Netflix Pledges 45-Day Windows for Warner Bros. Films

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos pledged on Friday to maintain 45-day theatrical release windows for Warner Bros. films if the streaming giant's proposed $82.7 billion acquisition of the studio proceeds, signaling a commitment to preserving the traditional cinema model amid industry concerns over the deal's impact.

In an interview with The New York Times, Sarandos emphasized that Netflix views Warner Bros.' theatrical distribution as a valuable asset generating billions in revenue. "When this deal closes, we will own a theatrical distribution engine that is phenomenal and produces billions of dollars of theatrical revenue that we don't want to put at risk," he said. "We will run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows. I'm giving you a hard number." He added that Netflix aims to compete aggressively in the market, stating, "If we're going to be in the theatrical business, and we are, we're competitive people. We want to win. I want to win opening weekend. I want to win box office."

This assurance comes as Netflix navigates skepticism from Hollywood creatives and theater operators, who fear the acquisition could prioritize streaming over cinemas. Sarandos addressed...