FranchiseRe (Movie Industry Newsletter)

THE WEDNESDAY CHARTS: Theatrical Windows and the Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal, Follow-Up | February 11, 2026

The episode breaks down the evolving landscape of theatrical windows, highlighting that only 19 of 56 wide releases in 2025 enjoyed a 45‑day exclusive run, with Disney favoring long windows and Universal opting for short ones. It examines the Netflix‑Warner Bros. deal, noting Netflix’s push for a 45‑day window and the risk that Warner’s content could bypass rentals and go straight to streaming, pressuring theater attendance. The show also revisits the "Song Sung Blue" case, showing how early premium digital release can siphon 17% of box‑office revenue and potentially reshape consumer habits, while outlining the standard post‑theatrical release windows from premium electronic sell‑through to ad‑supported TV.