Writers Guild Says Netflix–Warner Bros. Merger “Must Be Blocked,” Warning of Major Industry Consequences

Several major Hollywood unions and industry groups are speaking out after news broke that Netflix is moving forward with a massive deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming businesses. The proposed price is reported to be more than $80 billion, and the reaction across the industry has been intense.

The Writers Guild of America was one of the first to voice strong objections. The group argued that letting Netflix buy a company as large as Warner Bros. Discovery would hurt workers and viewers.

In its statement, the WGA said the deal would cut jobs, lower pay, and limit the kinds of shows and films audiences can access. The guild warned that this type of merger is exactly what antitrust laws are meant to stop, adding that “The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent.” The WGA also said the merger “must be blocked.”

The union has opposed major media mergers for years, saying that as companies grow bigger, writers lose opportunities. They pointed to past deals such as the Disney-Fox and AT&T-Time Warner mergers as examples of consolidation that hurt the creative workforce. They have kept this same position as Warner Bros. Discovery began exploring possible buyouts in recent months.

The Teamsters also condemned the proposed Netflix takeover. Lindsay Dougherty of Local 399 said the union sees the move as a threat to jobs and the future of their members. She said, “Greed-fueled consolidation of corporate power… is a direct threat to good union jobs.” She also called on government leaders to step in and block the deal.

Concerns didn’t stop there. The Producers Guild of America said many producers feel uneasy about Netflix taking control of one of Hollywood’s historic studios. In its statement, the PGA said the industry needs to protect creative jobs and the theatrical experience, noting that studios are more than just collections of past films.

The group said, “Our legacy studios are more than content libraries — within their vaults are the character and culture of our nation.”

The Directors Guild of America also shared worries about how the deal might affect competition and creative freedom. The DGA said the agreement “raises significant concerns” and that they plan to meet with Netflix to discuss their issues.

SAG-AFTRA took a more measured stance but said the deal brings up many questions about how artists and other workers will be affected. The group said they will review the full details before taking an official position but emphasized that any merger must support more work for actors, not less.

Movie theater owners are also alarmed. Cinema United, the main trade group for theaters, said Netflix buying Warner Bros. could harm cinemas around the world. CEO Michael O’Leary said the deal is an “unprecedented threat” and argued that Netflix’s usual release strategy does not support theatrical business. He urged regulators to study the possible impact closely.

Netflix, meanwhile, says it plans to keep Warner Bros. operating as it does now, including releasing movies in theaters. The company also said HBO Max will remain a separate streaming service for the time being. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told analysts that he expects release windows to change over time, saying, “I think, over time, the windows will evolve to be much more consumer friendly.”

The deal is still being reviewed, and federal regulators will decide what happens next.

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