What Future For Your Favorite Films And Series?

This Friday, November 5, Warner Bros. and Netflix entered into exclusive negotiations for a possible takeover. A few hours later, the operation was validated by the two boards of directors. The Red N operation already promises to shake up the global audiovisual landscape, even if several stages still need to be completed. Already because a Warner Bros. Netflix conglomerate would become de facto a major player in the cultural sector, then because it is the first time that the red N has embarked on such an acquisition process, but also and above all, because a number of famous intellectual properties are in the balance.

At a time when the franchise war is raging in cinema and streaming, Netflix would have a clear advantage over the competition. We take stock of all the licenses and universes affected by this possible buyout.

Harry Potter

At the epicenter of this possible takeover, the saga Harry Potter could pass into the hands of Netflix in the near future. This obviously includes the 2001 film saga, but also and above all, the series in development. It is produced under the HBO Max brand, also affected by the intention of repurchasing the Red N. While Stranger Things is about to lower the curtain, Netflix could hold the new television phenomenon.

Francesca Gardiner’s series must be offered in 2027. The validation and negotiation process generally takes between one and two years, the series could be at the forefront. If a merger of the Netflix and HBO Max platforms would require a few more years given the technical complexity, upon its release, Harry Potter could be under the control of red N.

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As a reminder, the series Harry Potter must adapt the seven books of the saga of JK Rowling. HBO and Warner Bros. had promised ten years of exploration of the wizarding world, with new interpreters of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

While fantasy struggles to find a place in the Netflix catalog, The Witcher was a notable failure in the same way as Shadow and Bone or even Cursed: the rebel. The little wizard with glasses would be a considerable advantage for Netflix and its catalog.

The cinematic saga remains one of the most lucrative with a cumulative box office of more than 8 billion dollars. The series which adapts the same novels is eagerly awaited. Everything suggests that the operation will be a win-win for HBO… And for Netflix.

The Lord of the Rings

Speaking of fantasy, Warner Bros. has the film adaptation rights to another monster of the genre. It is in the studio that The Lord of the Rings owes his trilogy, as much as that of the Hobbit. An asset on which Davis Zaslav, boss of Warner Bros Discovery, still bet a lot.

In 2027, Andy Serkis will direct a film dedicated to Gollum and the events preceding Frodo’s departure for the Mountain of Destiny. It will tell the story of how Gandalf sent Aragorn in pursuit of Smeagol and the One Ring.

The film co-produced by New Line Cinema is due to be released in theaters on December 15, 2027.

Until now, Netflix has never relied on cinemas to generate revenue. If the firm covets award ceremonies like the Oscars, it limits its operations to a few days and a few rooms to comply with the Academy’s regulations.

This refusal to invest in cinemas was even at the heart of heated discussions between the platform and Greta Gerwig concerning her adaptation of the Chronicles of Narnia. The director obtained an IMAX release for several weeks in the United States.

The Hunt for Gollum will he have the same fate? For the moment, Netflix is committed to respecting the cinema release of all projects that have been promised the big screen. This therefore applies to The Hunt for Gollum which is due to begin filming soon.

On the other hand, in the event of success and a desire to continue, there is nothing to ensure at the moment that cinemas will remain the priority of the SVoD giant. This is also the point that worries the industry the most, Netflix could absolutely limit the presence of Warner Bros in cinema and make its catalog an absolute priority.

Netflix rivals Marvel and Disney

Netflix has tried its hand at superheroes several times, with varying degrees of success. His series Umbrella Academy found its fans before collapsing for its final season while Jupiter’s Legacy stood out as a Nanardesque proposition. It was canceled in a hurry.

Elsewhere, Netflix has also developed series for Marvel Television, from Daredevil has Luke Cage passing through Jessica Jones et Punisher. So many characters who have returned under the fold of Disney and Marvel Studios.

With the Warner Bros bookstore in its drawers, Netflix becomes Disney+’s main rival in the field. She gets her hands on DC Studios series and productions. Peacemaker, Lanterns or even Creature CommandosJames Gunn’s new license multiplies the television offerings to accompany its cinema releases.

In the cinema, Gunn and Peter Safran have already planned to return next July with Supergirl. Of the film Swamp Thing, Clayface and of Batman : The Brave and Bold are also under construction. If Supergirl should not be unduly impacted by this acquisition, the other three projects inevitably will be. This also applies to Superman : Man of Tomorrowmade official a few months ago.

Dune

Elsewhere in the panorama of emblematic adaptations, Netflix would get its hands on Dune by Denis Villeneuve. The third film will be released in 2026 and filming has already been completed. The project falls within the scope of those promised to the cinema and should logically not be switched to streaming at the last minute.

Note that the series Prophecy has just started the production phase of its season 2. Ultimately, we can easily imagine that it will join the Netflix catalog as part of a bundled offer.

One platform to rule them all?

The contours of this merger remain unclear but Netflix could rely on a strategy similar to that of Disney with Hulu and FX, if only to maintain the HBO Max brand and its reputation. “Premium”. The big-eared firm has deployed a Star section in France for more mature content.

This catalog within the catalog led to an increase in the Price of two euros at the time and allowed the giant to shed its image as a platform for children. For Netflix, opera remains more complicated because HBO and HBO Max are brands that it would be wrong to make invisible. It will therefore be a matter of finding the best way to cultivate the uniqueness of these “Premium” productions while offering customers a more diverse and varied streaming destination. A place where Game of Thrones et Stranger Things are next to each other.

Game of Thrones

Precisely, Westeros could also change address. Game of Thrones remains a crucial stamp for HBO and HBO Max, many spin-off series are in development or production. In January, it is with A Knight of the Seven Kingdom that fans of the world of George RR Martin have an appointment.

The author of the novels recently confirmed that other series were in development or in consideration. So far HBO has been cautious with the franchise, even going so far as to cancel a series whose pilot was being filmed because the result did not meet the channel’s expectations.

Netflix could have less qualms and speed up the process and strike while the iron is hot.

But also…

The Warner Bros library is among the most loaded with licenses and iconic universes, only Disney and its Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar franchises rival it. By getting its hands on Warner Bros, Netflix is taking over monuments of popular culture to exploit. While the transaction must still be validated by authorities and shareholders, the fate of important intellectual properties hangs in the balance.