Netflix could be set to become new home of some of Hollywood’s most iconic superhero film franchises

Netflix could be set to become the new home of some of Hollywood’s most iconic superhero film franchises.

Superman, Batman, Harry Potter and Barbie – alongside cinematic classics such as Casablanca, Bonnie and Clyde, Goodfellas, Unforgiven and The Shining – are said to be under discussion to be exclusively hosted by the streamer.

The company, led by co-CEO Ted Sarandos, is said to be “actively exploring” an acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, according to sources.

It’s been reported Netflix has hired investment bank Moelis and Co. to advise on a possible offer for the franchises.

Moelis previously acted as financial adviser to David Ellison’s Skydance Media during its takeover of Paramount Global from the former Paramount-Skydance partnership.

Warner Bros. Discovery recently confirmed its board had received inbound merger and acquisition interest from “multiple parties” and had begun reviewing potential offers.

The company is said to have granted Netflix access to its financial records as the streaming giant evaluates a possible bid. It remains unclear whether any Netflix proposal would include Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max streaming business. Representatives for Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and Moelis Co. have so far declined to comment.

During Netflix’s third-quarter earnings interview, Ted said: “We have no interest in owning legacy media networks” – a remark indicating a full acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, including channels such as CNN, TBS, HGTV and Food Network, would not be part of the deal.

He added: “Nothing is a must-have for us to meet our goals that we have for the business.”

The reported interest from Netflix comes amid competition from other media companies.

David Ellison has made three escalating bids through Skydance Media to buy Warner Bros. Discovery in full, the latest valuing the company at $23.50 per share.

All offers were rejected as too low.

Comcast has also been linked to a potential bid.

Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call “the bar is high” for major mergers or acquisitions but suggested that opportunities could increase after the planned spinoff of its cable networks – except Bravo – into a new entity called Versant later this year.

He said: “What we’d be looking for and what we’re going to look like post-Versant spin, I think more things are viable than maybe some of the public commentary that’s out there.”

Warner Bros.’ film division has recently enjoyed a resurgence at the box office.

Its 2025 slate includes Superman directed by James Gunn, A Minecraft Movie, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Sinners, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Brad Pitt’s F1: The Movie and Weapons.

The 2024 line-up featured Dune: Part Two, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

Warner Bros. Television also continues to supply major shows to Netflix, including Running Point, You and Maid, while its other titles – such as Abbott Elementary, Shrinking and The Voice – have been top-rated for other broadcasters.