Sarandos pledges 45-day theatrical windows for Warner Bros. films

Movieweb reports that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos told The New York Times, via Variety, he will give Warner Bros. films a 45-day theatrical release window when Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. closes.

Sarandos said the change came because "the general economics of the theatrical business were more positive than we had seen and we had modeled for ourselves. It’s a healthy, profitable business for them." He added Netflix "want to win," saying the company will "run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows," and that he wants to "win opening weekend" and "win box office."

The article notes Netflix has previously resisted theatrical windows: in April 2025 Sarandos called communal moviegoing "an outmoded idea," and Netflix has often given films minimal theatrical runs. The piece cites the re-release of KPop: Demon Hunters in August 2025, which reached number one on opening weekend but was pulled after three days and put on Netflix the following day.

Movieweb reports the pledge could reassure filmmakers by providing a firm theatrical date, but corporate uncertainty remains: Paramount CEO David Ellison is pursuing a hostile takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery and has filed a lawsuit after the studio's board rejected eight bids. Sarandos said, "What people would like to see is no deal. But that’s not possible. There are two outcomes of this deal, and we have a signed deal done."

Key Topics

Culture, Ted Sarandos, Netflix, Warner Bros, David Ellison, Paramount