In a bold move, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, made his presence felt at the BAFTA Film Awards in London, delivering a clear message directed at Paramount amid ongoing competitive negotiations for a deal involving Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Speaking to Deadline from the event’s red carpet, Sarandos emphasized that Netflix holds a signed agreement with WBD, expressing concerns about attempts by Paramount to circumvent this.
“We have a signed deal with Warner Bros., they’re trying to circumvent it,” Sarandos stated, urging Paramount to simply put forth a better offer if they seek to outbid Netflix. “Don’t make up stories, don’t [spread] misinformation about market share. Just put a better deal on the table and see if you can win,” he asserted.
The urgency of these negotiations has increased since WBD reopened its sales process just last week, setting a deadline of February 23 for Paramount to deliver its best and final offer. This high-stakes bidding has caught the attention of industry watchers and competitors alike.
In a lighter moment during his conversation with Deadline’s Baz Bamigboye, Sarandos praised Warner Bros. executive Landman, showcasing a collaborative spirit amid the competitive landscape. He also expressed confidence in the integrity of Netflix’s existing deal, asserting that he believes they will successfully navigate any concerns raised by antitrust authorities. “We want to help them win,” he noted, referring to the theatrical experience of Warner Bros.’ movie division.
When asked about a potential message for Donald Trump, Sarandos chose to sidestep the topic, instead highlighting that the ongoing sales process would be evaluated by the Department of Justice and relevant regulators in Europe.
Adding a touch of humor to the proceedings, Bamigboye joked that the complexities surrounding the takeover saga could one day be turned into a movie. Sarandos playfully responded, inquiring who would portray Bamigboye in such a film, to which Bamigboye quipped that he would have his agent reach out to Sarandos.
As this unfolding drama continues, the stakes remain high for both Netflix and Paramount, with the deadline looming for Paramount to solidify its position in this fiercely competitive landscape.
