The potential merger of 
Netflix and Warner Bros. has sent the expected shockwave of knee-jerk reactions around the movie industry, and the pushback has already started before the deal is done. Several celebrities have aired their views on the matter, DC Studios’ CEO James Gunn has had his say, and now the WGA and several other groups have come out with a strong stance against the sale ever being completed.
Yesterday’s announcement that Netflix had beaten Paramount to the punch and slid into the final stages of buying one of the biggest movie studios in the world gained a lot of reactions. Snyderverse fans believe that this merger will finally see their god-like idol continue his DC journey with a new Justice League sequel – despite most of the actors having clearly moved on. Some call it the death of cinema. Others decided that it is the greatest thing for many stagnating Warner Bros. IPs.
In a scathing statement, it is now the turn of the WGA to share their view on the huge upheaval coming if the merger goes ahead. It is fair to say that they are completely against it being allowed to go through. In a statement, the guild said:
“The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent. The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers. Industry workers along with the public are already impacted by only a few powerful companies maintaining tight control over what consumers can watch on television, on streaming, and in theaters. This merger must be blocked.”
What Other Guilds Have Said About the Netflix/Warner Bros Merger
There are many ways to look at the merger of two of the biggest entertainment industry players, and the nonprofit advocate for documentary makers, the International Documentary Association (IDA), believes Netflix purchasing Warner Bros. would be a “threat to nonfiction filmmakers.” In their statement (via Deadline), the IDA said:
“Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would profoundly damage the future of documentary filmmaking. It represents the consolidation of two of the main distributors of documentaries: Netflix and HBO Max.
“This mega-deal immediately threatens documentarians’ creative opportunities and their freedom to tell stories that need to be told. It will also drastically reduce the range and overall quality of documentaries available to audiences worldwide. Netflix’s overwhelming market dominance will inevitably stifle competition, inhibit free expression, and limit viewer choice.”
Teamsters aired their grievances against “greed-fueled consolidation of corporate power.” Their statement said, “Teamsters will continue to challenge and call for the opposition across all levels of government and that antitrust enforcers reject this deal and any other deal seeking the consolidation of power and market.”
Not everyone is as blatantly outspoken against the merger. The Director’s Guild of America, led by legendary filmmaker Christopher Nolan – a huge advocate for the big, bold cinematic experience – have not blasted the deal in the same way, but clearly have concerns that they intend to address. A spokesman said:
“We believe that a vibrant, competitive industry — one that fosters creativity and encourages genuine competition for talent — is essential to safeguarding the careers and creative rights of directors and their teams. We will be meeting with Netflix to outline our concerns and better understand their vision for the future of the company.”
The Producers Guild of America shared a similar stance on the matter, acknowledging that there is “rightful concern” among producers, and noting that the Netflix deal had to pass a test to prove that the deal will “protect producers’ livelihoods and real theatrical distribution, and fosters creativity, promotes opportunities for workers and artists, empowers consumers with choices, and upholds freedom of speech.”