Christopher Nolan Shares Concerns About Warner Bros. Sale To Netflix

TV & Film

Feb 4

As a filmmaker and the president of the Directors Guild of America, Christopher Nolan has serious concerns regarding Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. While this move is yet to be finalized, Nolan admits he has “very, very significant concerns about how this is all going to happen.” As the newly appointed president of the DGA, he reveals, “I think it’s a very worrying time for the industry. The loss of a major studio is a huge blow.” Nolan has collaborated with Warner Bros. on several films, and those films could soon become Netflix's property if this deal is finalized. Although he has his next film, The Odyssey, to look forward to this year, he has his work cut out for him as the president of the DGA. Regardless of everything he has on his plate, Nolan has been a vocal advocate for the theatrical experience, and he, along with other veteran actors and filmmakers, has sounded the alarm bells following news that Netflix is closing in on a deal to buy a major studio like Warner Bros.

While his individual views on this issue are clear, the DGA hasn’t officially taken a position on it. They have had discussions with both Paramount and Netflix regarding the implications for everyone in the industry. Nolan says, “We’re interested to hear more about the specifics of how they’re going to run these things.” Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, has previously been honest about what he believes is the bleak future of movie theaters. He believes streaming is the future, and if given the choice, most movie-goers would opt to watch a movie from the comfort of their homes. Recently, the box office trends seem to suggest otherwise, and following the outrage over their deal for Warner Bros, Sarandos has softened his stance and offered to give the studio a 45-day theatrical window, even though the DGA has pushed for at least 60 days. For Nolan, “There are encouraging noises, but that’s not the same as commitments.” Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, releases in theaters on July 17.

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