Streaming or theater-going experience?
If you’re a cinephile who loves going to the movies like me, Netflix/Warner Bros. will likely destroy theater chains in the near future and that will be the end of cinemas as we know it. However, if you’re a fan of staying home and watching movies, a Netflix Warner Bros. combo should end up being right up your alley.
If somehow Paramount’s hostile takeover works, though, their films will likely still open in theaters. Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison said in the same report from Deadline:
“We believe our offer will create a stronger Hollywood. It is in the best interests of the creative community, consumers and the movie theater industry. We believe they will benefit from the enhanced competition, higher content spend and theatrical release output, and a greater number of movies in theaters as a result of our proposed transaction. We look forward to working to expeditiously deliver this opportunity so that all stakeholders can begin to capitalize on the benefits of the combined company.”
Trekkies, how do you feel about Paramount Skydance’s hostile takeover attempt? A streaming service combined with titles from Paramount+, Warner Bros., and Showtime would be amazing, but you can expect to pay much more for the service if this comes to fruition.
While Paramount’s bid to acquire Warner Bros. may save or prolong the theater-going experience, don’t confuse the corporation as being a white knight. After all, Paramount/Warner Bros. is in showbiz to make money, and the new company would control a vast library of IP, including Star Trek, the DC Universe, The Wizarding World, Lord of the Rings, and beyond. This is truly a case of the lesser of two evils.
If you’re a fan of streaming, root for Netflix/Warner Bros., I suppose. However, since I love the thrill of seeing a film on opening night with a packed crowd, I’ll be hoping that Paramount can somehow pull off its hostile takeover. At least theater chains might have a fighting chance. Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!