Warner Bros. Heir Questions Netflix Takeover: 'Content' Isn't Enough

Gregory Orr, whose grandfather Jack Warner helped launch Warner Bros., has spoken out about the recent sale of the legendary studio to Netflix. Orr, reflecting on the deal before it was officially announced, made it clear he’s not thrilled about the direction things are heading.

“The potential sale of WBD does not sit well with me,”

he said last week, just before the $82.7 billion agreement was confirmed. He reckons the industry is at a turning point, and Netflix is right in the thick of it. With the purchase, Netflix gets its hands on Warner Bros.’ deep creative resources and a distribution network that’s been the envy of the business for decades.

Streaming Giants and the Future of the Big Screen

Netflix, now the new owner of Warner Bros., has a track record of giving its films only brief runs in cinemas—think a couple of weeks in a handful of theatres, like what happened with Knives Out 3. This approach is a far cry from the traditional blockbuster releases that Warner Bros. has been known for, with recent hits like Superman, Sinners, and Weapons making waves in 2025. Orr is wary that Netflix’s model could sideline the communal experience of going to the pictures, something he sees as vital.

He argues that Netflix needs to broaden its vision, not just as a streaming leader but as a caretaker of the cinema-going tradition.

“Netflix would have to enlarge the idea of itself as not just a streaming pioneer, but a steward of a very worthy and necessary theatrical experience,”

he said. Watching a film at home might be easy and enjoyable, but Orr points out it’s not the same as sharing the moment with a crowd in a darkened theatre. In a world where people are feeling more isolated, he suggests that these shared outings are more important than ever for our wellbeing.

Legacy at Stake: More Than Just 'Content'

With the deal, Netflix now controls not just Warner Bros. but also HBO, DC Studios, and major franchises like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Orr is concerned that the focus could shift from storytelling and artistry to simply churning out material.

“The idea of only making 'content' is such a low bar for the medium of film and TV,”

he said, likening it to filling a dentist’s waiting room with generic paintings. For him, the risk is that the rich legacy of Warner Bros. could be reduced to just another stream of content, losing the magic that’s drawn punters to the cinema for generations.