Netflix & Paramount fight to acquire Warner Bros.

[Prowler]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce91x2jm5pjo

So, thoughts on this?

I personally am not a fan of monopolies. And I don't subscribe to Netflix neither do I plan on ever doing so.

[Andrew NDB]

If I'm wrong then I'm wrong but I think this will be pretty grueling, it will take a year or two and ultimately Netflix will have to walk away and it will all be a very costly affair.

Deals/acquisitions like these can be pretty grueling even when nobody really has a problem with them, let alone something like THIS one... where everyone and their mom is against it. Government, guilds, talent alike.

[neatoman]

I can't decide what's more depressing, this, Disney buying FOX a few years back or the alternate scenario of Paramount buying WB instead...

[Prowler]

I remember when several years ago there was a discussion here of the possibility of WB being acquired by Disney and thus centralising Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc. and The Looney Tunes characters. It sounded like a terrible hypothetical for me.

And honestly, aren't most Netflix productions flops? How do they even make money beyond people who subscribe to their stuff? Disney and WB profited a lot for lots of other stuff like merchandise, video games, movie ticket sales, etc...

[Andrew NDB]

And honestly, aren't most Netflix productions flops?

They are, almost universally beyond a lot of disposable teenage rom-com stuff (stuff like The Kissing Booth movies, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, etc.). The thing is, they soak in such gigantically huge revenue from pure subscriptions of people just watching stuff like Breaking Bad re-runs that it doesn't matter.

In fact, Netflix (and a lot of streamers) are running kind of a gym membership scam. In a way. The best thing they can have is a bunch of people paying for monthly subscriptions who hardly ever watch anything.... but people that are happy to know that IF they did want to watch something, they COULD. This way Netflix just absorbs millions of people's subscription fees and don't have to worry about royalties or anything.

[neatoman]

l-PQ2J3uQe0

[ranger_scout]

Here's why Warner Bros. Discovery went with Netflix.

https://variety.com/2025/film/columns/why-warner-bros-david-zaslav-favored-netflix-safer-bet-1236601872/

[CyberCubed]

The overreaction over this all over the internet is very stupid. No netflix is not going to cancel James Gunn's movie universe which has 2 movies already filming and the first Superman was a success. Literally the reason netflix purchased WB in the first place was to get the money these movies will make in the box office and then on streaming.

Also, no, netflix is not canceling DC comics, they're not going to stop WB from making videogames (remember they own Mortal Kombat now, as well as Batman Arkham games and any other DC videogames from this point onward), and so forth. And yes HBO shows are now part of netflix.

This also means the upcoming Harry Potter TV show will now be a huge part of netflix, probably another reason they were so interested because Harry Potter is still huge.

[ranger_scout]

James Gunn and the CEO of Waner Bros. Discovery say the DCU films will continue to be shown on the big screen should the purchase by Netflix be completed.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/james-gunn-teases-the-future-of-the-dcu-after-netflix-purchase/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount just launched a hostile takeover offer of $108.4 billion to buy Warner Bros. Discovery compared to Netflix's bid.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/paramount-launches-hostile-takeover-bid-warner-bros-discovery-1236641640/

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount just launched a hostile takeover offer of $108.4 billion to buy Warner Bros. Discovery compared to Netflix's bid.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/paramount-launches-hostile-takeover-bid-warner-bros-discovery-1236641640/

What is hostile about that?

[sdp]

It means it's not what the CEO or board necessarily wants to do, but since it's a publicly traded company someone can buy enough shares to force the board to do something different than what leadership wanted, hence hostile. It's usually not a great tactic for various reasons including morale, costs, etc.

What's funny about this is if they win but acquired so much debt to buy WB in order for the hostile take over then in 3 years we'll see Paramount for sale since it can't make a profit and then Netflix will take it all including paramount :lol:

[IMJ]

How is that a hostile takeover?

[sdp]

I mean I didn't invent the term, they obviously don't find it friendly to go against what management wanted :lol: argue about it on wikipedia or call it corporate raid :lol:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_raid

[IMJ]

I mean I didn't invent the term, they obviously don't find it friendly to go against what management wanted :lol: argue about it on wikipedia or call it corporate raid :lol:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_raid

That's not what I'm sayin' - I know what an academic "hostile takeover" is. I'm saying how does that apply here? I haven't read the article yet but I find it unlikely that Paramount went against leadership for an acquisition like this.....

[sdp]

I haven't read it either, but I mean if leadership/management chose Netflix as the winner of the bid it's safe to assume paramount plans to buy stock to force the acquisition against their will. But who knows, maybe something different is happening and the journalist is just plain retarded and doesn't know what a hostile takeover is and just made a clickbait heading.

[Andrew NDB]

From what I gather, it's like this:

* WB : "OK, everybody has until midnight on X date to send their bids in!"

* Netflix : (sends in its bid before midnight on X date)

* Paramount : (sends in its bid before midnight on X date)

* WB : After midnight on X date: "OK, Netflix's bid was higher!"

* The Media : "Netflix has WON WB!"

* Paramount : "Well hang on, we can counter-offer."

* WB : "OK, cool! We never said we wouldn't entertain subsequent offers."

* The Media : "NETFLIX HAS WOOOON WB!!!"

* Paramount : "In fact, here's our counter-offer."

* WB : "Thanks! We'll look at it."

* The Media : "NETFLIX HAS WOOOOOONNNN WB!!!!!"

[sdp]

No, that's not how things go. They go through a structured process, it's not ebay that whoever bids more wins. I'm sure management retention, warranties and break up fees all are big parts of the decision, it's not just about who will give more for shares, which Netflix has the bigger bank account btw so it's no match. They also choose whoever they think the board, who is elected by shareholders, will vote yes for. So yes, Netflix didn't just tweet out "We bought WB" thinking they wouldn't get it, it's pretty much a done deal unless regulatory bodies stop it.

I find a hostile takeover unlikely to happen, but if paramount wanted they could just buy enough shares to get rid of the board members that don't want to vote for them and put people in the board that would vote for them. In simpler terms, what happens in Spiderman 1

https://ih1.redbubble.net/image.3080294520.4160/raf,360x360,075,t,fafafa:ca443f4786.jpg

[ranger_scout]

Paramount promises to release 30+ films in theaters if the acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/paramount-warner-bros-netflix-theatrical-releases-1236641998/

Warner Bros. Discovery says it carefully look over Paramount's offer and will make a decision within 10 business days.

https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/warner-bros-discovery-review-paramount-skydance-acquisition-bid-1236603529/

[IMJ]

Yeah they have to....
These buyouts have to survive scrutiny so they are done much like RFP's for government. Every proposal has to be reviewed and balanced against the value proposition - not just "price".

Ironic of course because commonly the lowest bidder wins, which leaves everyone to wonder how much of the review process is purely for the optics of it.

But ultimately they have to deeply review the entire offer.

[ranger_scout]

Netflix's CEO is once again trying to assure that his company won't make the theater industry collapse if it purchases Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/netflix-warner-bros-ted-sarandos-theatrical-window-1236642421/

[Wildcat]

I'm pretty indifferent to this whole thing. Same with Disney/Fox. I think people are overreacting. I was told on Blu Ray.com I'm wrong, mergers are doom for the company that's bought and it's the end of WB physical media.

Be that as it may, I hate how every Youtuber has to chime in with a 15min or longer video (ad revenue). All you see are those stupid thumbnails with "shocked" or "disappointed" faces and the WB logo being destroyed in someway :roll:

It'd be one thing if it was in cases like this...they do it for everything. Daily clickbait for very video game, movie and TV subject. Honestly I watched some from the few I actually follow (who aren't as clickbait-y) but they were just saying it was the worst deal ever too. So whatever.

Only thing I really thought about was Batgirl and SCOOB 2. Haha. Someone asked about Batgirl but it still needed significant work. I guess it was a tax write off. However SCOOB was to be completed. The producer said they would finish it for the sake of seeing it through. Can't find anything saying it was a tax write off or if that even matters after they merge.

[IMJ]

I'm pretty indifferent to this whole thing. Same with Disney/Fox.

Absolutely agree....
The Puritan-Generation must be bored to be making such a big deal out of this.

The next thing will be a deluge of YouTube videos about the topic titled "This Changes EVERYTHING!", and the Tubers will think that they are brilliant for it.

[sdp]

All the people that are against it area also the people that were pro Disney-Fox, and the only reason they wanted that deal was so they could have X-Men in the MCU, which didn't even matter since the MCU died and now we have one less studio.

I'd rather have Paramount have WB but at the same time, it's not like they have a great strategy either and someone who can actually absorb the debt ends up owning Paramount+WB. So yeah in a few years if the Netflix deal doesn't go through you'll see ParamountWB for sale and either the Saudi's will own it completely, or Netflix or Apple.

