Streaming Giant's Bold Bid: Politics and Popcorn

The Deal of the Century

Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, is in the midst of a monumental deal to acquire Warner Bros. for a staggering $83 billion. But this isn't just any deal—it's one that requires navigating the political landscape, particularly with Donald Trump in the equation.

Trump's Visit and the Looming Deal

In November, Trump visited the White House just before Netflix's offer to buy Warner Bros. became public. Sarandos has been cautious about discussing Trump's stance on the deal. Trump, however, had some kind words for Sarandos, calling him a fantastic man but also noting that the deal is huge, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Truth Social and the "Woke" Debate

Recently, Trump shared an article on his social media platform, Truth Social, titled "Stop the Netflix Cultural Takeover." The article, written by John Pierce, a lawyer known for representing high-profile clients, argues that Netflix is the more "woke" buyer compared to others.

Sarandos' Response

Sarandos remains unfazed by the article, stating he doesn't know why Trump shared it. He clarified that their conversations were never about the topics mentioned in the piece. Sarandos believes Trump sees Hollywood as a means to protect jobs and the industry.

Netflix's Commitment to Theaters

Sarandos also addressed Netflix's stance on theaters, emphasizing their plan to maintain a 45-day window for movies to stay in theaters. He expressed a desire for Netflix to win at the box office as well.