Reports on January 3, 2026, indicate Netflix advocates for a 17-day theatrical window following its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. This strategy challenges the traditional 45-day window preferred by major chains, including AMC, and concerns Hollywood. The move would drastically reduce the time films spend exclusively in theaters.
The complex $82.7 billion deal weighs on Netflix’s stock. The company has seen a 17% decline over the past month amid the uncertainty.
Investors remain cautious due to two primary factors. Competing bidders have emerged for Warner Bros. assets, and the deal faces a lengthy 12 to 18-month closure timeline. This prolonged ambiguity, combined with the controversial strategic shifts, muddles Netflix’s growth narrative.