Netflix may be known for streaming, but if its proposed deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery goes through, the company says it does not plan to skip movie theaters.
Instead, Netflix is promising something traditional movie fans and theater owners care about: time.
What Netflix is Promising
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said Warner Bros. movies would continue to get a 45-day theatrical window before landing on streaming.
That means new releases would play exclusively in theaters for about a month and a half before becoming available on Netflix.
Sarandos was unusually specific about this point, calling it a “hard number,” and said Netflix wants to compete seriously at the box office.
In simple terms, Netflix says it wants to win opening weekend, not rush movies straight to streaming.
Why this Matters Right Now
This reassurance comes at a sensitive time for Hollywood.
Netflix is reportedly in talks to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, but it is not the only bidder. Paramount Skydance is also pursuing a deal, and theater groups have openly criticized the idea of Netflix gaining control over such a massive film library.
The biggest fear is that Netflix would shorten theatrical runs or remove them altogether.
That concern grew after reports suggested Netflix might support much shorter theater windows, as little as 17 days, which would be a major blow to cinemas.
Sarandos’ new comments appear aimed directly at calming those fears.
Netflix and Theaters Have a Complicated History
Netflix has long argued that theaters are not practical for everyone.
In an interview with Variety, Sarandos previously described the traditional theatrical model as “outmoded for some,” a phrase that drew heavy criticism. He clarified in the new interview that he meant location and access matter.
If you live in a major city with theaters nearby, going to the movies still makes sense. If you live in a small town without a local theater, streaming is often the only realistic option.
Netflix says both realities can coexist.
Why Theaters Are Still Nervous
Despite the 45-day promise, theater groups remain cautious.
Cinema United, a major trade organization, warned Congress that a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would give too much control to a single global streaming company in an already concentrated market.
In other words, even with theatrical windows, theaters worry Netflix would eventually have the power to change the rules.
The Bottom Line
If the deal happens, Netflix says Warner Bros. movies will not skip theaters and will follow a 45-day exclusive window.
That is longer than many expected and closer to how traditional studios operate today.
Whether theater owners trust that promise, or see it as temporary reassurance, is another question entirely.
For now, Netflix is making it clear it wants to be part of the box office business, not the end of it.