The save physical media and theaters arguments are laughable at best, physical media is already dead and just a niche at this point. Theaters are dying and will continue to die. I think in 10 years by 2035 they'll only be a niche relic that people will go to from time to time like they do other live type of events.

[Wildcat]

I do love physical media and collecting games/movies/shows.

I speculated Netflix might release more physical stuff now that WB will be part of them. People told me I was dumb to think that they'll even allow WB to continue physical releases. I think they'll keep doing it though.

What bothers me about Youtubers, that ones that constantly post...1. they're doing it for the ads and 2. it's all just thoughts and opinions. Which is fine but they frame videos as though they have some insider info. Either that or they just want to drum up a debate.

Anything along the lines "We need to talk about", "The REAL reason...", "listen to this before" and ya "This will change everything" I automatically ignore. I always take notice of the run time too.

Sorry but these channels should be demonetized. John Campea made a video about this very thing not long ago. Even saying he's guilty of doing it once in awhile but always tries not to.

[Vegita-San]

netflix is owned in part by the obama's, IIRC. if netflix gets it, expect nothing to change at DC.

however, at least Paramount has a chance at turning it around, being an unknown entity.

latest news is, hostile take over happening now.

[Prowler]

Absolutely agree....
The Puritan-Generation must be bored to be making such a big deal out of this.

The next thing will be a deluge of YouTube videos about the topic titled "This Changes EVERYTHING!", and the Tubers will think that they are brilliant for it.
Puritan is not a word that fits the people you're describing. Puritanism has nothing to do with being left-wing or anything. On the contrary. Puritanism is a conservative thing and something I'd associate with right-wing Americans who profess certain branches of Protestantism.

I do love physical media and collecting games/movies/shows.

I speculated Netflix might release more physical stuff now that WB will be part of them. People told me I was dumb to think that they'll even allow WB to continue physical releases. I think they'll keep doing it though.

What bothers me about Youtubers, that ones that constantly post...1. they're doing it for the ads and 2. it's all just thoughts and opinions. Which is fine but they frame videos as though they have some insider info. Either that or they just want to drum up a debate.

Anything along the lines "We need to talk about", "The REAL reason...", "listen to this before" and ya "This will change everything" I automatically ignore. I always take notice of the run time too.

Sorry but these channels should be demonetized. John Campea made a video about this very thing not long ago. Even saying he's guilty of doing it once in awhile but always tries not to.
Unfortunately youtube's algorithm rewards clickbaity video titles and thumbnails, which is why every decent sized youtuber uses them nowadays. The root of the problem is youtube itself and most content makers are just playing the game.

netflix is owned in part by the obama's, IIRC. if netflix gets it, expect nothing to change at DC.

however, at least Paramount has a chance at turning it around, being an unknown entity.

latest news is, hostile take over happening now.

Wait it is? Newsflash for me.

[Wildcat]

Unfortunately youtube's algorithm rewards clickbaity video titles and thumbnails, which is why every decent sized youtuber uses them nowadays. The root of the problem is youtube itself and most content makers are just playing the game. Does it reward it though? Everything in my algorithm reflects stuff I recently/consistently watch, which is half general videos not clickbait-y ones.

One user, who I never subscribed to but occasionally watch completely dropped out of my algorithm/recommendations once I stopped. Took maybe a month to happen or could be my recent viewing habits pushed him out.

Anyway people do not need to do this even if the algorithm supports it.

One I'll mention by name is The Sonic Show (his avatar is a racoon). He blatantly lies in his thumbnails/titles. I fell for it once when I first came across the channel. It's not even about clickbait. They literally lie. Seriously this Youtuber should be banned.

[IMJ]

Puritan is not a word that fits the people you're describing. Puritanism has nothing to do with being left-wing or anything. On the contrary. Puritanism is a conservative thing and something I'd associate with right-wing Americans who profess certain branches of Protestantism

"Puritan" is a perfect adaptation to describe the nonsense mentalities of judgement and hierarchy that the "complainers" have put out there. That's why people use it - not because they are misusing it.

[Prowler]

Does it reward it though? Everything in my algorithm reflects stuff I recently/consistently watch, which is half general videos not clickbait-y ones.

One user, who I never subscribed to but occasionally watch completely dropped out of my algorithm/recommendations once I stopped. Took maybe a month to happen or could be my recent viewing habits pushed him out.

Anyway people do not need to do this even if the algorithm supports it.

One I'll mention by name is The Sonic Show (his avatar is a racoon). He blatantly lies in his thumbnails/titles. I fell for it once when I first came across the channel. It's not even about clickbait. They literally lie. Seriously this Youtuber should be banned.
So you never get super random video recommendations by youtube like everyone else does? There's always one random video or two that gets recommended to people for several weeks even though it's not the kind of video you normally watch. Clearly youtube pushes certain videos like that.

And it rewards it since people are more likely to click on videos with those thumbnails and titles. Which is why popular youtubers all keep on using those. They wouldn't if it didn't get them clicks, would they?

And YT's algorithm is not that good anyway. You watch one single video about, I dunno, bridge repairing one day and then suddenly you get recommendations for dozens of videos about bridges in general. Youtube assumes that you're some bridge enthusiast just because you watched one single video about a bridge that one time several weeks ago.

[Wildcat]

So you never get super random video recommendations by youtube like everyone else does? There's always one random video or two that gets recommended to people for several weeks even though it's not the kind of video you normally watch. Clearly youtube pushes certain videos like that.

And it rewards it since people are more likely to click on videos with those thumbnails and titles. Which is why popular youtubers all keep on using those. They wouldn't if it didn't get them clicks, would they?

And YT's algorithm is not that good anyway. You watch one single video about, I dunno, bridge repairing one day and then suddenly you get recommendations for dozens of videos about bridges in general. Youtube assumes that you're some bridge enthusiast just because you watched one single video about a bridge that one time several weeks ago.

I do get random recommendations or ones slightly related to something I watched. Most are based on my viewing habits though.

I understand people use clickbait titles/thumbnails to grab attention...but if people stopped clicking them all the time they would fade from everyone's algorithm. At least that's been my experience.

Of course you'll still get recommended stuff based on a general subject that may be clickbait-y. It's up to you to ignore it.

My point is we should not watch or subscribe to people who do this. There's plenty of channels that don't. It's obvious who does.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. is expected to rebuff Paramount's $108 billion offer.

https://www.ft.com/content/6443abe1-c1ee-4f28-8a8a-408a3e8f6077

[Andrew NDB]

Warner Bros. is expected to rebuff Paramount's $108 billion offer.

https://www.ft.com/content/6443abe1-c1ee-4f28-8a8a-408a3e8f6077

I thought it was coming down to purely the shareholders themselves voting? WB can't stop that.

[ranger_scout]

It's now official. Warner Bros. Discovery is now telling shareholders to reject Paramount's hostile bid.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-netflix-merger-1236650715/

[Andrew NDB]

It's now official. Warner Bros. Discovery is now telling shareholders to reject Paramount's hostile bid.

https://deadline.com/2025/12/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-netflix-merger-1236650715/

Which they don't have to do.

[sdp]

while true, there's little reason to believe they wouldn't for the most part since the Netflix deal is better for them. Unless there's a hostile takeover and they change the shareholders to people who will which has its own hurdles on its own so I find that unlikely to happen. The most likely scenario of this not happening would be if the government says no but that doesn't seem like it's going to be the case either.

[Andrew NDB]

while true, there's little reason to believe they wouldn't for the most part since the Netflix deal is better for them.

How is the Netflix deal better for them? Their shares go up by almost a third under the Paramount deal vs. the Netflix one.

[sdp]

Less risky. Can Paramount pay because their funding is shaky, not for sure, they could be riddled with debt after it. Netflix is liquid, much lesser risk and includes protections in case things go wrong. There is a lot of scrutinity with hostile takeovers I don't even know all the legal stuff that goes on there, stock can drop quickly if it fails leaving them in a worse situation. It's about risk vs reward. Netflix deal gives shareholders guarantees basically in case anything goes wrong. So yeah it's not just about the bigger number but which scenario is going to assure them the most money.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. Discovery has a message for Elison of Paramount.

https://www.wsj.com/business/media/warner-bros-paramount-larry-ellison-bid-7f942087

[neatoman]

This is all surprisingly interesting. When Disney bought Fox, Discovery bought WB and Skydance bought Paramount it all amounted to a sad reminder that these giant companies can just merge with no meaningful resistance despite the obviously bad effects. At least with this we have some real serious competition over who gets it. It's still a "whoever wins, we lose" scenario but at least it's one interesting to follow.

