12 Major Franchises Netflix Would Own After Buying Warner Bros. (& What Might Be Planned for Them)

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For months, rumors have swirled around a possible sale of Warner Bros. Discovery, with major companies like Netflix, Paramount (backed by Skydance), and Comcast all vying to acquire it. While Paramount initially seemed like the frontrunner, Netflix announced last week that it’s now in final negotiations to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal isn’t finalized yet, but significant parts of Warner Bros. are increasingly likely to become part of Netflix.

The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix has understandably worried both fans and people working in the entertainment industry about what the future holds for movies and television. When major media companies merge, it often leads to job losses throughout the entire organization, not just in front of the camera. However, Netflix has suggested it won’t implement widespread layoffs if the deal goes through, because Warner Bros. already has skilled staff in areas where Netflix is currently lacking. Plus, Warner Bros. brings a valuable library of films, TV shows, and popular franchises that Netflix doesn’t currently own. It’s important to remember that all of this depends on the deal actually being finalized, so there’s always a degree of uncertainty.

12) DCU

The DC Universe (DCU), led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, has gotten off to a strong start with its first movie and clear plans for future films and TV shows. Netflix seems happy to continue with Warner Bros.’ current theatrical releases, and it would be a smart move for them to let Gunn and his team keep creating, as audiences are already showing they want to see more.

If Netflix were to acquire DC Studios, it could lead to more variety in where DC content is shown. Currently, all DC Universe (DCU) TV series – like Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and the upcoming Lanterns – have been exclusive to HBO Max. Warner Bros. has been aiming to keep all its DC properties together on one platform, similar to how Marvel Studios uses Disney+. However, Netflix might want to offer some unique DC stories on its own service, perhaps animated series that aren’t directly tied to the main DCU storyline. This would allow them to maintain a cohesive DCU experience while also maximizing the value of DC content on Netflix.

11) Harry Potter

HBO is currently filming the first season of a new Harry Potter television series, and it could potentially run for ten years. Because a deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. won’t be finalized until at least 2026, they might decide not to interfere with the show and let it continue as planned when they take over. Starting a new reboot so soon after one has already begun risks losing fan enthusiasm, despite executives wanting to pursue their own creative vision.

Netflix is very likely interested in expanding the Harry Potter universe beyond the original films, potentially with spinoffs similar to the Fantastic Beasts series. A key advantage for them is their global production network, which could allow them to create stories and explore parts of the wizarding world that haven’t been shown in the movies or books.

10) The Conjuring

Netflix is missing a reliable, ongoing horror franchise. While they released the Fear Street films, the one completely produced by Netflix didn’t do well and likely dampened enthusiasm. Acquiring The Conjuring franchise gives Netflix a strong, popular series that doesn’t even depend on its original stars, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, as films focusing on characters like The Nun and Annabelle have proven successful on their own. Netflix will likely expand The Conjuring universe with spinoffs centered around every haunted entity investigated by the Warrens.

9) Middle-earth

Warner Bros. is planning to continue The Lord of the Rings movies with at least two new films. The first, currently titled The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, is expected to come out on December 17, 2027 – after Warner Bros.’ agreement with Netflix ends. They’re also developing another movie, but details about its story or production haven’t been announced yet.

It’s a bit complicated with The Lord of the Rings because Warner Bros. (WB) and New Line Cinema own the rights to make movies based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. However, Amazon’s Prime Video has the rights to create TV shows, which is how they were able to produce The Rings of Power. If Netflix wants to make new Lord of the Rings films, it will likely depend on how well The Hunt for Gollum performs. Still, this is a hugely successful franchise that often wins awards, so Netflix can’t afford to overlook its potential.

8) Looney Tunes

Warner Bros. has largely stopped supporting one of its biggest properties. Sadly, there’s little reason to believe Netflix will do any better. They previously passed up the opportunity to release the film Coyote vs. Acme, and have consistently shown they prefer reimagining existing content rather than nurturing established franchises. This makes it unlikely they’ll fully invest in the Looney Tunes, even though the series could potentially thrive on the platform.

7) Lots of Stephen King

Stephen King’s work is all over Hollywood, with different studios owning the rights to various books and stories. Warner Bros. Discovery holds the rights to some of his most popular titles, and those would transfer to Netflix if the deal goes through. This includes movies like The Shining and its sequel, Doctor Sleep, as well as IT. While Netflix probably shouldn’t interfere with the ongoing success of the IT franchise, they might consider revisiting The Shining – perhaps by remaking it or creating new stories based on that universe. Ideas for prequels centered around the Overlook Hotel have been floated in the past and could be revived. These films would significantly strengthen Netflix’s collection of Stephen King adaptations, which currently includes the well-received Gerald’s Game but also some less successful titles like 1922, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, and In the Tall Grass.

6) Beetlejuice

Following the strong performance of the highly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel in 2024, the franchise is now more popular and valuable than ever. While Warner Bros. will likely want to make another movie quickly, it’s also possible Netflix could become involved. They already have a good working relationship with Tim Burton thanks to the success of Wednesday, and with Winona Ryder from Stranger Things. Expect to see more Beetlejuice content on Netflix in the future, though it could be years before any new projects are announced – it’s uncertain whether it will be a third film or something else entirely.

5) Final Destination

Netflix currently lacks a strong, ongoing horror movie franchise. While they’ve had some successful horror titles, none have consistently delivered what’s needed to build a lasting franchise. The recent success of Final Destination: Bloodlines proved the series still has potential, and with plans for a seventh film, Netflix could easily establish it as a key part of their future movie strategy.

4) Scooby-Doo

Netflix clearly believes Scooby-Doo has potential as a long-term franchise, unlike some other classic cartoons. They’ve already started developing a live-action TV series with Berlanti Productions for the platform, and if that show does well, we can expect even more Scooby-Doo content in the future. While it’s unlikely Netflix will ever own all the different animated versions of the series, we’re hoping they prove us wrong!

3) Game of Thrones

Considering everything happening with Warner Bros., Game of Thrones is one franchise that doesn’t really need a boost from Netflix. HBO has been carefully building on the original eight-season series, and so far, they’re doing a great job. House of the Dragon has already been renewed through Season 4, lasting until 2028, and a new series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will debut in January with plans for even more content. The most sensible thing Netflix could do with Game of Thrones would simply be to offer it alongside HBO, giving more people access to the show.

2) Supernatural

While Warner Bros. Discovery has many strengths, they could potentially expand the Supernatural universe further. Despite numerous attempts, only the prequel The Winchesters managed a single season, and an earlier anime series largely retold the original show’s story. Given Supernatural‘s continued popularity on Netflix, it seems like a good fit for the platform to develop more content within that world.

1) The Wizard of Oz

Okay, this is a fascinating situation when it comes to The Wizard of Oz. While most of us think of it as a classic MGM film, Warner Bros. actually owns the rights to it – and everything MGM made before 1986! That means they control really important parts of the story, like the iconic Ruby Slippers, the look of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, and even the songs. We saw with the Wicked films how tricky it can be to work around those restrictions. Interestingly, because the original Wizard of Oz book is in the public domain, people can still play with that story. But with Netflix now owning the film itself, I have a feeling they’re going to want to do something big with it – whether that’s sequels, spin-offs, a new animated version, or something else entirely. It just feels too good of an opportunity for them to pass up!

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2025-12-11 22:12