David Ellison is taking direct aim at Netflix as the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery escalates — and he’s doing it in public.
In a newly published open letter addressed to the U.K. creative community, the Paramount Global chief laid out his vision for the future of the industry while warning regulators and creatives about what he characterizes as the growing dominance of the streaming giant.
The message comes as Paramount continues its hostile pursuit of WBD in direct competition with Netflix’s mega-deal bid for the studio’s film and television assets.
Ellison Frames Storytelling as Cultural Infrastructure
Ellison opened his letter by positioning the entertainment industry not just as a business — but as a cultural institution worth protecting.
“As a producer and lifelong fan of movies and television, I am writing this open letter to speak clearly and unequivocally about the vital role visual storytelling plays in our society,” he said.
David Ellison in an interview with Bloomberg – YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
He continued by emphasizing the unifying power of film and television: “Films and television transcend age, ethnicity, politics, and socio-economic status, connecting us through shared experience… They entertain and inspire us, transport us to new worlds, preserve our history, and expand our sense of what is possible.”
Ellison framed the stakes in generational terms, claiming: “This art form is essential – and it must be protected and preserved for generations to come.”
Paramount’s Case for the WBD Acquisition
Ellison argued that Paramount’s pursuit of WBD is rooted in expanding storytelling capacity — not consolidating power.
“At Paramount, these beliefs are what drive us and our pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery,” he explained. “We see an extraordinary opportunity to bring together our two celebrated companies, enabling us to tell more stories, reach broader audiences, and amplify impact.”
Warner Bros Discovery Logo
He also stressed that the merger would increase — not restrict — industry competition.
“We believe the creative community and audiences are best served by greater choice – not less – and by a marketplace that encourages the full spectrum of filmmaking, content creation, and theatrical exhibition, not one that eliminates meaningful competition by creating a monopolistic or dominant entity,” Ellison claimed with a clear shot at Netflix.
Direct Shot at Netflix’s Market Power
That warning was not abstract.
Ellison explicitly contrasted his proposed Paramount-WBD structure with Netflix’s expansion strategy.
He descrived a merged Paramount-WBD as being “in stark contrast to Netflix’s path – this proposed combination is intended to strengthen competition by creating a more capable and effective rival to the dominant platforms.”
A graphic showing the Netflix and Warner Bros. Logos – Netflix
The framing positions Netflix not just as a competitor — but as a potential market consolidator whose scale could reshape the industry landscape if left unchecked.
Commitment to Expanded Film Production
To reinforce the pro-industry optics of the deal, Ellison pledged a major theatrical output increase.
“Paramount Studios and Warner Bros. Studios will each produce a minimum of 15 high-quality feature films per year, for a total of at least 30 films annually across the group – delivering great entertainment to audiences while supporting sustained job creation across the film and creative industries,” he said.
David Corenswet as Superman flying in James Gunn’s “Superman” – YouTube, DC
Ellison also added that Paramount has already begun scaling production: “We have already increased Paramount’s output from eight to 15 films since closing the Paramount-Skydance transaction this past August.”
Third-Party Licensing Will Continue
Ellison also sought to reassure independent producers and studios concerned about consolidation.
“Both studios will continue to support a vibrant third-party ecosystem by licensing their films and shows across their own and third-party platforms, while remaining active buyers of content from third-party studios and independent producers.”
HBO Brand Will Be Preserved
One of the most closely watched elements of the potential deal is the future of HBO — a brand widely seen as a prestige content pillar.
Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones – HBO Max
Ellison pledged operational independence for the network, claiming, “HBO will continue to operate independently under our ownership, enabling it to create more of the world-class content it is renowned for.”
Theatrical Windows Protected
In another notable contrast to streaming-first distribution models, Ellison committed to maintaining robust theatrical releases.
A screenshot from Sinners – YouTube, Warner Bros.
“Every film will receive a full theatrical release, with a minimum 45-day window globally before becoming available on paid video-on-demand (VOD),” he said, “with the intention of 60-90 days or more to maximize the audience for our most successful releases.”
He then added: “We will continue to adhere to the specific windowing commitments we have across the geographies we operate in.”
Home Video and Streaming Sequencing
Ellison also emphasized traditional release sequencing before streaming availability.
“Following its theatrical run, each film will transition to the current industry standard home video window, preserving paid video-on-demand prior to availability on subscription streaming services,” he said.
Regulatory Messaging Across the Atlantic
The open letter was directed specifically at U.K. creatives and stakeholders — a strategic move as regulators abroad evaluate the competitive implications of Netflix’s expansion and Paramount’s counter-bid.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison being interviewed – YouTube, CNBC Television
By framing Netflix as a “dominant platform” and positioning Paramount-WBD as a competition-enhancing alternative, Ellison is effectively making his case not just to audiences — but to policymakers.
The Streaming War Enters Its Next Phase
As the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war intensifies, Ellison’s public appeal signals that the fight is no longer happening solely in boardrooms.
David Ellison talks to Bloomberg – YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
It’s now being waged in the press, in regulatory filings — and in open letters aimed at shaping the narrative of who is protecting Hollywood’s future… and who may be consolidating it.
How do you feel about David Ellison and his comments regarding Netflix and WBD? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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This sounds exactly like what Disney said about Jim Henson Studios, Lucas films and every other studio and production company they destroyed.
The whole industry went woke, and I see no salvation, not without Elon Musk setting up true competition, anyway.