[Andrew NDB]

This is all surprisingly interesting. When Disney bought Fox, Discovery bought WB and Skydance bought Paramount it all amounted to a sad reminder that these giant companies can just merge with no meaningful resistance despite the obviously bad effects. At least with this we have some real serious competition over who gets it. It's still a "whoever wins, we lose" scenario but at least it's one interesting to follow.

With Paramount/Skydance there is least the CHANCE that WB will ascend to new highs (or at least highs we haven't seen in ages). With Netflix we know the kind of content they push and business motto there, and its like a much more worksmanlike pre-Iger semi-purge of woke Disney.

[sdp]

Paramount+ just announced price increases to their services

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount+ just announced price increases to their services

Not going to pay them a goddamn dime until they fix Star Trek.

[ranger_scout]

Paramount has revised its offer.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/larry-ellison-guarantee-paramount-bid-warner-bros-1236456983/

[IMJ]

This is actually pretty interesting considering that Paramount seems to have some extended relationship with Amazon T.V.

A lot of the Paramount stuff is on Amazon streaming - newer stuff that is typically paywalled to an extent, as opposed to Netflix.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. Discovery will now review Paramount's updated offer.

https://nypost.com/2025/12/22/media/warner-bros-discovery-to-review-larry-ellisons-offer-to-guarantee-paramount-skydances-78b-takeover-bid-sources/

[Andrew NDB]

Warner Bros. Discovery will now review Paramount's updated offer.

https://nypost.com/2025/12/22/media/warner-bros-discovery-to-review-larry-ellisons-offer-to-guarantee-paramount-skydances-78b-takeover-bid-sources/

Fingers crossed. Honestly. Please, not Netflix.

On the other hand... I'd really prefer the Skydance people just to focus on fixing everything at Paramount first. But if muddying the waters slightly for a time means they stop Netflix from taking over WB... maybe that's worth it.

[ranger_scout]

It sucks what this writer is saying about movie theaters no matter who buys Warner Bros. Discovery. I don't want them to end up like Blockbuster. They probably won't, but there will probably be less of them.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/movies/there-s-no-happy-ending-for-movie-theaters-no-matter-who-wins-warner/ar-AA1T9KFm

[IMJ]

Theaters need to innovate, but the go-to is to make a screen twice as big and then charge 4 times as much.

I love the "movie theater". But they deserve to rot. They spend millions on audio, yet you'll sit in a theater and experience close to zero surround effects. It's a joke.

[ranger_scout]

Theaters need to innovate, but the go-to is to make a screen twice as big and then charge 4 times as much.

I love the "movie theater". But they deserve to rot. They spend millions on audio, yet you'll sit in a theater and experience close to zero surround effects. It's a joke.

The thing is my best friends live at least 45 minutes away from me and the theaters have always been more convenient places for us to meet.

[Andrew NDB]

The thing is my best friends live at least 45 minutes away from me and the theaters have always been more convenient places for us to meet.

Meet at the theater? What a horrible place for a meet-up with friends. Nobody yells at you for talking during the movie?

[IMJ]

The thing is my best friends live at least 45 minutes away from me and the theaters have always been more convenient places for us to meet.

I mean.... bro there's nothing wrong with that at all. But... I mean I'm sure there are other things surrounding the theater for you to meet at as well, right? I mean the theater could be demolished and you could, in theory still meet at the exact location in the empty parking lot.

Now, if what you meant is "I have a friend and our connection is seeing movies together" then that would open up an entirely different, more poignant, and less "Technodrome-style" of conversation about the topic.

I suppose.

Meet at the theater? What a horrible place for a meet-up with friends. Nobody yells at you for talking during the movie?

I think the funny thing is that your replies are commonly so much more vitriolic than mine.....

[Andrew NDB]

WB planning on rejecting Paramount's latest offer:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-30/warner-bros-plans-to-reject-paramount-offer-next-week

Which, again, is meaningless if it turns out the shareholders want Paramount. We'll see what happens there.

I think a very real possibility is that WB moves forward with Netflix then it all falls apart at the approval/anti-trust level (or it is flat-out blocked) and then WB comes back to the table with Paramount... and Paramount offers a lower offer than before.

[Prowler]

Unrelated but why do Americans call cinemas "movie theaters"? Were they originally theaters for theater plays which then turned into cinema rooms or something? :)

[neatoman]

Unrelated but why do Americans call cinemas "movie theaters"? Were they originally theaters for theater plays which then turned into cinema rooms or something? :)

Aside from the screen being in place of a stage, a cinema is nearly identical in structure to a theatre, it's not exactly a stretch to call them the same thing.

[sdp]

we use outdated terms all the time "motion picture" awards and whatnot.

[Andrew NDB]

Unrelated but why do Americans call cinemas "movie theaters"?

I mean, the movie theaters call themselves movie theaters. We're just following their lead.

[IMJ]

Unrelated but why do Americans call cinemas "movie theaters"? Were they originally theaters for theater plays which then turned into cinema rooms or something? :)

That's my understanding of the root of it, yes. There used to be a distinction when "theaters" involved live-acting more often than not, and "movies" were referred to as "cinema".

And so the most modern definition of "theater" is "a place of performative action". And so it became easier to say "movie theater" to differentiate between that and just "theater" which commonly refers to stage-plays. Also note, "the theater of war" - basically a place of strategic performative actions.

And so "theater" is really the blanket term that requires a prefix.

[Andrew NDB]

Yeah, I guess colloquially there is "theaters" here (meaning movie theaters) and then there is, alternately, "the theater."

[Prowler]

Aside from the screen being in place of a stage, a cinema is nearly identical in structure to a theatre, it's not exactly a stretch to call them the same thing.

Ah ok makes sense.

Thanks for the explanation guys. Anyway, I think there is no misunderstanding when some of us call it cinema and others call it theater when discussing movies. So it's not a big deal :)

[ranger_scout]

WB planning on rejecting Paramount's latest offer:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-30/warner-bros-plans-to-reject-paramount-offer-next-week



They made it official today.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/warner-bros-discovery-rejects-paramount-skydance-ellison-latest-takeover-offer-1236624282/

[sdp]

https://i.imgur.com/QB3ETu4.png

[ranger_scout]

Cinema United is warning a house committee in Washington D.C. that a purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix or Paramount would negatively impact their business.

https://deadline.com/2026/01/warner-bros-discovery-theatrical-cinema-united-1236666766/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount reaffirms that their latest offer is better than Netflix's even though Warner Bros. Discovery rejected it.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-skydance-response-warner-bros-discovery-offer-1236625973/

[CyberCubed]

Paramount is never getting WB, they are just embarrassing themselves at this point. They got rejected like 5 times.

[sdp]

I actually believe the count is at #8

[neatoman]

Paramount is never getting WB, they are just embarrassing themselves at this point. They got rejected like 5 times.

OfIV7fZ4I0c?si=afQjuj1gaONeElHK&t=9

[Andrew NDB]

I believe the shareholders have until 1/19 to decide if they like Paramount's offer or not? Which would make whatever WB is saying irrelevant.

[Barkworm]

Why is WB so enamoured with Netflix? Seems like almost everyone else is against the idea of Netflix buying them.

[Prowler]

Why is WB so enamoured with Netflix? Seems like almost everyone else is against the idea of Netflix buying them.

I guess because Netflix is the biggest/most famous streaming company/service in the world right now?

Anyway, I dislike this whole age of streaming where there's a billion different streaming services and some shows and movies are available for one year and then stop being available. Not everyone has time to marathon a multiple season tv series throughout a whole year or a time span of 6 months.

Which is why I refuse to use any of those streaming services. Most people worldwide still prefer sailing the high seas, I feel. It's faster and it's "free". Keep in mind not all countries are as strict when it comes to punishing piracy. If the Portuguese state started to enforce its laws against piracy, then 90% of our country would go to prison, for example.

[ranger_scout]

The Justice Department is now looking into Paramount's bid.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/justice-dept-paramount-warner-bros-review-1236467714/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is now suing Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-skydance-sues-warner-bros-discovery-netflix-deal-1236629324/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount got more bad news today.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/judge-rejects-paramount-motion-expedite-warner-bros-discovery-trial-1236632274/

[IMJ]

The sale drama over this is ridiculous....

[ranger_scout]

Time will tell if he really means it, but Ted Sarandos of Netflix promises to keep Warner Bros. films in theaters for 45-days should the deal close.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/netflix-warner-bros-movies-45-day-window-ted-sarandos-1236633046/

[sdp]

What sale drama? It's just paramount embarrassing themselves

[sdp]

https://www.ky3.com/2026/01/19/trump-purchased-up-51-million-bonds-end-2025-including-netflix-warner-bros-investments/

the deal is going to go through :tlol:

[ranger_scout]

Netflix has upgraded its deal to all cash. Shareholders could vote on the deal by April.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/netflix-warner-bros-deal-all-cash-shareholder-vote-1236635142/

[ranger_scout]

David Ellison of Paramount isn't giving up.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/david-ellison-warner-bros-paramount-skydance-deadline-hostile-takeover-1236637688/

[CyberCubed]

No one cares what Paramount is doing. 93% of WB shareholders rejected them again. Netflix is a done deal.

