Netflix addresses movie-goers' concerns after sealing Warner Bros deal

The famous streaming platform, Netflix, has bought the film and streaming business world-class studio, Warner Bros., in order to combine its global streaming platform with Warner’s timeless entertainment library.

While the major deal is still in process, it has sparked concern among cinemagoers about the future of upcoming big screen films.

The streamers co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, has sought to ease the public concern, insisting that the platform has no "opposition to movies in theatres," as streamer said it "expects" to release Warner Bros. films theatrically if it completes its $82.7 billion deal for the studio and HBO Max.

He explained, "It’s not like we have this opposition to movies into theatres." He is just critical of traditional model, in which movies remain exclusively in theatres for many weeks before becoming available on streaming or home video.

Sarandos further stated that he believes long windows limit consumer choice, as people want flexibility to watch it at home sooner.

"I wouldn’t look at this as a change in approach for Netflix movies or for Warner movies," he said. "I think, over time, the windows will evolve to be much more consumer friendly."

Furthermore, in a statement accompanying the announcement of the pact, Netflix confirmed that it "…expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films."

Over time, Netflix itself became increasingly open to releasing certain films in theatres, providing them with a limited exclusive cinema run.

These are usually awards contenders, such as Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite.

Netflix has also announced it will release Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in Imax venues next year.