Warner Bros sold to Netflix.

[hardcorestitch]

What could this mean for the theme park rights of Universal and franchises like Harry Potter? Time will tell…

 

[Nayan]

They are only buying the steaming/studio business. The parks are separate and not included.

 

[hardcorestitch]

They are only buying the steaming/studio business. The parks are separate and not included.

Good to know!

 

[reddog21]

They are only buying the steaming/studio business. The parks are separate and not included.

This is not true,
Themed attraction licensing is partly owned by Warner Brothers along with J.K. Rowling, and Universal Destinations & Experiences and would transfer to Netflix as nothing more than the “licensor of record,” similar to how Disney’s purchase of Marvel worked.

Netflix now steps into Warner Bros.’ role as the studio-side licensor, but Universal’s Harry Potter operating agreement remains fully intact and legally protected. Nothing changes operationally. Anything announced must be fulfilled, the only thing that may change is
future development. I don't see any reason why Netflix wouldn't want to keep it rolling.

Keep in mind that J.K. Rowling still owns all the Harry Potter intellectual property and retains all creative decisions regarding the series/moves/theme park content. Netflix couldn’t do anything with Harry Potter even if they wanted to.


The only things Discovery/WB are keeping are cable TV networks, news operations, live sports, and international TV networks. Everything else is being sold as of current reports.

Nothing is set in stone since regulatory approval is still required.

 

[hardcorestitch]

This is not true,
Themed attraction licensing is partly owned by Warner Brothers along with J.K. Rowling, and Universal Destinations & Experiences and would transfer to Netflix as nothing more than the “licensor of record,” similar to how Disney’s purchase of Marvel worked.

Netflix now steps into Warner Bros.’ role as the studio-side licensor, but Universal’s Harry Potter operating agreement remains fully intact and legally protected. Nothing changes operationally. Anything announced must be fulfilled, the only thing that may change is
future development. I don't see any reason why Netflix wouldn't want to keep it rolling.

Keep in mind that J.K. Rowling still owns all the Harry Potter intellectual property and retains all creative decisions regarding the series/moves/theme park content. Netflix couldn’t do anything with Harry Potter even if they wanted to.


The only things Discovery/WB are keeping are cable TV networks, news operations, live sports, and international TV networks. Everything else is being sold as of current reports.

Nothing is set in stone since regulatory approval is still required.

I sure hope CantToon NotWork (ahem) Cartoon Network gets tidyed up by Netflix… that place is a mess.

 

[zavandor]

Moreover, Universal and Netflix have already worked togeher for HHN, they must have a good relationship, I don't see any problem for the future.

 

[reddog21]

It’s interesting that a report revealed Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery have had exploratory talks about potentially licensing DC characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman for use in Universal theme parks. If they decided to get rid of Super Hero Island, it could end the Disney contract and allow Disney to bring Marvel to Orlando.

 

[hardcorestitch]

It’s interesting that a report revealed Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery have had exploratory talks about potentially licensing DC characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman for use in Universal theme parks. If they decided to get rid of Super Hero Island, it could end the Disney contract and allow Disney to bring Marvel to Orlando.

Note that Six Flags still has DC characters… they might have to get rid of DC/WB cartoons…

 

[reddog21]

Note that Six Flags still has DC characters… they might have to get rid of DC/WB cartoons…

From what I gather from the article and just speculating, it doesn’t seem like Six Flags has an exclusive contract, so WB is free to license elsewhere if it wants. The contract might also be specific to the regions where the parks are located, but either way, it won’t affect the current Six Flags licensing of the DC Universe. At least that's how I interpreted it.

Nothing has been officially announced, just some theme park commentary, so it might be complete nonsense—but still interesting to think about.