[Andrew NDB]

No one cares what Paramount is doing. 93% of WB shareholders rejected them again.

If that's true then that IS about it, then. But what do you mean 93% of shareholders rejected them... again? The 1/20 or whatever deadline it was was the first and only time they've voted on anything. It's just been the WB suits voting no so far.

[neatoman]

https://deadline.com/2026/02/netflix-warner-bros-maga-1236702805/

And so the BS continues.

[Andrew NDB]

To Paramount: "put up or shut up."

https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/media/the-takeover-battle-for-warner-bros-discovery-is-coming-to-a-head-for-paramount-skydance/

My general thinking is that Paramount COULD and is willing to pony up a higher bid... but they'd certainly much prefer see Netflix's whole deal get gutted federally, forcing WB into Paramount's arms at a lower price point.

[ranger_scout]

Theater owners didn't have anything good to say about this merger to Senate lawmakers today.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/netflix-warner-bros-theater-owners-senate-hearing-1236710094/

[sdp]

I'm sure horse sellers didn't have anything good to say about those new cars being sold.

[ranger_scout]

Paramount has now sweetened its offer.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-sweetens-offer-warner-bros-discovery-1236714137/

[neatoman]

Paramount has now sweetened its offer.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-sweetens-offer-warner-bros-discovery-1236714137/

So what could they do next time then? Throw in a bag of sugar?

[CyberCubed]

People really think this is still going to happen?

[Andrew NDB]

If I'm wrong then I'm wrong but I think this will be pretty grueling, it will take a year or two and ultimately Netflix will have to walk away and it will all be a very costly affair.

Deals/acquisitions like these can be pretty grueling even when nobody really has a problem with them, let alone something like THIS one... where everyone and their mom is against it. Government, guilds, talent alike.

Still going with my gut on all of this.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. may reopen sale talks with Paramount following their updated offer.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/15/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-netflix.html

[ranger_scout]

Here's the status of things happening between Warner Bros. and Paramount.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-weight-in-warner-bros-discovery-talks-1236727331/

[ranger_scout]

EU regulators might prefer Paramount's bid over Netflix's.

https://variety.com/2026/film/global/eu-regulator-paramount-netflix-battle-warner-bros-discovery-1236649398/

[neatoman]

EU regulators might prefer Paramount's bid over Netflix's.

https://variety.com/2026/film/global/eu-regulator-paramount-netflix-battle-warner-bros-discovery-1236649398/

So what happens if WB goes with Netflix but is rejected by EU regulators? These companies are situated in the US and only have branches in the EU.

[ranger_scout]

Paramount just cleared an antitrust hurdle.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-clears-us-antitrust-hurdle-warner-bros-discovery-1236730560/

[ranger_scout]

Netflix is officially under DOJ antitrust scrutiny.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/doj-netflix-wb-deal-antitrust-probe-1236731978/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is now sweetening its offer again.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-sweents-offer-warner-bros-discovery-1236733836/

[CyberCubed]

I've heard "Paramount is sweetening their offer" like 10 times now. WB has constantly rejected them because they don't raise their bid. Do they not realize how valuable WB's properties are? I have no idea why they don't just raise their price, otherwise what they're doing is pointless.

[sdp]

MO2kmdC_wX0

[neatoman]

Paramount has now sweetened its offer.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-sweetens-offer-warner-bros-discovery-1236714137/

Paramount is now sweetening its offer.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-sweents-offer-warner-bros-discovery-1236733836/

https://media1.tenor.com/m/IAtglE9aZg4AAAAC/stewie-repetition.gif

[Andrew NDB]

I've heard "Paramount is sweetening their offer" like 10 times now. WB has constantly rejected them because they don't raise their bid. Do they not realize how valuable WB's properties are? I have no idea why they don't just raise their price

There are very few red flags as far as anti-trust concerns go if Paramount successfully acquires WB. Conversely, there are TONS of red flags if Netflix acquires WB and not even just anti-trust ones.

i.e., there is an ongoing gambling by Paramount that the Netflix/WB deal would be torpedoed from the outside regardless, sooner or later. So Paramount is kind of hanging back, waiting for either the board members OR the shareholders to get sufficiently spooked by that to go with them without them having to raise their offer. Because once they raise their offer they can't rescind that and they'll be stuck paying extra billions of dollars they wouldn't have had to otherwise.

[sdp]

My only concern with Paramount winning is that they'll be riddled with debt and won't be able to survive. It'll be the same story we've seen with WB before, where they can't be profitable so they cancel everything and are eventually up for sale. And now the next company will get to buy ParamountWB, so we'll have Apple, Netflix or PrimeVideo getting everything in the end.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. Discovery is now looking at Paramount's revised offer.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/warner-bros-discovery-reviewing-paramount-revised-proposal-1236734321/

[Andrew NDB]

The bad if Paramount wins WB:

* There may be a lack of focus on the Paramount IPs they JUST acquired five minutes ago. Like TMNT. Like Star Trek. Suddenly they'll have the whole DC Universe, Harry Potter, etc. to throw out there and stripmine.

* Paramount will be fairly depleted money-wise out of the gate to invest in as many IPs as they would be without buying WB. So their continuing to invest would be more directly contingent on them putting out stuff that's turning a big profit right away post-WB win.

* WB doesn't just get to stay WB. Which is true if Netflix wins as well.

That's about it, IMO.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. Discovery is now saying Paramount's latest offer might lead to a sweeter deal than Netflix.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/wbd-paramount-sweeter-offer-might-lead-better-deal-netflix-1236734975/

[Andrew NDB]

And meanwhile while this is going on Netflix share prices are dropping like a rock.

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. Discovery is now saying Paramount's offer is superior. Netflix has four days to match.

https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-superior-netflix-four-days-1236674011/

ETA: Netflix is dropping out, which means Paramount wins.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-backs-out-warners-deal-paramount-win-1236516763/

[Andrew NDB]

ETA: Netflix is dropping out, which means Paramount wins.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-backs-out-warners-deal-paramount-win-1236516763/

Holy sh**... awesome!

[neatoman]

I already posted this but... I guess it bears repeating.

OfIV7fZ4I0c?si=afQjuj1gaONeElHK&t=9

[CyberCubed]

The idea of TMNT and DC being under the same roof is very odd. DC could very well make TMNT part of the DC comic universe going forward. They've already had numerous Batman crossovers. Might as well make it official?

[Andrew NDB]

* Netflix was looking at their plummeting stock prices in the midst of all of this. And how much further it'd probably drop the longer they chase WB.

* WB was looking at the long, long road ahead to get Netflix cleared by an increasing set of hurdles popping up in front of it (this was always going to happen).

* Paramount not wanting to spend $1 more than it would take to get to this precipice. Fairly smartly. It all worked out.

Man, though... the Gunn-verse was already "not safe" with Netflix, but with Paramount? Time will tell but, shesus. Even stuff like the Harry Potter TV show could get swept up into new management.

[CyberCubed]

I mean Paramount canceling a whole bunch of WB/DC stuff already in production would be idiotic, since they're already spending millions on this stuff and have a pipeline going. To drop it all and start from scratch would take even longer to get new stuff out.

[Andrew NDB]

I mean Paramount canceling a whole bunch of WB/DC stuff already in production would be idiotic, since they're already spending millions on this stuff and have a pipeline going. To drop it all and start from scratch would take even longer to get new stuff out.

Cancel no, but they could get in there and DRASTICALLY reshape. For Harry Potter it could mean many things. For the Gunn-verse it could mean anything between letting Gunn stay on but with a bunch of other minders or some kind of radical reexamination of all projects on the table and beyond.

[neatoman]

Remember how, because Disney was the one doing the buyout, the Disney/FOX merger resulted in FOX being the downsized company? Since Paramount is the "dominant" one in this deal, does that mean the same amount of SpongeBob and less Looney Tunes? I mean, OK, I know most of the popular Looney Tunes are going public domain in the 2030's anyway but still.

[Andrew NDB]

Remember how, because Disney was the one doing the buyout, the Disney/FOX merger resulted in FOX being the downsized company? Since Paramount is the "dominant" one in this deal, does that mean the same amount of SpongeBob and less Looney Tunes? I mean, OK, I know most of the popular Looney Tunes are going public domain in the 2030's anyway but still.

