Price Increases, Monopoly, Cineplex Crisis... Netflix's Acquisition of Warner Changes the Global Viewing Experience

The Day Netflix Acquired the "Keys to Hollywood"

In December 2025, Netflix, synonymous with video streaming, announced its acquisition of the traditional studio Warner Bros. Discovery (hereafter WBD). The acquisition price is approximately $82.7 to $83 billion, making it one of the largest deals in the entertainment industry, equivalent to several trillion yen in Japanese currency.omelete.com.br

This news instantly reshaped timelines not only in Hollywood but around the world. The phrase "Netflix bought Warner" carries immense significance, as it involves massive franchises like HBO, HBO Max, 'Harry Potter,' 'DC Universe,' 'The Lord of the Rings,' and 'Game of Thrones.'Cadena SER

Deal Details: Cash, Stock, and Massive Borrowing

This acquisition is structured as a combination of cash and stock. WBD shareholders will receive $27.75 per share, valuing the company at approximately $83 billion on an enterprise value basis.omelete.com.br

However, Netflix did not have such a large amount of cash on hand. According to Brazilian entertainment media Omelete, Netflix reportedly borrowed approximately $59 billion from a consortium of Wall Street banks, making it one of the largest loans in history.omelete.com.br

In essence, this acquisition is structured as "the subscription king going into massive debt to acquire the assets of an established studio." Netflix, which has been competing with algorithms and original content, is now embracing classic Hollywood assets—a significant shift in strategy.Cadena SER

What Becomes Netflix's

According to reports, Netflix will acquire the following areas:Cadena SER

• Warner Bros. film studio and television production studio

• Streaming business centered around HBO and HBO Max

• IP groups such as 'Harry Potter,' 'DC,' 'The Lord of the Rings,' 'The Matrix,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Friends,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'The Sopranos,' and 'The Wire'

• Warner's back catalog, including classic films like 'Casablanca' and 'Citizen Kane'

On the other hand, news and cable television divisions like CNN and TNT are excluded from the deal.Cadena SER

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed enthusiasm in a statement, saying, "By combining Warner's 100-year history with Netflix's originals, we can shape the next 100 years of entertainment."ElHuffPost

Filmmakers, Unions, Competitors... Industry's Rising Concerns

However, the industry's reaction is far from a wholehearted welcome. Based on voices conveyed through U.S. media, three major concerns emerge.meionews.com

1. Will "Cinema Culture" Disappear?

First is the impact on cinemas.

James Cameron, director of 'Avatar' and 'Titanic,' described this acquisition as "close to a disaster" and strongly questioned whether Netflix is genuinely committed to preserving theatrical releases. He criticized the notion of "symbolic releases for a few weeks just for awards," arguing that it doesn't constitute a promise to protect cinemas.meionews.com

Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho also posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Streaming is great, but it shouldn't have the power to destroy cinema culture," emphasizing that the cinema experience shapes the "personality" of a work.meionews.com

The European cinema organization UNIC also warns of a "double risk" of fewer films being produced and even fewer being released in theaters.meionews.com

2. The Burden on Workers

Next is the impact on creators and staff on the ground.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has gone so far as to say, "This merger should be blocked," listing a "full course" of negative impacts such as job cuts, worsening wage pressure, deteriorating working conditions, setbacks in diversity, and rising viewer costs.meionews.com

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Producers Guild of America (PGA) also share concerns that "if competition is lost, creative freedom and creators' bargaining power cannot be protected," as the structure of film and drama production increasingly depends on the "orders" of a few giant platforms.meionews.com

3. Regulators and Rivals Sound the Alarm

The political world is not quiet either.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "This is a deal involving a large part of the market and could be a 'problem,'" expressing his intention to be involved in the review process.meionews.com

Republican Senator Mike Lee called it "the most competitive issue in the last decade," while Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized it as an "antitrust nightmare" that controls nearly half of the streaming market.meionews.com

EU regulators are also reportedly considering imposing conditions such as a long-term detailed investigation, partial separation of HBO Max, and obligations to maintain licensing agreements, although a complete injunction is unlikely.meionews.com

Rival Paramount expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the sale process was "partially and unfairly conducted" in favor of Netflix. Estimates suggest that the new company will hold about **43%** of global streaming subscribers, arguing that it constitutes "virtually illegal levels of concentration."meionews.com

The "Viewer's True Feelings" Reflected on Social Media

Meanwhile, social media timelines are filled with real reactions from a consumer perspective, somewhat different from the industry's serious discussions. The Mexican newspaper 'El Informador' reports that the news of Netflix acquiring Warner for $82.7 billion has generated a lot of memes alongside serious discussions, summarizing posts on X.informador.mx

Summarizing the content of the posts, four main patterns emerge.

1. Sarcasm about "Subscription Price Hikes"

   • Memes joking about extreme price hikes, such as "Netflix subscription will now be $80 a month" or "maybe $100," have spread.informador.mx

   • Many users are already tired of overlapping subscription fees and are turning their anxiety about "the cost of this restructuring will ultimately fall on viewers" into humor.

2. Cinematic Fans' Cries

   • Posts expressing fear of shortened theatrical releases, such as "Will 'Batman 2' only be in theaters for a week before going to Netflix?" are common.informador.mx

   • There are also memes expressing disbelief that favorite films scheduled for release next year might only be viewable on home TVs, reflecting the anxiety of those who cherish the "ritual" of cinema.

3. HBO Fans' Distrust

   • Posts lamenting that "I was expecting a 'Game of Thrones' spin-off every year, but if it goes to Netflix, it'll all be ruined" have gained attention.informador.mx

   • Fans are concerned that HBO's "heavy and daring style" may not align well with Netflix's algorithm-driven and binge-watching culture.

4. Those Enjoying the Festive Mode

   • Images of "Stranger Things kids guest-starring in Warner's 'IT: Welcome to Derry' world" are circulating, and many are excitedly engaging in "crossover fantasies" with mixed world lines.informador.mx

   • Some collectors joke that "if you collect Netflix works in packages, you'll be safe even if they disappear from streaming," promoting physical media.##HTML_TAG_481