Could A Warner Bros. Discovery NBCUniversal Merger Be Looming In The Future?
No one has been able to figure out the riddle that is the DC Extended Cinematic Universe. To the point where it and the rest of Warner Bros. have been passed along from owner to owner who thinks they can figure it out and make some money. Each attempt the people in charge have looked ridiculous as the competitor thrives and runs a well-oiled machine. Now up to bat is Warner Bros. Discovery.
There was a lot of excitement when Discovery bought Warner Bros., becoming Warner Bros. Discovery. But all that has changed with many of the decisions that David Zaslav made. It started with a very limited showing at San Diego Comic-Con, where attendees were information they already knew. But that’s ok, DC Fandom has been very successful so that must be the plan right?
Nope, just recently they also announced that DC Fandom has been canceled as they are looking forward to bringing the DC world to different in-person events. At this point, DC fans are not holding their breaths.
In between, he also made the huge decision of canceling Batgirl, a film that was set to be released on HBO Max and was already in post-production. This decision along with a lack of information saw the majority of DC fans completely lose faith in Zaslav and Warner Bros. Discovery.
ALSO SEE: BATGIRL FILM KILLED BY WARNER BROS. WILL NOT BE RELEASED
To make it worse, you had the controversy with Ezra Miller, who is supposed to be the feature in what may be what sets up the DCEU for the future. Could the film even be released? Then you have DC Film president Walter Hamada wanting out after Zaslav revealed his plans for the DCEU. Furthermore, Warner Bros. Discovery has found it extremely challenging to find their “Kevin Feige” for their superheroes. Which, for any candidate would be a very unfair pair of shoes to fill immediately.
With Warner Bros. Discovery dealing with lots of debt, skeptical investors, and a fanbase that has lost faith in leadership, is this something that Zaslav has the ability to fix? The Hollywood Reporter says that there may be much uncertainty from shareholders, maybe even looking for an acquirer.
Industry observers now believe that another move waits for Warner Bros. Discovery in the future. But it’s important to note that a move like that couldn’t happen until spring 2024 due to the structure of the merger. At that point, many believe that Comcast’s Brian Roberts will make a move to try and combine NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.
This would give NBCUniversal the solid streaming service it has always looked for. Via The Hollywood Reporter, they say an executive with knowledge of both companies says Zaslav’s endgame is to get the place sold. But a Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson responded by saying that they are building the brand for the long term.
ALSO SEE: WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY WILL FOLLOW A TEN YEAR PLAN FOR DC FILMS
In the end, we can be reacting to something that will never happen. To be fair change takes time and effort. It would be better to take a little more time and get it right. Rather than, rush into trying to catch up with Marvel and fall on their faces (again). If it doesn’t work, it might be a good idea to give NBCUniversal a shot. It is just very interesting to see that any major entertainment company would have such a hard time with some of the world’s most well-known properties like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
Would you like to see a major move like that from Warner Bros. Discovery? Or do you feel that we need to give them a fair shot before we bring out the torches and pitchforks? Let us know in the comment section below!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
