Netflix has begun to clarify how Warner Bros films would be released if its proposed takeover of the Hollywood studio goes ahead, easing concerns that cinema runs could be sharply shortened. Under the plan outlined so far, new Warner releases would continue to play exclusively in cinemas for 45 days before moving into home viewing channels.

There had been speculation that Netflix favoured a far shorter theatrical window, with industry sources suggesting the streamer had argued internally for as little as 17 days. That approach, however, is not expected to be adopted at least in the early years following the acquisition. Speaking to The New York Times in his first interview since the deal was announced, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos stressed the importance of preserving Warner Bros’ existing cinema business.

Sarandos said Netflix would be inheriting a highly successful theatrical distribution operation that generates billions of dollars in box office revenue and that undermining it would make little sense. He added that if Netflix is going to compete seriously in cinemas, it intends to do so on traditional terms, with a clear focus on opening weekend performance and overall box office results. According to Sarandos, the 45-day window is a firm commitment rather than a flexible guideline.

Warner Bros already operates on a shorter theatrical exclusivity period than the industry once considered standard. After 45 days, its films typically become available on premium video-on-demand platforms, where viewers can buy or rent them digitally at higher prices through services such as Apple TV, Amazon and Google. This premium phase is followed by standard-priced digital rentals and purchases, often while the films are still screening in cinemas. Subscription streaming usually comes later, with titles arriving on HBO Max after roughly 70 to 90 days.

What remains uncertain is how Netflix would handle these post-cinema stages if it ultimately owns Warner Bros and HBO. It is not yet clear whether films would continue to follow the existing premium and standard video-on-demand path or whether Netflix would prioritise bringing them directly to its own subscription platform once the theatrical window closes. Netflix has not indicated that it plans to overhaul this release sequence in the short term.

The company has also not suggested any major change to how its own original films are handled. Currently, Netflix gives some original titles limited cinema runs of one to two weeks, mainly to meet awards eligibility requirements, rather than pursuing long theatrical engagements.

The acquisition of Warner Bros and HBO is not expected to be finalised until late 2026 at the earliest. Until then, many details around release strategies and windowing are likely to remain unresolved, but Netflix’s public commitment to a 45-day cinema-first approach signals a desire to reassure both filmmakers and theatre owners that the traditional big-screen model will not be immediately sidelined.