Trump Urges Halt to Netflix Deal, Calls for Clarity
Ted Sarandos is navigating a complex landscape as Netflix prepares for a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. This deal, estimated at over $83 billion, has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including former President Donald Trump.
Trump’s Involvement in the Netflix Deal
Trump made an unexpected visit to the White House on November 24, shortly before Netflix’s bid for Warner Bros. was announced in December. His presence at the White House coincided with discussions about the size and implications of the deal.
Reactions from Trump and Sarandos
During a December 7 event, Trump expressed admiration for Sarandos, stating, “Ted is a fantastic man. I have a lot of respect for him.” However, he also cautioned, “But it’s a lot of market share, so we’ll have to see what happens.” This highlights Trump’s complex view of the entertainment business and its implications for competition and market power.
Concerns Over Cultural Influence
On January 11, Trump referenced an article titled “Stop the Netflix Cultural Takeover” on his social media platform, Truth Social. This piece characterized Netflix as the more ideologically aligned buyer compared to Paramount’s David Ellison.
- Author: John Pierce, an attorney known for representing high-profile clients.
- Descriptive terms: “woker” and “ideologically preferred buyer.”
Sarandos downplayed the significance of Trump’s post, stating he was unsure why Trump shared the article. He emphasized that their discussions had not covered the article’s themes.
Insights from Sarandos
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Sarandos discussed his interactions with Trump since the election. He noted, “I’ve talked to him a couple of times.” Furthermore, Sarandos articulated that Trump views Hollywood through the lens of job protection and industry support.
Producer Steven Paul, acting as an intermediary between Trump and the entertainment industry, echoed this sentiment, promoting the creation of high-paying, skilled jobs in America. This aligns with Trump’s previous discussions about potential industry tariffs and tax incentives.
Netflix’s Commitment to Theatrical Releases
Amid concerns from major movie theater chains regarding the Warner Bros. deal, Sarandos reaffirmed Netflix’s dedication to maintaining a 45-day theatrical window for its releases. “I want to win opening weekend. I want to win box office,” he stated regarding the importance of theatrical performances.
The Future of Warner Bros.
As discussions continue, Sarandos offered his observations on the split opinions about the acquisition. He noted that many stakeholders wish for no deal to occur at all, which he deemed improbable, stating, “But that’s not possible. There are two outcomes of this deal, and we have a signed deal done.”
This ongoing dialogue reflects the dynamic and contentious landscape of media mergers, with key figures like Sarandos and Trump influencing the conversations that shape the industry today.
