Hugh Grant Slams Netflix’s $83 Billion Warner Bros Takeover as “Bad News” for Cinema

British actor Hugh Grant has sharply criticized the streaming era. He made his comments following news of a major media merger. The star spoke at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025 in Delhi on Saturday.He called Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery “bad news.” Grant expressed a strong personal dislike for streaming services. He lamented the shift away from communal cinema experiences.

Grant’s Nostalgic Defense of the Theatrical Experience

Grant explained his position to fellow actor Rahul Khanna. He said films shown to an audience are a shared, communal event. The actor finds it hard to connect with a movie on a smartphone.He admitted streaming offers leave him feeling tired. He cannot get excited about them. According to his interview in the Hindustan Times, Grant worries for those who love the theatrical experience.The 65-year-old actor linked his views to age and nostalgia. He hopes people will grow bored of the digital experience. Grant suggested a return to offline activities, like going to the cinema.

The Massive Deal Reshaping Hollywood’s Future

The deal prompting his comments is historically large. Netflix is buying Warner Bros. in a cash-and-stock transaction. The total enterprise value of the merger is about $82.7 billion.It values Warner Bros. Discovery at roughly $72 billion in equity. The deal includes major film and television studios. It also encompasses the HBO Max and HBO streaming platforms.This consolidation signals a dramatic power shift. It places enormous content libraries under one streaming roof. The move fundamentally changes the competitive landscape for entertainment.

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This major corporate shift highlights a deep cultural divide. The Netflix Warner Bros deal symbolizes the industry’s new direction. Yet prominent artists like Hugh Grant are pushing back to save the magic of the big screen.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Hugh Grant say about the Netflix deal?

He called it “bad news” after reading about it. Grant stated he “absolutely hates streaming.” He believes it harms the communal experience of watching films in a cinema.

How much is Netflix paying for Warner Bros. Discovery?

The total enterprise value is about $82.7 billion. The equity component is valued at roughly $72 billion. The deal is a cash-and-stock transaction.

Why does Hugh Grant prefer cinema over streaming?

He finds films in a theater to be a communal event. Grant says it’s hard to fall in love with a film on a smartphone. He feels the theatrical experience is unique and valuable.

What was included in the acquisition?

Netflix acquires Warner Bros. film and TV studios. The deal also includes the HBO Max and HBO platforms. It represents a vast library of content.

Where did Hugh Grant make these comments?

He spoke at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025. The event was held in Delhi, India. He was in conversation with actor Rahul Khanna.