Some of our favourite entertainment franchises may have an uncertain future after it has been announced that Netflix has acquired Warner Bros and HBO Max in a $82.7 deal.
Following the news that Warner Bros had been put up for sale earlier this year, the world was eager to see which major company would purchase it, especially as it owns the rights to some of our favourite franchises.
This includes Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Dune, Batman, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and The Last of Us and now, the rights to all of these franchises will officially belong to none other than Netflix.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix in a newly announced press release.
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“By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies - from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends - with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we'll be able to do that even better."
He added: "Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
This merger saw Netflix purchase both film studio Warner Bros and its sub-studios such as HBO and HBO Max and although the current operations will be maintained for the time being, there is no denying that there will be big changes for the future of entertainment.
With the biggest concern being over the future of theatrical releases, as films will now be expected to head straight to Netflix rather than spend time in cinemas at first, it is no wonder that fans of some of our beloved franchises are not onboard with this latest acquisition.
What Does This Mean For The Last of Us?
However, for shows such as The Last of Us, it remains to be seen if the future of the live-action adaptation will be saved or doomed.
“HBO gave us so many dope shows. Succession, Game of Thrones, Last of Us, The Sopranos," one user shared over on X (formerly Twitter).
"I don't know if we'll ever get such shows again given Netflix's business model."
Another user posted: “Unless Netflix decides to replace those writers, I think all of us are aware that season three might be the last season for the show lol."
Although there is no official release date for The Last of Us season three, it will be expected to air in the coming 18 months to two years. And with season two not living up to expectations, it remains to be seen how it will fare, especially with a brand-new owner at its helm.
Unfortunately, the future of entertainment as a whole is now at stake and whether we like it or not, some of our favourite franchises will be affected.
Topics: Netflix, TV And Film, The Last Of Us, Warner Bros, Harry Potter, Game Of Thrones