Lisa Kudrow Urges Future Warner Owner to Preserve Studio Lot

Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her role in the iconic sitcom *Friends*, recently voiced her thoughts regarding the future of Warner Bros. Discovery. In an interview with *Architectural Digest*, she emphasized the significance of preserving the historic studio lot located in Burbank, California.

Lisa Kudrow’s Plea to Preserve Warner Bros. Studio Lot

Kudrow expressed her hopes for the studio’s new ownership, stating that it should remain unchanged. She remarked, “It’s hard for me to tell whether Warner Bros. is just special to me, or if it’s special to the whole city or industry, and I think it is.” Her sentiments reflect a broader concern about the changing nature of ownership in Hollywood.

As a key location for numerous classic films, Warner Bros. has played an essential role in the entertainment landscape. Notable projects filmed there include *Casablanca*, *Inception*, *Blade Runner*, *The Matrix*, and *The Goonies*. Kudrow referred to this location as one of her favorite spots in Los Angeles, particularly because it served as the backdrop for *Friends* during its decade-long run from 1994 to 2004.

A Storied History

*Friends* notably filmed on Stage 24, affectionately dubbed “The Friends Stage,” for the majority of its ten seasons. The series featured a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.

Current Ownership Dynamics

Kudrow voiced her hopes amid ongoing negotiations over Warner Bros. Discovery. In December 2023, Netflix announced an agreement to acquire the studio for approximately $82 billion. Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters are spearheading this deal.

• Warner Bros. Discovery Deal: Nearly $82 billion by Netflix
• Hostile Bid: Paramount Skydance offered $108.7 billion
• Legal Action: Paramount filed a lawsuit after Warners rejected their offer

As negotiations continue, Kudrow urged, “Whoever buys it, you don’t need to change anything! It works. It works great!” She requested the new owner to maintain the studio’s integrity, including preserving “Jack Warner’s roses.”

Kudrow’s plea echoes the desires of many who cherish Warner Bros. as a historic and vibrant part of Hollywood culture. The outcome of these negotiations will inevitably shape the future of this storied studio lot.