Latest Entertainment News
Netflix Proposes $82.7 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery agreed to sell its film studio and HBO streaming service to Netflix in a shock $82.7 billion deal, surprising industry insiders who favored Paramount Skydance. The acquisition grants Netflix access to Warner's vast library, including DC Comics, Harry Potter, and classics like Casablanca.
Concerns rise over theatrical releases as Netflix views cinemas as outdated, though commitments to theaters extend to 2029.
Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount's $108.4B Hostile Takeover Bid
Warner Bros. Discovery's board urged shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's hostile $108.4 billion bid for the entire company, deeming it inferior to Netflix's offer. The Netflix deal is backed by a $400B+ market cap company with strong financing, unlike Paramount's riskier debt structure.
WBD supports the binding Netflix merger despite regulatory hurdles ahead.
Paramount Skydance Launches Hostile Bid Against Warner Bros. Amid Netflix Deal
Following WBD's Netflix agreement on December 5, 2025, Paramount Skydance countered with a hostile takeover for all of WBD, including TV networks. Critics from left and right, including President Trump, question the mergers' impacts.
The battle promises a prolonged regulatory review process.
Industry Fears Netflix-Warner Deal Could Harm Movie Theaters
Hollywood producers warn the merger risks slashing domestic box office by 25%, with Netflix limiting theatrical windows. Netflix co-CEOs commit to 12-14 annual releases like Dune: Part Three and Superman sequels, honoring contracts through 2029.
Observers doubt long-term theater support given Netflix's streaming focus.
Netflix Gains Warner Bros. IP Including DC Comics and Franchises
The deal hands Netflix Warner's film library, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and more for expanded streaming and theatrical content. This mirrors past acquisitions like Disney-Fox and Amazon-MGM to bolster catalogs.
New productions could revive classics for new generations.
ABC News Live Prime Guests: Simu Liu, Zara Larsson Week of Dec 22
ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis features Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera discussing The Copenhagen Test on December 23. Zara Larsson promotes Midnight Sun, alongside Prime Playlist with Young Miko and others.
Herm Edwards breaks down NFL on December 22; holiday programming follows.
Pelicans vs. Mavericks NBA Game Tonight at 7 PM CT
New Orleans Pelicans face Dallas Mavericks on December 22, 2025, at Smoothie King Center, starting 7:00 pm CT. Fans can stream or watch via various TV channels and platforms.
This matchup highlights key NBA action amid holiday scheduling.
FIFA Partners with Netflix for New Video Game Ahead of World Cup
FIFA returns to video games via a Netflix deal for an officially licensed football simulation, timed for next summer’s World Cup. This expands Netflix's gaming push post-Warner acquisition talks.
Details on release and features forthcoming.
YouTube Secures Exclusive Oscars Livestream Rights from 2029
YouTube wins global exclusive rights to Oscars livestreams, including red carpet, behind-the-scenes, and Governors Ball from 2029-2033. This shifts awards coverage to the platform for broader digital access.
Industry eyes impact on traditional broadcasts.
UK Post Houses Halo Post and Evolutions Enter Administration
Just after acquisition by Envy, Halo Post Production and Evolutions face administration amid post-production sector woes. This affects UK facilities serving entertainment industry needs.
Registered users track further developments.
WBD Board Backs Netflix Deal Over Paramount's Risky Offer
WBD Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr. highlights Netflix's superior value, enforceable commitments, and investment-grade backing versus Paramount's junk-rated financing. Shareholders advised to ignore the tender offer's risks.
Merger poised despite opposition.
Ted Sarandos Assures Theatrical Releases Post-Warner Acquisition
Netflix's Ted Sarandos reaffirms honoring Warner's 12-14 theatrical films yearly, including Batman and Superman sequels. Commitments legally required through 2029 amid theater operator outcry.
Streaming growth expected regardless.