It means whatever Skydance/Paramount wants things to mean. Whatever their preferences end up being revealed as. Skydance has only actually owned Paramount outright for less than a year now (and as far as I can tell has only really done two things in the public eye: #1. cancel TMNT: The Last Ronin movie, and #2. announce a new Star Trek movie out of nowhere) so it's not quite like they have any inordinate favorite in the equation.

[oldmanwinters]

I guess Nickelodeon really did win their cable war with Cartoon Network!

[Autbot_Benz]

As long as maga doesn’t have a big influence in what things to come and they keep Gunn hopefully for dc.

Don’t forget the ellisons are big Trump guys probably one reason this deal went through

[neatoman]

As long as maga doesn’t have a big influence in what things to come and they keep Gunn hopefully for dc.

Don’t forget the ellisons are big Trump guys probably one reason this deal went through

Well, let's not forget that Trump is only until January 2029, it's not like anything he does is going to matter in like two years and 10 months. It's probably going to be another Biden undoing his stuff by then.

[Andrew NDB]

Well, let's not forget that Trump is only until January 2029, it's not like anything he does is going to matter in like two years and 10 months. It's probably going to be another Biden undoing his stuff by then.

3 years is a long time. By then all the top level executives and heads will be long and firmly entrenched across everything at WB and Paramount, proper, and the only way they would exit is if failure and Mega box office losses.

That means CNN, too.

[neatoman]

3 years is a long time. By then all the top level executives and heads will be long and firmly entrenched across everything at WB and Paramount, proper, and the only way they would exit is if failure and Mega box office losses.

That means CNN, too.

I'm not saying he won't have a long lasting impact or that what he does until that won't matter, what I'm sayin is that he won't be around by January 20th 2029 and that what he did that can be reversed right away may very well be.

You can agree that far, right?

[Andrew NDB]

What could be reversed in terms of anything with this deal? The government hasn't done ANYTHING yet but cast aspersions at if Netflix (rightly so along with guilds and theaters and tons of other groups) got WB.

[neatoman]

What could be reversed in terms of anything with this deal? The government hasn't done ANYTHING yet but cast aspersions at if Netflix (rightly so along with guilds and theaters and tons of other groups) got WB.

No, I mean like executive orders and crap like that, something that the sitting president (who won't be Trump in 2029) can directly alter. That is what Biden did. I don't actually mean this thing in particular, which can't possibly serve Trump past 2029 since he won't matter in terms of direct control anymore.

[Andrew NDB]

No, I mean like executive orders and crap like that, something that the sitting president (who won't be Trump in 2029) can directly alter. That is what Biden did.

Well of course. But that has nothing to do with this thread. Or WB or Paramount or Netflix.

[ranger_scout]

California's AG said Paramount shouldn't be popping the champagne just yet. This is "not a done deal."

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-warner-merger-california-attorney-general-1236738292/

[neatoman]

Well of course. But that has nothing to do with this thread. Or WB or Paramount or Netflix.

Well, no, not really. I admit that, it's just that whatever benefits it might bring Trump personally won't matter by then. It's kind of hard to imagine that, by 2040 or so, the theoretical Paramount-Skydance-Warner company will actually give a rat's ass by what someone two was president over ten years prior wanted. And I doubt the next president is going to care about this merger, regardless of political affiliation. If we assume Trump had a hand in this merger going forward instead of the Netflix one, it'll just be a weird footnote in his administration, like people claiming Reagan is indirectly responsible for cartoons being glorified toy commercials in the 80's because of his deregulation efforts.

I'm actually drunk right now, having trouble formulating and stuff, but you get it, right? Like... It won't benefit Trump himself by 2029 or anything, but it'll be an interesting bit of trivia. Sorry if I don't make complete sense.

California's AG said Paramount shouldn't be popping the champagne just yet. This is "not a done deal."

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-warner-merger-california-attorney-general-1236738292/
YCDUGFpt0bQ

[Andrew NDB]

Well, no, not really. I admit that, it's just that whatever benefits it might bring Trump personally won't matter by then. It's kind of hard to imagine that, by 2040 or so, the theoretical Paramount-Skydance-Warner company will actually give a rat's ass by what someone two was president over ten years prior wanted. And I doubt the next president is going to care about this merger, regardless of political affiliation.

They might rue the day but that's about it.

I'm actually drunk right now, having trouble formulating and stuff

I can respect that. :)

but you get it, right? Like... It won't benefit Trump himself by 2029 or anything, but it'll be an interesting bit of trivia. Sorry if I don't make complete sense.

It sort of will, in the sense that the left will have lost not only CBS but now CNN as parts of their propaganda wing that they could otherwise count on going into future election cycles. But that's about it.

For me, it's a victory for the arts. And even if you hate right wingers and assume the absolute worst of Ellison and all of that, and assuming all of those rumors that he's in Trump's pocket and all of that are true... devil's advocate, so what if they are? What would be the end result of that at WB, devil's advocate? Are they going to be making sure everything there is packed with, what, religious Christian stuff? Mandated pro-ICE movies and stuff? No, I really doubt it. It will mostly -- eventually, HOPEFULLY -- just mean an absence of "The Message™", mandatory race-swapping, mandatory DEI/LGTBQ in just about everything including material for kids and we get back to just good, quality storytelling above ALL other things and a complete moving away creatively from identity politics.

[Xav]

You really think that the same company that made Star Trek Starfleet Academy is gonna be anti DEI?

[Andrew NDB]

You really think that the same company that made Star Trek Starfleet Academy is gonna be anti DEI?

That was 100% made and paid for pre-Skydance acquisition. One of the first things post-Skydance did after getting Paramount was announce that new Star Trek movie that has NO Kurtzman involvement at all... just as his contract is about to run out.

[Daytona]

It’s funny to see lefties melt down as the tide continues to shift towards not having lefties run every piece of media and culture in the country. There are reasons to show concern but what we’ll mostly see over the next few weeks is lefties melting down as they continue to realize the walls are closing in and they no longer hold the podium they’ve become so accustomed to.

This acquisition and woke Netflix missing out, NPR and PBS defunded,
Networks being held accountable and sued for their propaganda and misleading editing, woke media flopping one after the other from the visual arts to restaurants like Cracker Barrel, etc - they simply can’t catch a break on this front. Must create major whiplash.

[ToTheNines]

Bro that Cracker Barrel **** was such manufactured outrage. They never intended to actually change it.

[Daytona]

Idk about that. Maybe but either way it shoes the majority are rejecting that type of movement now.

[Andrew NDB]

They never intended to actually change it.

That lady was absolutely intending to change it. Have you listened to her talk?

[jignat]

At the very least, i hope we get Batman vs TMNT 2 out of this deal.

[CyberCubed]

Has James Gunn commented this at all on his Twitter or other social media pages?

[Andrew NDB]

Has James Gunn commented this at all on his Twitter or other social media pages?

He's at home, washing his tights.

[ranger_scout]

There will be still be some regulatory scrutiny before the deal can be finalized.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/paramount-warner-bros-deal-regulatory-scrutiny-1236738029/

ETA: Here are details on the deal worth $110 billion.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/massive-merger-confirmed-paramount-and-wbd-reveal-details-1236738785/

[neatoman]

So how much debt will the future Skydance-Paramount-Warner-Discovery company be in by merely existing?

[oldmanwinters]

So how much debt will the future Skydance-Paramount-Warner-Discovery company be in by merely existing?

I’m anticipating Netflix buys out the whole darn thing in the next 5 years.

[Andrew NDB]

Tampons in the men's bathroom at Netflix may have turned up federal heat.

https://nypost.com/2026/03/01/business/how-tampons-in-the-mens-room-helped-derail-the-netflix-warner-bros-deal/

[ranger_scout]

Here's what Paramount's CEO David Ellison had to say about the merger.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/david-ellison-talks-warner-bros-deal-comments-1236519395/

Also, HBO Max and Paramount+ will be combined into one streaming service.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/hbo-max-paramount-plus-combine-streaming-1236676645/

[Autbot_Benz]

Here's what Paramount's CEO David Ellison had to say about the merger.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/david-ellison-talks-warner-bros-deal-comments-1236519395/

Also, HBO Max and Paramount+ will be combined into one streaming service.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/hbo-max-paramount-plus-combine-streaming-1236676645/

I don’t want those services being one. Paramount + has terrible ad structure

[ranger_scout]

Europe is likely to approve of the deal.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/paramount-wbd-deal-europe-regulatory-progress-1236741107/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount won't be selling cable networks after this merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/paramount-keeping-cable-networks-after-warner-merger-1236741346/

[Andrew NDB]

I don’t want those services being one. Paramount + has terrible ad structure

It would probably be lights out on Paramount+, then suddenly HBO Max goes up a couple bucks a month and then gets all the Paramount+ content in waves. Though jeeze... what do they call it? Paramount+? Paramount Max? Just leave it all HBO Max?

