Netflix's Ted Sarandos Pledges 45-Day Theatrical Window for Warner ...

In a decisive statement that could reshape the film industry's landscape, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has committed to a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. movies once the company's $82.7 billion acquisition of the studio is finalized.

The commitment comes as Netflix pushes back against widespread industry concerns that its expansion into theatrical distribution could spell disaster for movie theaters. In a recent interview, Sarandos sought to reassure Hollywood that the streaming giant's intentions are not to undermine the cinema experience but to complement it.

This move represents a significant shift in strategy for Netflix, which has historically been associated with shorter theatrical windows. The company's approach to the Warner Bros. deal will now prioritize maintaining the traditional theatrical model while leveraging its streaming platform for broader distribution.

Sarandos directly confronted the narrative that Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. would be detrimental to the theatrical business. He emphasized that the general economics of the theatrical business were more positive than Netflix had previously modeled for itself.

"It's a healthy, profitable business for them. We weren't in that business not because we hated it. We weren't in that business because our business was doing so well."

The Netflix co-CEO acknowledged the emotional attachment many have to the cinema experience, stating that he understands why people are concerned about its future. He clarified that Netflix's actions have not been aimed at making theaters disappear, despite common perceptions.

Sarandos also addressed his past comments about cinema being an "outmoded idea," clarifying that he meant this was true only for some audiences. He cited examples of towns without movie theaters versus urban areas where multiplexes remain popular, noting that his own daughter in Manhattan visits theaters twice a week.

During the interview, Sarandos made a definitive pledge regarding theatrical release windows. "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 stated.

He continued with a clear promise: "We will run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows. I'm giving you a hard number." This statement directly counters earlier reports that Netflix favored a much shorter 17-day window, which industry observers feared would "steamroll the theatrical business."

The commitment applies to Warner Bros.' entire slate of upcoming theatrical releases, including highly anticipated films such as:

• James Gunn's Man of Tomorrow (July 9, 2027)
• Matt Reeves' The Batman: Part 2 (October 1, 2027)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (December 17, 2027)
• Godzilla x Kong: Supernova (March 26, 2027)

While Sarandos committed to the 45-day window for the immediate future, he indicated that this policy may not be permanent. In previous financial discussions about the deal, he had suggested that theatrical windows would likely shorten over time to become "more user friendly."

"I wouldn't look at this as a change in approach for Netflix movies, or for Warner movies for that matter. Over time the windows will evolve to be much more consumer friendly, to be able to meet the audience where they are, quicker."

Sarandos emphasized that Netflix is not opposed to theatrical releases, having released approximately 30 films into theaters this year. His primary pushback has been against long, exclusive windows that he believes are not consumer-friendly.

The Netflix co-CEO also challenged the notion that streaming services are direct competition for movie theaters. He argued that when people see a good film in theaters, they often want to watch more movies afterward, suggesting that the theatrical experience actually encourages a broader love of films.

The timing of Sarandos' announcement comes as the film industry grapples with declining box office revenue, with even previously reliable franchises like Marvel struggling to draw audiences to theaters. The future of cinema has become a topic of intense debate among industry leaders.

Hollywood legend Leonardo DiCaprio recently expressed concern about whether cinema will become a niche pursuit, comparing it to jazz bars. Meanwhile, director James Cameron has been critical of Netflix's theatrical ambitions, calling the acquisition a "disaster" and suggesting the company's commitment to meaningful theatrical distribution is "sucker bait."

Cameron noted that for Netflix to be considered a legitimate theatrical player, it would need to commit to meaningful releases in 2,000 theaters for at least a month. However, he left the door open for competition if Netflix meets these standards.

The debate reflects broader questions about how audiences consume entertainment and whether the traditional theatrical model can survive in an increasingly streaming-dominated landscape. Sarandos' commitment to the 45-day window represents a middle ground that could help bridge the gap between traditional theatrical distribution and modern viewing habits.

Sarandos' commitment to a 45-day theatrical window represents a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of film distribution. By pledging to maintain traditional theatrical windows for Warner Bros. films, Netflix is signaling that it views theatrical and streaming distribution as complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

The move may help calm industry anxieties about the future of cinema, though questions remain about whether this commitment will hold long-term. As Sarandos himself noted, windows will likely continue to evolve to meet changing consumer expectations.

For moviegoers and industry observers alike, the coming years will reveal whether this hybrid approach can sustain both the theatrical experience and the streaming revolution. The success of Warner Bros. films under Netflix's ownership will be closely watched as a bellwether for the industry's future direction.