Paramount CEO's Attempts To Block Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal Internationally

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Paramount CEO David Ellison spoke to several influential figures in Europe this week regarding Warner Bros Discovery and Netflix's new agreement.

According to Deadline, sources alleged that Ellison talked to UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and leading creatives in Europe. Insiders familiar with the situation claim that Paramount is determined to escalate its plans to block Warner Bros. and Netflix's deal by taking its case overseas.

These alleged discussions followed a Bloomberg report that stated senior Paramount executives also met with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, and EU regulators in an effort to gain their support, which would require approval from the EU. The outreach comes after roughly 3 months of Paramount fighting to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, only to lose it to the streamer in a bidding war.

Sources say Ellison stressed the importance of protecting the theater during his meetings, a message that would likely resonate with European policymakers, particularly in France. The country is known to follow strict rules regarding theatrical releases. And the country's prestigious Cannes Film Festival refusing to include Netflix-backed titles to compete is another positive sign for Paramount.

Concerns about the impact of a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. go beyond just Europe. In Hollywood, major players in the entertainment industry have questioned how this deal could affect theatrical distribution, which has been in jeopardy since the pandemic hit in 2020. While Netflix has traditionally prioritized streaming over theaters, it claimed that it would agree to uphold the studio's current theatrical obligations. However, the industry giant did not mention what would happen once those contracts expire.

Specialists who have been following the European Commission say the proposed $83 billion Netflix transaction would likely face an in-depth review rather than an outright rejection. Any approval could come with conditions aimed at limiting its control over content, potentially including requirements to maintain licensing arrangements.

Warner Bros. Discovery officially put itself on the market in October 2025 and reached an agreement with Netflix in December, turning down an offer from Paramount valued at $30 per share. Ellison has since taken his bid to WBD shareholders directly, showing that he clearly won't go down without a fight. Paramount recently failed to accelerate a court case seeking more detailed financial disclosures related to the sale.