would steamroll the theatrical business, while circuits such as AMC believe the line needs to be held around 45 days," wrote Deadline.
Dune: Part 3 will likely be unaffected, as it is scheduled for 2026. Photo: WBDFear of competition
Warner films can still be shown in theaters after 17 days, but exclusivity would end at that point, allowing viewers to also stream the movie at home or on the go.
Cinemas fear this competition, as many consumers are expected to opt for the relatively inexpensive streaming option on their own terms in up to 4K HDR rather than paying high ticket prices to watch a film on a large canvas with increasingly outdated picture quality.
Also read: Vue chief blasts IMAX: 'Risks undermining theatrical ecosystem'
Any changes would likely be implemented no earlier than 2027, as the release schedule for 2026 is already finalized.
Stranger Things surpasses Avatar
Netflix has just screened the Stranger Things finale in US theaters over two days over New Year.
For those two days, the Stranger Things finale outperformed Avatar: Fire and Ash in ticket revenue, according to Deadline.
- Source: Deadline
