'Stranger Things' Star Claims Monopoly Won't Work As Netflix's Warner Bros. Acquisition Looms on The Horizon

Published 01/01/2026, 10:39 AM CST

One of the most recognizable faces from Hawkins is sounding the alarm on the future of the silver screen. The conclusion of Stranger Things marks more than just the end of a hit series; it signals a massive shift in how viewers consume media. The Stranger Things star recently shared apprehension regarding the aggressive expansion of streaming platforms.

Could the potential merger between streaming giants and legacy studios actually destroy the magic of the cinematic experience?

Stranger Things’ key star’s strong remark on Netflix and Warner Bros. deal

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Finn Wolfhard remained skeptical about the long-term success of such aggressive business strategies. During an interview with Esquire, when asked about the alleged end of movies talk due to the overwhelming grasp of streaming services, the actor had quite the response. 

“Consolidating and trying to have a monopoly on film is not going to work,” Finn Wolfhard said to Esquire.

Wolfhard expressed significant concern regarding the current trajectory of the film industry and the growing dominance of streaming services. The actor warned that losing the theatrical experience would lead to a more isolated and antisocial society.

The Stranger Things actor emphasized that streaming should coexist with traditional theaters rather than replace them entirely in an interview with Esquire.  Wolfhard referenced the acquisition of Netflix by Warner Bros. and expressed that he did not know what that was going to look like.

Inside Netflix’s Strategic Move to Refinance Its $59 Billion Warner Bros. Financing

With the leading star of Netflix's trademark show himself raising a question mark over Netflix and Warner Bros. deal, the massive extent of the same becomes clear.

The massive scale of the Netflix and Warner Bros. merger

Netflix has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the film and television studios of Warner Bros., including HBO and Max, for a total equity value of $72 billion. The transaction is structured as a cash and stock deal where shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery will receive $27.75 per share, as mentioned in the press release by Netflix.

This acquisition is expected to finalize within 12 to 18 months, following the spin-off of the Global Networks division, now known as Discovery Global. By absorbing the Warner Bros. library, Netflix aims to combine its global distribution reach with some of the most recognizable intellectual properties in history.

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While the studios and high-profile streaming content move to Netflix, the news and sports divisions will remain separate. Discovery Global will operate as an independent publicly traded company housing brands such as CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery+. This strategic split ensures that Netflix remains focused on entertainment and original content while distancing itself from the volatile world of live news and traditional cable networks.

When Will Warner Bros. Content Be On Netflix? Is There a Confirmed Release Date?

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Do you agree with Finn Wolfhard's point of view regarding Netflix and Warner Bros. deal? Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

737 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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