Netflix Buys Warner Bros: French Cinemas Fear Fight

Netflix's recent $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. has ignited significant concern among French cinema exhibitors. This move comes at a time when France's robust regulatory environment, particularly its stringent 'windowing' rules requiring a 15-month delay before films can stream, already creates friction with major platforms like Netflix.

The acquisition amplifies these anxieties, as Warner Bros. is a key supplier of blockbusters and a steward of classic films crucial for French cultural initiatives. Exhibitors are particularly worried about the future of heritage screenings and youth educational programs that rely on access to Warner's extensive library, fearing this tradition may not continue under Netflix's ownership.

However, some industry figures express optimism, viewing the massive acquisition as a testament to Netflix's enduring belief in the theatrical market's strategic importance. They suggest this could lead to more films, including Warner titles, benefiting from theatrical releases, echoing lessons learned from other studios that eventually refocused on cinemas for economic viability.