[ranger_scout]

The CEO of Cinemark Theaters was glad that Paramount won the battle over Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sean-gamble-paramount-warner-bros-1236520924/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is eyeing changes to its historic lot following the merger.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-studio-lot-changes-warner-bros-merger-1236524430/

[neatoman]

Paramount is eyeing changes to its historic lot following the merger.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-studio-lot-changes-warner-bros-merger-1236524430/

Yup... Like I suspected, it's "Disney reducing FOX down to the big franchises and a neo-Touchstone" all over again...

[CyberCubed]

What is there for Paramount to even reduce WB to? They can't get rid of superheroes, and classic stuff like Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, etc. will always be around in some form. I know they own all of HBO now too but most HBO shows are either already over or are designed to be short-lived series to begin with.

[neatoman]

What is there for Paramount to even reduce WB to? They can't get rid of superheroes, and classic stuff like Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, etc. will always be around in some form. I know they own all of HBO now too but most HBO shows are either already over or are designed to be short-lived series to begin with.

I'm sure they'll continue to produce DC and Looney Tunes stuff, you're correct in that sense. The problem is that WB isn't going to produce much outside their established franchises and the total output of WB as a company will likely be far lower than it used to.

[ranger_scout]

Teamsters is calling for the Justice Department to block the merger if job protections are not in place.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/teamsters-paramount-warner-bros-merger-1236751942/

[ranger_scout]

The combination of Warner Bros. and Paramount would dominate the box office in 2027.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/14/paramount-wbd-2027-movie-slate.html

[ranger_scout]

Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav is set to receive $886 million in payments and benefits for the WBD-Paramount merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/david-zaslav-pay-package-wbd-paramount-merger-1236757050/

[neatoman]

Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav is set to receive $886 million in payments and benefits for the WBD-Paramount merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/david-zaslav-pay-package-wbd-paramount-merger-1236757050/

Good for him... What's he gonna do with it?

[CyberCubed]

He's already a billionaire, what do you even do with that money. It's more money than some small countries have.

[neatoman]

He's already a billionaire, what do you even do with that money. It's more money than some small countries have.

Yeah, kinda hard to imagine that money not just going into a rainy day fund of sorts...

Anyway, Paramount has a way lower market share than I thought, only at about 6%. It's actually a bit weird how Paramount is technically the one doing the buyout here when the market share of Warner is so much greater. Still, the point I was thinking of making here doesn't change much, when the merger is complete, the company will be controlling 27% or so of the market alongside Disney controlling a comparative amount and then 82% of the market will be controlled by only four companies.

[ranger_scout]

The Department of Justice will 'absolutely not' fast-track the approval process for Paramount because of politics.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/doj-paramount-warner-bros-deal-review-fast-track-review-political-reasons-1236693308/

[Autbot_Benz]

The Department of Justice will 'absolutely not' fast-track the approval process for Paramount because of politics.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/doj-paramount-warner-bros-deal-review-fast-track-review-political-reasons-1236693308/

That’s good cause the Ellisons are in trumps pocket

[Andrew NDB]

That’s good cause the Ellisons are in trumps pocket

No no, you must be malfunctioning. You're supposed to say something like, "That's strange, cause the Ellisons are in trumps pocket."

[ranger_scout]

David Ellison says in a letter that he expects this merger to support job creation. We'll see.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/david-ellison-lawmakers-lettter-jobs-paramount-wbd-merger-1236760899/

[ranger_scout]

A shareholder vote for the merger will be taking place on April 23.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/warner-bros-discovery-sets-shareholder-vote-sale-paramount-1236766408/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is nearing a deal to securing gulf state funds to back the acquisition.

ETA: The funds are now secured.

https://deadline.com/2026/04/paramount-wbd-merger-foreign-backing-gulf-funds-deal-1236780058/

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount is nearing a deal to securing gulf state funds to back the acquisition.

ETA: The funds are now secured.

https://deadline.com/2026/04/paramount-wbd-merger-foreign-backing-gulf-funds-deal-1236780058/

I'm a little lost on this part. Wouldn't they have needed to secure the funds first before making the offer to WB?

Certainly the infusion of Saudi monies into things is my least favorite part of this deal.

[sdp]

That's normal in acquisitions/mergers. They secured the deal and WB Discovery agreed to it, that's it. If for some reason the deal doesn't go through like regulartory reasons, or they couldn't secure the money etc. Then Paramount would still need to pay breakup fees stipulated in the contracts even if the deal doesn't go through.

This is why originally they chose Netflix despite offering less, they thought well at least we know Netflix can afford it while Paramount's deal wasn't sweet enough for them in case things went south despite offering a bit more money originally. Another example is when Elon Musk tried to back off from buying twitter saying "it's full of bots" but that wasn't good enough so he had to go through with it or spend millions to get out of the deal.

[ranger_scout]

Paramount Skydance is restructuring their debt to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/paramount-debt-financing-warner-bros-discovery-deal-1236712406/

Cinema United's chief still thinks this potential merger is bad for theaters. He believes it's best if Warner Bros. Discovery continues as its own studio.

https://variety.com/2026/film/features/cinema-united-chief-opposes-paramount-warner-bros-merger-netflix-narnia-1236710452/

[Andrew NDB]

Cinema United's chief still thinks this potential merger is bad for theaters. He believes it's best if Warner Bros. Discovery continues as its own studio.

That was always the best option. That way Skydance would get to CONCENTRATE on the IPs they just got from Paramount and make those great and WB gets to remain WB.

Paramount getting WB being bad for theaters, though? No, I don't see that at all.

[ranger_scout]

Over 1,000 Hollywood names have created a petition to block the merger. These must be the people who wanted Netflix to win.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/hollywood-open-letter-paramount-warner-bros-deal-1236720249/

[Autbot_Benz]

Over 1,000 Hollywood names have created a petition to block the merger. These must be the people who wanted Netflix to win.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/hollywood-open-letter-paramount-warner-bros-deal-1236720249/

No those people didn’t want Netflix to win they are pro theater going. They want Wb as its own

[ranger_scout]

Paramount has responded.

https://deadline.com/2026/04/paramount-warner-bros-merger-creatives-letter-1236859235/

No those people didn’t want Netflix to win they are pro theater going. They want Wb as its own

Mark Ruffalo, who I'm not a fan of and signed this petition, seemed to be on board with Netflix getting it when he criticized James Cameron for saying that a deal with Netflix shouldn't happen.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/mark-ruffalo-james-cameron-netflix-warner-bros-paramount-1236669351/

[neatoman]

I've said this before though it bears repeating, WB merging with Paramount is not a good scenario but neither would a Netflix merger have been and I don't think there is much a "lesser of two evils" here, letting WB simply fail and getting sold off in pieces to various other companies would have been the actual lesser evil here.

[Andrew NDB]

Definitely a lesser of two evils situation. The Netflix acquisition would have been bad on just about every level, from theaters to business acumen to ideology. With Paramount, what? They might have stretched themselves a little thin, maybe?

[sdp]

Paramount is already struggling, look at their finances. They're just opting for a strategy of instead of getting things into control and becoming more conservative, they decided to spend more to grow more. It's a high risk, high reward move.

If things go as planned they could be much bigger than they are now, going back go the glory days of old. Or things could go terribly wrong one of the big tech companies will end up buying them in 5 years.

But yeah, it's too much to handle, expect cuts to happen, less movies, less stuff in general.

Now if the merger is blocked by the government then it's not like WBD is just magically going to do things right, they're still debt ridden. They'll have to find a new buyer most likely if they see they can't hold it for much longer or go bankrupt. In the worst scenario they'd just have sell stuff separately (studios, IP, streaming, networks) which to the average person that's the same thing as if they had bought them outright since the average person is mostly thinking about the IP that they own.
Netflix clearly doesn't care about their streaming channel, they have their own. Paramount and Netflix both have their own studios, they don't necessarily want that. Networks perhaps Paramount would care. Like it or not Paramount and WB are just from a different era of entertainment, perhaps their big gamble of 'together we can go back to our golden age" will work out but we'll see.

[CyberCubed]

Paramount is probably hoping Gunn's superhero movies bring in the cash. Also that new Harry Potter TV series airing on netflix, WB owned that so now Paramount does too.

[Andrew NDB]

Now if the merger is blocked by the government then it's not like WBD is just magically going to do things right, they're still debt ridden. They'll have to find a new buyer most likely if they see they can't hold it for much longer or go bankrupt.

Probably true.

Paramount is probably hoping Gunn's superhero movies bring in the cash.

You think? After Superman's performance and everyone waiting and seeing about Supergirl expecting a mid-performer at best I think the general idea will be to step in and "Help" Gunn. That is, if Gunn doesn't up and quit. Which he might.

