Netflix Eyes 17-Day Theatrical Window for Warner Bros.

Following the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros., Netflix is reportedly advocating for a theatrical window of just 17 days for major film releases. This stance has created tension within Hollywood, as traditional theater chains like AMC prefer to maintain a longer exclusivity period of approximately 45 days.

The potential shift could impact high-profile upcoming films, including Man of Tomorrow and The Batman: Part 2. While Netflix executives have stated that current theatrical plans will proceed, the long-term strategy appears focused on shortening windows to be more "user friendly." The $82.7 billion deal faces regulatory scrutiny and has already prompted a lawsuit from an HBO Max subscriber alleging reduced competition.

Industry figures, including director James Cameron, have voiced strong concerns regarding the potential impact on the cinema experience.

Discussions regarding the future of film distribution have intensified following reports that Netflix intends to shorten the theatrical exclusivity window for Warner Bros. films to 17 days. This proposal is significantly shorter than the current industry standards. Theater circuits, particularly AMC, are reportedly holding a line around 45 days of exclusivity.

The debate stems from the massive $82.7 billion deal between the two media giants. While the 17-day window is not yet confirmed, it represents a clear priority for the streamer. The tension within Hollywood is palpable as stakeholders negotiate the terms of this potential merger.

Key upcoming releases that could be affected by this shift include:

• James Gunn's Man of Tomorrow (July 9, 2027)
• Andy Serkis' The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (December 17, 2027)
• Matt Reeves' The Batman: Part 2 (October 1, 2027)
• Godzilla x Kong: Supernova (March 26, 2027)

These films would theoretically move to Netflix in under three weeks if the 17-day proposal is implemented.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the merger during an investor call, expressing confidence in the regulatory process. He described the deal as "pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker, it's pro-creator, it's pro-growth." Sarandos emphasized that Netflix has a history of theatrical releases, noting, "We've released about 30 films into theaters this year, so it's not like we have got this opposition to movies into theaters."

However, Sarandos also signaled a desire to evolve release strategies. He stated that windows would likely shorten over time to become "more user friendly" and "meet the audience where they are, quicker." Despite this, he assured that current theatrical plans for Warner Bros. movies would remain unchanged for the time being.

Not everyone shares Sarandos' optimism. James Cameron described the potential acquisition as a "disaster," citing Sarandos' previous comments on the death of theatrical cinema. Cameron remains skeptical of Netflix's commitment to meaningful theatrical distribution, calling the strategy "fundamentally rotten to the core."

Additionally, filmmaker Rian Johnson recently expressed frustration with Netflix's limited theatrical release strategy for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which played in "select" theaters rather than nationwide.

The proposed merger faces significant hurdles beyond theatrical windows. The $82.7 billion deal has attracted the attention of members of Congress and is expected to face intense scrutiny under antitrust laws.

Legal challenges have already begun. At least one HBO Max subscriber has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming the acquisition threatens to reduce competition in the U.S. subscription video-on-demand market. The integration of HBO Max's vast library—which includes Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and the DC Universe—into Netflix is a central point of contention.

Netflix has attempted to reassure subscribers regarding the merger's immediate impact. The company sent an email promising that nothing would change "today" and that both services would operate separately until the deal closes. The transaction is expected to close within 12 to 18 months, placing the potential completion date between December 2026 and summer 2027.

The proposed reduction of the theatrical window to 17 days represents a potential paradigm shift for the film industry. While Netflix pushes for a model that prioritizes streaming speed, traditional theaters and established directors advocate for a longer theatrical life. As the Warner Bros. acquisition moves through regulatory review, the final agreement on release windows will likely set a precedent for the future of movie distribution in Hollywood.