When reports first broke in December 2025 that Netflix was moving to acquire Warner Bros., the news hinted at a structural shift in how movies might move from studios to audiences. Long defined by its streaming-first DNA, Netflix has already begun redrawing that pathway. Its decision to take the Stranger Things series finale to theaters on New Year’s Eve marked the streamer’s boldest theatrical experiment yet.

Now, with Warner Bros. under its umbrella, Netflix appears ready to push that evolution even further.

According to Deadline, the theatrical business is watching Netflix’s next steps with growing unease. Exhibitors want the streamer to commit more firmly to traditional theatrical runs, particularly once Netflix inherits Warner Bros. WB's long-standing relationships with filmmakers who expect meaningful big-screen exposure makes the decision tricky.  

“[This] would steamroll the theatrical business,” Deadline cites sources as Netflix favors a 17-day theatrical window for movies. 

However, this decision also contradicts Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ messaging that has been inconsistent. Following the box office success of KPop Demon Hunters, Sarandos told analysts that Netflix’s priority remained first-run movies for its own platform. But after Netflix firmed up its bid for Warner Bros., his tone shifted.

“100% committed to releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters with industry-standard windows,” Sarandos said while addressing mounting speculation, as per Deadline.

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Major circuits like AMC, by contrast, continue to hold the line closer to 45 days, viewing anything shorter as unsustainable for cinemas still recovering from years of disruption. 

If Netflix is searching for a middle ground, its growing relationship with AMC may offer a blueprint. AMC CEO Adam Aron has publicly detailed how high-level talks between the two companies led to successful theatrical engagements for KPop Demon Hunters and the Stranger Things finale, earning almost $25 million. The latter proved especially telling: more than 753,000 fans attended AMC screenings over just two days, generating over $15 million in food and beverage revenue despite free admissions.

Aron continued to demonstrate his trust in the partnership with Netflix, as he shared, "At AMC, our company is excited about the prospect of taking more Netflix content to theatre goers."

As Netflix charts its post-Warner Bros. future, the battle over theatrical windows may define its relationship with Hollywood more than any acquisition headline. Whether a 17-day run becomes the new norm or a flashpoint remains to be seen.

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What do you think? Should Netflix bend to theatrical tradition, or is the industry overdue for a shorter window? Share your thoughts below.