Also that new Harry Potter TV series airing on netflix

It was always going to be HBOMax.

[ranger_scout]

Typical of Mark Ruffalo.

https://deadline.com/2026/04/paramount-warner-bros-merger-hearing-cory-booker-1236860558/

[Andrew NDB]

Ruffalo, wow, what a great actor and voice of the community -- PFFT!!!

[ranger_scout]

Ruffalo, wow, what a great actor and voice of the community -- PFFT!!!

I know. Why am I not surprised he said this,

Don’t Trust Empty Promises from Billionaires

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/mark-ruffalo-blasts-paramount-warner-bros-merger-senate-hearing-1236722756/

[ranger_scout]

AMC Theaters boss Adam Aaron supports the Paramount merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/amc-theatres-boss-supports-paramount-deal-to-buy-warner-bros-taylor-swift-netflix-1236723376/

[Xav]

Typical of Mark Ruffalo.

https://deadline.com/2026/04/paramount-warner-bros-merger-hearing-cory-booker-1236860558/Did Mark say anything when Disney bought Fox?

[Andrew NDB]

Did Mark say anything when Disney bought Fox?

Not a single word.

[ranger_scout]

Shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the merger, but they voted against the golden parachute exits for some people at Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-shareholder-approval-zaslav-pay-package-1236727798/

[ranger_scout]

The combined stusios will be 49.5% owned by foreign investors, with about 38.5% of the equity in the new company held by a trio of Middle Eastern funds.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/paramount-warner-bros-foreign-ownership-middle-eastern-funds-1236731732/

Also, I just realized that with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, the film will return to its original distributor, Paramount, once the deal closes. Warner Bros. acquired the distribution rights in 1977.

[neatoman]

An educational video on the history of this nonsense.
ZSNTIG6iefc

[ranger_scout]

History and Hollywood say that Paramount CEO David Ellison's plans for 30 films a year once Warner Bros. Discovery is acquired doesn't seem realistic.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/29/david-ellison-paramount-warner-bros-30-film-releases.html

[Andrew NDB]

I mean, give or take. If it's 28 a year or two I don't think that will be held against anybody.

[sdp]

An educational video on the history of this nonsense.
ZSNTIG6iefc

This is a really good video. I don't think we'll see any other big studios consolidating, they're just too big. I do think big tech is going to be buying them eventually over the decade(s). So Netflix/Apple/Amazon are likely to buy the studios eventually. The only one that I think is strong enough to be able to avoid it is Disney, but even then who knows.

I mean, give or take. If it's 28 a year or two I don't think that will be held against anybody.

I mean for the short term they'll likely hit those numbers, but they can't afford it ande history of mergers shows us it won't happen. The first thing they have to do is cut costs, they literally have a second person doing the same job someone already is doing, so they'll start merging departments. Depending on how much debt ridden they are and how they plan to pay things out will eventually show how they handle things, but it's not going to be 'making more fun content'.
We'll get more profitable content and if it isn't it's gone; they literally need it to survive.

[nidza_maj2000]

Animal Friends movie with Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa set to be released on January 22 2027 might be handled by Paramount marketing if deal closes by October 2026 maybe

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is being sued by subscribers for the Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance deals.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-sued-subscribers-warner-bros-skydance-deals-1236581570/

[nidza_maj2000]

Paramount is being sued by subscribers for the Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance deals.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-sued-subscribers-warner-bros-skydance-deals-1236581570/

This merger will still happen most likely

[ranger_scout]

This merger will still happen most likely

Yes. It is still on track to close by the third quarter.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-warner-bros-buy-reaffirms-deal-close-timing-1236585033/

[Hamato Yoshi]

Why cant they remake Bruce Lees "Big Boss" , its all about action , expensive sets not nessesary

Real fighting , not cgi cheating

[ranger_scout]

When will Mark Ruffalo stop being such a baby?

Mark Ruffalo Says Hollywood Stars Declined to Sign Open Letter Against Paramount-WB Merger ‘Because They’re Afraid’ the Studio Will Blacklist Them (https://variety.com/2026/film/news/mark-ruffalo-paramount-warner-bros-blacklist-merger-1236740819/)

[nidza_maj2000]

Well I think this merger will be done by October maybe

[ZariusTwo]

When will Mark Ruffalo stop being such a baby?

Mark Ruffalo Says Hollywood Stars Declined to Sign Open Letter Against Paramount-WB Merger ‘Because They’re Afraid’ the Studio Will Blacklist Them (https://variety.com/2026/film/news/mark-ruffalo-paramount-warner-bros-blacklist-merger-1236740819/)

He's the Hulk, of course he'd have a tantrum:lol:

[ranger_scout]

A Harry Potter agency supports the merger.

https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-agency-support-paramount-warner-bros-merger/

[ranger_scout]

He's the Hulk, of course he'd have a tantrum:lol:

His tantrums are continuing.

Mark Ruffalo Assumes “I’m Already On A List” For Opposing Paramount-Warner Bros Merger: “Vindictive Motherf*ckers” (https://deadline.com/2026/05/mark-ruffalo-on-list-paramount-wbd-vindictive-motherfckers-1236907295/)

[Andrew NDB]

Good lord, why do they keep putting a mic in his face? Nobody cares.

[ranger_scout]

The co-boss of Sony Pictures Classics is not worried about the merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/05/paramount-warner-bros-merger-sony-classics-1236914388/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is hoping to finalize the merger as early as July.

https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/paramount-hopes-finalize-warner-bros-233248609.html

[ranger_scout]

So typical of Democratic senators.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/senators-fcc-chairreview-paramount-warner-bros-merger-foreign-investors-1236755538/

[nidza_maj2000]

Merger will still likely be over in July maybe

[Andrew NDB]

I wonder how many "national security concerns" they'd have if Ellison was a big card carrying democrat donor.

[ranger_scout]

Wall Street banks are boosting the Warner Bros loan to over $10 billion ahead of the Paramount merger.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/wall-street-banks-boost-warner-bros-loan-over-10-billion-ahead-paramount-merger-2026-05-21/

[ranger_scout]

US antitrust regulators appear ready to approve the takeover.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-regulators-appear-ready-approve-paramounts-takeover-warner-bros-semafor-2026-05-27/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is now seeking EU approval for the deal.

https://www.reuters.com/world/paramount-seeks-eu-approval-warner-bros-acquisition-2026-06-02/

[cammy85]

I'm not sure if it's related, but Paramount Plus just added Fresh Prince of Bel-Air today.

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount is now seeking EU approval for the deal.

https://www.reuters.com/world/paramount-seeks-eu-approval-warner-bros-acquisition-2026-06-02/

Not entirely sure why they would need EU approval? But OK.

[ranger_scout]

Here's a history of mega Hollywood deals and why the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery one is a whale of a deal.

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/WARNER-BROS-DIS-MA/PARAMOUNT-SKYDAN/byprngedkpe/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is now asking a judge to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit that wants to block the merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-warner-bros-lawsuit-motion-to-dismiss-1236941138/

ETA: Now some US states are preparing a lawsuit to block the merger.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-states-are-preparing-lawsuit-block-paramounts-acquisition-warner-bros-2026-06-05/

[ZariusTwo]

Paramount are considering selling off their TV networks, including CN and Nick, to secure the deal

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/paramount-would-consider-selling-nickelodeon-cartoon-network-report/

[nidza_maj2000]

Paramount are considering selling off their TV networks, including CN and Nick, to secure the deal

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/paramount-would-consider-selling-nickelodeon-cartoon-network-report/

Hollywood Arts series which is Victorious spin off series will stay save from this, also they might only sell it in Europe as far as I understand and if they have to chooce they will most likely easily sell CN instead Nickelodeon maybe

[CyberCubed]

Paramount are considering selling off their TV networks, including CN and Nick, to secure the deal

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/paramount-would-consider-selling-nickelodeon-cartoon-network-report/

lol, what is the point of this. They buy WB but sell off CN which is owned by them or Nick, which has all their shows under Paramount?

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount are considering selling off their TV networks, including CN and Nick, to secure the deal

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/paramount-would-consider-selling-nickelodeon-cartoon-network-report/

Wait, what does that mean? Viacom acquired TMNT and owned Nickelodeon and then removed the name Viacom and just became Nickelodeon.

So TMNT might get sold to somebody else, along with Nickelodeon?

[neatoman]

Wait, what does that mean? Viacom acquired TMNT and owned Nickelodeon and then removed the name Viacom and just became Nickelodeon.

So TMNT might get sold to somebody else, along with Nickelodeon?

I suspect what's going on here is selling the TV channels themselves and not the shows. Kinda like the reverse of what FOX did, kept the TV channels and sold the TV-shows to Disney.

