Warner Bros. Heir Voices Unease Over Netflix Acquisition

Gregory Orr, the grandson of Warner Bros. founder Jack Warner, has spoken out about his unease regarding the studio's recent sale to Netflix. Before the deal was finalized on December 5, Orr shared his apprehensions, saying,

"The potential sale of WBD does not sit well with me."

He pointed out that both the entertainment industry and Netflix are at a pivotal moment, with the streaming service set to acquire not only Warner Bros.' vast creative resources but also its renowned theatrical distribution network.

Concerns Over Theatrical Experience

Netflix's $82.7 billion purchase of Warner Bros. brings with it a legacy of blockbuster releases, including upcoming titles like Superman, Sinners, and Weapons. Traditionally, Netflix has limited its films' time in theaters, often restricting releases to a handful of locations for just a couple of weeks. Orr believes this approach could undermine the unique value of seeing movies on the big screen.

He emphasized,

"Netflix would have to enlarge the idea of itself as not just a streaming pioneer, but a steward of a very worthy and necessary theatrical experience."

Orr argued that while watching movies at home is convenient, it can't replace the communal feeling of a theater. In a world where people are increasingly isolated, he sees the shared experience of going to the movies as vital for mental well-being.

Legacy Franchises and the Future of Film

With the acquisition, Netflix now controls major Warner Bros. assets, including HBO, DC Studios, and iconic franchises like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Orr worries that the focus on producing content for streaming could lower the artistic standards of film and television.

He expressed his concern, stating,

"The idea of only making 'content' is such a low bar for the medium of film and TV. It's like saying all paintings need only satisfy the needs of a dental waiting room."

For Orr, the shift toward mass content production risks diminishing the creative and cultural impact that movies and television have long provided.