'A nightmare' - The battle over Warner Bros is turning Hollywood upside down

December 14, 2025

Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's most iconic studios with a 102-year history, is facing a potential sale that has created anxiety throughout the entertainment industry already reeling from production slowdowns and job losses. Netflix has announced a deal to acquire the studio's most valuable assets including HBO and its film archive, while Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108 billion takeover bid backed by Middle Eastern investors and a fund connected to Jared Kushner. Industry workers are torn between Netflix, which they blame for damaging theatrical film releases, and Paramount, whose leadership has financial ties to President Trump and foreign governments that raise censorship concerns.

Who is affected

Actors, producers, camera crews, sound technicians, and other Hollywood creative workers facing job losses and reduced employment opportunities
Warner Bros Discovery employees (several thousand already cut in previous mergers)
Film exhibitors and movie theater owners concerned about Netflix's streaming-first strategy
Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav
Warner Bros Discovery shareholders
Tourists and visitors to Warner Bros facilities
Consumers who watch films and TV shows from these studios

What action is being taken

Netflix and Warner Bros have announced a deal for Netflix to buy the studio, HBO, and its film/TV archive
Paramount Skydance is pursuing a hostile takeover bid valued at $108 billion
Paramount Skydance is making offers directly to Warner Bros Discovery shareholders
A producer is working on developing and trying to get a new show on air at the Warner Bros lot
Film workers are attempting to reinvent themselves and take odd jobs to survive
Some actors are relying on food banks while working odd jobs

Why it matters

This represents a significant consolidation in Hollywood that will reduce the number of buyers for film and TV projects, making it harder for creative workers to sell their content and find employment. The sale of Warner Bros, a studio responsible for creating iconic American films over more than a century, marks another step in the entertainment industry's shift away from traditional theatrical releases toward streaming platforms. The potential involvement of foreign government investors and Trump-connected entities raises concerns about censorship and political influence over American media and entertainment. The situation reflects broader economic pressures on the entertainment industry following pandemic shutdowns and labor strikes, with workers facing unemployment, homelessness, and career uncertainty as AI and consolidation shrink opportunities.

What's next

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders will need to decide between the Netflix deal and Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover offer
Another billionaire or company could potentially make an additional offer for the studio
If Netflix's deal succeeds, Warner's legacy TV networks (CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery) will need to find another buyer
The industry anticipates additional job cuts regardless of which buyer prevails

Read full article from source: BBC