WB Films To Remain Theatrical Under Netflix, Though Sarandos Says ‘Windows Will Evolve’ To Be More ‘Consumer Friendly’

On an early-morning conference call on Friday, Netflix reaffirmed that Warner Bros.’ films will continue to receive full theatrical releases after the company’s $82.7 billion acquisition, but comments from co-CEO Ted Sarandos hinting that the long-term release strategy may evolve are unlikely to calm mounting anxieties about the future of moviegoing.

Sarandos stressed that Netflix is not opposed to theatrical play, saying, “We’ve released about 30 films in theaters this year.” Instead, his criticism has centered on the lengthy exclusivity before films reach streaming. “My pushback has been mostly in the fact that the long exclusive windows, which we don’t really think are that consumer-friendly,” he said.

For now, Warner Bros.’ slate will remain unchanged: “Everything that is planned on going to the theater through Warner Brothers will continue to go to the theaters through Warner Brothers.” But Sarandos also signaled that the company expects windowing norms to shift over time, adding, “Over time, I think the windows will evolve to be much more consumer-friendly, to be able to meet the audience where they are quicker.”

Putting two and two together here, Sarandos’s comments hint at potential long-term changes once the companies integrate, especially given Netflix’s core streaming-first model. While Sarandos emphasized that this acquisition is “not a change in approach for Netflix movies or for Warner movies,” his remarks suggest a future in which theatrical releases remain, but the days of 45–90-day theatrical windows may be a thing of the past.

For now, though, Netflix says it will support Warner Bros.’ existing theatrical model as it works through the merger.