Neil Druckmann Pokes Fun at Netflix’s Warner Bros. Takeover at Game Awards
After Netflix’s blockbuster move to acquire Warner Bros., The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann delivered a witty jab about the new streaming landscape during his Game Awards acceptance speech, sparking fresh debate about the future of theatrical releases.
At the 2025 Game Awards, Neil Druckmann, the creative mind behind The Last of Us, couldn’t resist making light of the recent shake-up in the entertainment world. As he accepted the award for best game adaptation for the HBO series, Druckmann addressed the crowd with a grin, referencing the industry’s latest headline-grabbing deal.
“Do we need to thank Netflix or Paramount, or whoever our streaming overlord is now?”
he quipped, drawing laughter and nods from the audience.
The joke landed just days after news broke that Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. for a staggering $82.7 billion. The sale, announced on December 5, followed months of speculation and a bidding war that saw Paramount Pictures try to outbid Netflix, only to be turned down. The acquisition means Netflix will soon control Warner Bros.’ vast library, including HBO, DC Studios, and iconic franchises like Harry Potter and Looney Tunes.
Industry Uncertainty and Shifting Power
Druckmann’s playful comment highlights the confusion and uncertainty swirling around Hollywood as the dust settles from this massive deal. With Warner Bros. up for grabs since early 2025, studios and fans alike have been left wondering what the future holds for beloved properties and the networks that air them. For Druckmann, whose hit series The Last of Us is produced by HBO, the question of who’s really in charge is more relevant than ever.
HBO, long a staple of premium television, is now poised to become part of Netflix’s growing empire. This shift has left many in the industry questioning how the new ownership will impact creative decisions, distribution, and the fate of theatrical releases. The uncertainty is especially acute for those invested in the traditional moviegoing experience, as streaming giants continue to reshape the landscape.
Netflix’s Promise and the Road Ahead
While some worry that Netflix’s takeover could spell trouble for theaters, the company’s leadership has tried to ease those fears. At a recent conference, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the concerns head-on, saying,
“We didn’t buy this company to destroy that value. The reason we haven’t talked about the theatrical business before is because we’ve never been in that business. When this deal closes, we are in that business, and we’re going to do it. ”
Even with these assurances, questions remain about how networks like HBO and CNN will be managed under the new regime. The industry is watching closely to see if Netflix’s bold move will change the way audiences experience movies and shows. For now, fans can only wait to see how the story unfolds, while keeping an eye on the slate of upcoming releases for the rest of 2025 and beyond.