Movie theaters are asking Congress to stop the sale of Warner Bros.

Major cinema chains have opposed the potential deal to sell Warner Bros. Discovery, fearing increased market monopolization.

The U.S. cinema industry has publicly voiced its disapproval of a potential sale of the media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Industry representatives intend to seek Congressional intervention to prevent the deal if a streaming giant becomes the buyer of one of Hollywood's oldest studios.

Appeal to Congress and Antitrust Risks

The industry association Cinema United, which represents the interests of movie theaters worldwide, has submitted an official statement to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law. The reason for the appeal is an upcoming hearing dedicated to the possible sale of Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the document, the association expresses serious concerns about the consequences of such a deal for the entire film distribution system, particularly if control of the studio shifts to Netflix.

Concerns Over a Potential Deal with Netflix

Cinema United emphasizes that the acquisition of Warner Bros. by a streaming platform could have long-term and irreversible consequences for movie theaters worldwide.

"We are deeply concerned that Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. would have a direct and irreversible negative impact on movie theaters," the organization's statement reads.

According to the association, such a deal would lead to a dangerous concentration of power in the entertainment industry, where film production and distribution would end up in the hands of a single dominant global platform.

Threat to Traditional Film Distribution

The key argument from theaters is related to Netflix's business model, which is originally oriented toward streaming, not wide theatrical releases. Cinema United believes that transferring control of one of Hollywood's largest studios to a company with such an approach could undermine the traditional cinema exhibition system.

The association notes that the market is already facing a high degree of monopolization, and such an acquisition would only strengthen this trend.

Who is Bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery

Currently, the main contenders for the purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery are considered to be Netflix and Paramount Global. According to sources, negotiations between the parties are intense, with key disagreements revolving around the price and terms of the deal.

The intervention of the cinema industry and the upcoming Congressional hearings could become a significant political and regulatory obstacle to completing the deal, regardless of who ultimately becomes the buyer.