Tom Cruise Thwarts Netflix's Warner Bros Takeover Bid
Tom Cruise has once again positioned himself as a guardian of the traditional film industry, this time by actively opposing a major streaming giant's acquisition plans. The Hollywood icon, who was celebrated for helping to rescue cinema during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now played a pivotal role in preventing Netflix from purchasing Warner Bros.
Behind-the-Scenes Intervention
According to sources close to the negotiations, Cruise was "furious" when he learned about Netflix's potential takeover of Warner Bros. The 63-year-old actor, who recently moved from Paramount to Warner Bros in January 2024, believed such a deal would signal the end of theatrical film releases in favor of exclusive streaming.
"Tom was really cross, furious in fact, at the idea that a streamer would take over such a prestigious film making company," revealed an insider. "He was very outspoken about it – there was even a suggestion that he might go on strike if it was to happen."
Sources indicate that Cruise made his feelings "very, very clear" to top executives at Warner Bros Discovery, expressing his strong opposition to the Netflix deal. His intervention is believed to have been so significant that he reportedly left his London residence in January to return to the United States specifically to lobby against the streaming takeover.
Paramount Steps In With £82 Billion Deal
Following Netflix's withdrawal from the bidding war this week, the path has cleared for Paramount to acquire Warner Bros in an £82 billion transaction. This outcome aligns much better with Cruise's vision for the industry, as Paramount – despite operating its own streaming service – maintains a strong commitment to theatrical releases.
"Tom has the clout and he knows it," a source explained. "He likes to use his power for good and change, and now it looks like he has saved the movie industry once again from falling victim to streaming giants."
The insider added: "He disagrees with it and very much believes in funding the industry properly so it's fair for everyone. With Paramount, they are committed to film-making – Tom has saved the day again."
Cruise's Longstanding Commitment to Cinema
This isn't the first time Cruise has championed the theatrical experience. During the pandemic, he famously refused to shut down production on Mission: Impossible 7, implementing strict safety protocols to keep filming. A leaked recording captured him threatening to fire crew members who violated Covid guidelines, emphasizing his determination to keep Hollywood working.
Furthermore, when his blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick was completed, Cruise insisted it receive a proper theatrical release rather than going straight to streaming. The decision proved financially sound, with the film grossing $1.5 billion at the global box office upon its 2022 release.
Industry Implications and Future Projects
Despite his recent move to Warner Bros, Cruise remains contractually obligated to work with Paramount on several upcoming projects, including another Top Gun installment and a sequel to Days of Thunder. This connection likely influenced his preference for Paramount's acquisition over Netflix's.
Netflix executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters confirmed their withdrawal from the Warner Bros bidding war, stating that while the transaction "would have created shareholder value," they maintain discipline in their acquisition strategy. The streaming service characterized Warner Bros as "a 'nice to have' at the right price, not a 'must have' at any price."
Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav expressed enthusiasm about the Paramount merger, noting: "Once our board votes to adopt the Paramount merger agreement, it will create tremendous value for our shareholders. We are excited about the potential of a combined Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery."
As the dust settles on this high-stakes corporate battle, industry observers note that Cruise's influence has once again shaped Hollywood's future direction, preserving the theatrical experience he has championed throughout his four-decade career.
