At the Next on Netflix press event, executives clarified their streaming-first approach while addressing future theatrical plans. Film Chairman Dan Lin asked for time post-Warner Bros. deal, highlighting upcoming big-screen titles. Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria distinguished Netflix from Warner Bros. distribution.
Netflix remains a streaming-first company, as stated by Film Chairman Dan Lin at the Next on Netflix press event on March 18, 2026. Lin responded to questions about theatrical releases: “I would say give us some time.” He noted, “The Warner Bros deal just ended as far as our participations and we had the Academy Awards. We are a streaming-first company. The strategy works really well for us. You can see our members watch seven movies a month.” During the prior Warner Bros. pursuit, co-CEO Ted Sarandos promised a 45-day exclusive window to Premium VOD for the studio’s titles amid industry scrutiny over shortened windows. Lin added that Netflix built closer ties with theater owners through those discussions and reiterated, “We’re looking to do special things in theatrical, but just give us some time.” Netflix has experimented with theaters for TV content, including the Stranger Things series finale on New Year’s Day, which generated $25 million in concession revenue; KPop Demon Hunters singalong, earning $19 million over two days as Netflix’s first weekend box office No. 1; and One Piece Season 2 episodes in 200 U.S. and Japan theaters. On the 2026 slate, David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth is set for August, while Greta Gerwig’s Narnia gets a two-week IMAX limited release starting November 26 in 1,000 auditoriums across 90 countries. Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria emphasized separation: “There is Warner Bros theatrical distribution, and then there’s Netflix, which we’ve been in a different business. I don’t want you to conflate the two.” Lin expressed no fear of competitors, praising filmmakers like Clint Bentley, Guillermo del Toro, and Fincher, and noted active festival acquisitions alongside prestige builds. Bajaria announced a $20 billion content budget for the year.