[Andrew NDB]

I suspect what's going on here is selling the TV channels themselves and not the shows. Kinda like the reverse of what FOX did, kept the TV channels and sold the TV-shows to Disney.

That doesn't sound right. Who would want to buy Nickelodeon if that didn't mean at least most of the IPs under its umbrella?

[neatoman]

That doesn't sound right. Who would want to buy Nickelodeon if that didn't mean at least most of the IPs under its umbrella?

Somebody who could benefit from an established brand name, pre-existing broadcasting deals, already set-up equipment and staff, etc...?

I'll agree that Nickelodeon itself has less appeal if it doesn't come with creative control over Butt-Ugly Martians, Back at the Barnyard and Breadwinners but whoever owns still controls pretty much a third of children's programming and will still likely be airing whatever new stuff Paramount produces. Disney may now be the producers of the Simpsons and Family Guy but to my knowledge they still debut new episodes on FOX, so just because they're distinct entities now doesn't mean much changed for the broadcasting side. I get that in the era of streaming, owning a TV channel without IP attached isn't as appealing as it used to be but if we already know these deals get to pass because the channels remain without the IPs, there has to be some appeal in just the channel itself, right?
And the specific shows I mentioned are meant as a joke in case you couldn't tell. SpongeBob may be huge, Avatar TLA may be well liked and there are certainly stuff that has nostalgic value... But most of Nickelodeon's shows are, and let's not forget this, horrible and largely forgotten garbage.

[CyberCubed]

Kids don't even watch regular TV anymore anyway, do you think kids today watch the cartoon children's blocks like in the 90's or early 2000's? TV has already been dying since early 2010.

The kids block shows no longer matter, especially since any new cartoons are also always put up on the official streaming channels anyway so kids can watch them at any time.

[ranger_scout]

The merger is being investigated by a UK competition watchdog.

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-warner-bros-investigated-uk-competition-authority-1236951250/

[ZariusTwo]

Australia has cleared the merger

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-wbd-mergerl-clears-australia-1236952390/

[ranger_scout]

The EU has begun a probe into the Middle East funding for the deal.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/eu-probe-paramount-warner-bros-middle-eastern-funding-1236771268/

[Andrew NDB]

The EU has begun a probe into the Middle East funding for the deal.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/eu-probe-paramount-warner-bros-middle-eastern-funding-1236771268/

That IS kind of the elephant in the room. As long as what they've been saying is demonstrably true that no Arabs are having any controlling or influencing stake in anything it should be fine. However, if suddenly after the deal closes we start seeing Saudi Arabian actors and actresses appearing randomly in big tentpole WB movies we'll know that SOMETHING dodgy is going on.

[sdp]

That's not an elephant in the room. Saudi investors have been diversifying for at least a decade now. They don't want to be left behind when the world moves from oil.
Look at many large entertainment and video game companies, they already have majority stakes, even controlling ones in many western businesses, including big ones like Nintendo. They let things be run the way they are, they aren't interested in sending any message, they just want the companies to continue to run well and return their investment.

As far as CN/Nick we don't really know what they're negotiating but CN is too intertwined with WB to be separated. I also think it could mean the TV networks. But we don't have the details. Anything is just speculation from clickbait sites and people.

[CyberCubed]

I just wonder why Saudi's are so interested in videogames and TV nowadays, don't they still live in little sand huts like in Star Wars and make nuclear missiles? Whenever I think of the Middle East I think of Tatooine from Star Wars and the Tusken Raiders and Jawa's.

[neatoman]

I just wonder why Saudi's are so interested in videogames and TV nowadays, don't they still live in little sand huts like in Star Wars and make nuclear missiles? Whenever I think of the Middle East I think of Tatooine from Star Wars and the Tusken Raiders and Jawa's.

Have you ever read your own posts out loud before you submit them? Or even think about the implications of what you're writing?

[Andrew NDB]

Have you ever read your own posts out loud before you submit them? Or even think about the implications of what you're writing?

You can be 100% sure CyberCubed has chosen each word very carefully, every time. He hasn't gotten one over on me in over a decade.

[ranger_scout]

Paramount is accusing Netflix of scaring regulators and shareholders to prevent the deal from happening.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/paramount-accuses-netflix-scorched-earth-campaign-warner-bros-deal-rcna349201

[ranger_scout]

The Department of Justice just approved Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-warner-bros-merger-approved-doj-1236955152/

[Andrew NDB]

The Department of Justice just approved Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-warner-bros-merger-approved-doj-1236955152/

Well that's a big hurdle. Smooth sailing now. I don't think anyone is worried about Rhode Island or Vermont or whatever's attempts to sue Paramount, at this point.

[Autbot_Benz]

The Department of Justice just approved Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-warner-bros-merger-approved-doj-1236955152/

https://i.imgur.com/Yc9MHG1.gif

[ranger_scout]

Chinese regulators have approved the deal.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinese-regulators-clear-paramount-skydance-warner-bros-discovery-merger-source-2026-06-17/

[Andrew NDB]

Chinese regulators have approved the deal.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinese-regulators-clear-paramount-skydance-warner-bros-discovery-merger-source-2026-06-17/

Jesus, we were reliant on THAT happening? Why?

[ranger_scout]

It looks like the EU is set to approve the deal.

https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/warner-bros-discovery-gains-report-124300674.html

ETA: Here's another source.

https://variety.com/2026/biz/global/paramount-warner-bros-merger-european-union-approval-1236789292/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount now has multi-year linear rights to the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series after coming to an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-harry-potter-fantastic-beasts-1236630538/

[Andrew NDB]

Paramount now has multi-year linear rights to the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series after coming to an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-harry-potter-fantastic-beasts-1236630538/

So... they made a deal with themselves?

[ranger_scout]

The U.K. government is likely to intervene with the deal.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/uk-may-try-stop-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-deal-1236633743/

[ranger_scout]

Oregon is asking a court to delay the deal for 60 days while it reviews the records.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/oregon-ask-court-delay-paramount-deal-60-days-reviews-records-rcna353449

[Andrew NDB]

Oregon is asking a court to delay the deal for 60 days while it reviews the records.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/oregon-ask-court-delay-paramount-deal-60-days-reviews-records-rcna353449

Each individual STATE gets to chime in on this? Oregon is the last state I would defer anything to.

[ranger_scout]

Oregon's attorney general has now dropped the demand to delay the merger and demand for records.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-warner-bros-oregon-attorney-general-motion-1236979773/

[ranger_scout]

12 states including California are suing to block the merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/state-antitrust-lawsuit-paramount-warner-bros-1236980723/

[nidza_maj2000]

So is merger save now or not?

[ranger_scout]

Paramount has responded to the lawsuits from those states.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-wbd-deal-antitrust-lawsuit-entertainment-workers-1236980971/

[ranger_scout]

Paramount still plans to close the deal by September despite the lawsuits.

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/07/14/paramount-wbd-merger-lawsuit.html

[ToTheNines]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnSO8bQzjx-a6ArgDZNKxo4KwTwEOo6a80Am3veEhbFKf2fsbZMFscex8&s=10

[Andrew NDB]

12 states including California are suing to block the merger.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/state-antitrust-lawsuit-paramount-warner-bros-1236980723/

A bunch of blue states who are afraid of Trump pulling strings, basically.

[nidza_maj2000]

So merger is save after all

[Andrew NDB]

So merger is save after all

I wouldn't say "safe" but I wouldn't place a significant amount of worry about the hurdles being thrown at it.

[ranger_scout]

So merger is save after all

I wouldn't say "safe" but I wouldn't place a significant amount of worry about the hurdles being thrown at it.

In addition to my post about Paramount's response to the lawsuit, the company said they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court should something go wrong.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-wbd-merger-lawsuit-1236982263/

[ranger_scout]

A Paramount shareholder is suing the Ellisons for an alleged side deal and promises to President Trump.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-shareholder-lawsuit-fiduciary-duty-trump-wbd-1236983298/

[Andrew NDB]

A Paramount shareholder is suing the Ellisons for an alleged side deal and promises to President Trump.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-shareholder-lawsuit-fiduciary-duty-trump-wbd-1236983298/

Oh wow, how scary! PSKY shares cost $9.25 right now. So basically, "Man standing somewhere with at least $9.25 in his bank account tries to sue Paramount!"

[ranger_scout]

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr calls the challenge to block the merger "illegitimate."

https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/media/fcc-chair-david-carr-calls-states-challenge-to-paramount-wbd-merger-illegitimate/

[ranger_scout]

A judge will make a decision whether to do an emergency pause for the states filing a lawsuit by July 22.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-lawsuit-1236996841/

[ranger_scout]

A judge has granted a request for the merger to be paused for 14 days.

https://deadline.com/2026/07/paramount-warner-bros-lawsuit-restraining-order-1236998321/