All the major Warner Bros. properties set to go to Netflix in watershed deal
Harry Potter Perhaps most widely beloved in this content lineup is the multibillion-dollar Wizarding World, which is a two-for-one deal with the “Fantastic Beasts” property. With this crown jewel asset, Netflix will steward great generational reach, merchandising power and long-term franchise potential. Harry Potter never dies, and after this deal, Netflix doesn’t seem like it will either. Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” (New Line / WireImage) “Lord of the Rings” Further solidifying Netflix’s hold in the fantasy market is its acquisition of “Lord of the Rings” and its twin asset “The Hobbit.” These epics, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s renowned novels, form one of the most celebrated film franchises in history, earning multiple Academy Awards and a global fan base that bodes well for Netflix’s subscription numbers. Robert Pattinson in 2022’s “The Batman.” (Jonathan Olley / DC Comics) DC Universe: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman Netflix with its purchase also drafted a roster of heavy hitters in the DCU, including Batman, Superman and the entire Suicide Squad. In addition to its film assets, DC has a strong television catalog, its most recent installment being HBO’s “The Penguin.” Another series, “Lanterns,” featuring the Green Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart, is scheduled to drop next year. Ultimately, there’s little higher-value IP than this. “Dune” The Denis Villeneuve-directed film franchise should enhance Netflix’s critical reputation and overall standing, despite dismissal from legacy studios. It looks like Netflix might have the last laugh there. “Dune: Part Three,” the final installment in the film trilogy adapted from Frank Herbert’s acclaimed sci-fi novels, is slated for a December 2026 release. Additionally, the second season of the spinoff series “Dune: Prophecy” is now in production. Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Judy Garland as Dorothy and Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.” (AP) “The Wizard of Oz” This Technicolor pioneer is a Warner Bros. mainstay and marks one of several cinematic touchstones making its way into Netflix’s hands through this acquisition (see “Casablanca,” “Gone With the Wind” and others below). Note: The “Wicked” films are separate intellectual property, owned and distributed by Universal Pictures. Honorable mentions: “Casablanca”“Gone With the Wind”“Citizen Kane”“Mad Max”“It”“The Matrix”“Blade Runner”“Bonnie and Clyde”“The Minecraft Movie” “The Lego Movie”“Barbie”“The Shining” “The Conjuring”“Weapons” “Godzilla”
