Netflix film chief says they won't work with directors who want to release movies in theaters

'Special Report' executive editor Bret Baier has the latest on Netflix dropping its bid to buy Warner Bros. When Netflix announced it intended to buy Warner Bros. Pictures, there was widespread concern that the streaming service giant would permanently alter the legendary studio. While many Netflix executives, including CEO Ted Sarandos, claimed that they wouldn't make such changes, it seemed clear what their interest in Warner Bros. came to. Instead of building up the theatrical model, essentially developing and producing movies with the intent of showing them in theaters, Netflix wanted Warner Bros.' impressive slate of intellectual property. Essentially, the logic behind the purchase would be that to see the next DC Studios release, like, a Batman film, for example, audiences would need to subscribe to Netflix. TRUMP SAYS 'ANY DEAL' TO BUY WARNER BROS SHOULD INCLUDE CNN Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netflix, speaks during the Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth groundbreaking in Eatontown, New Jersey, on May 13, 2025. (Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Sarandos in the past has spoken about the theatrical model being "outdated," that audiences are happier watch