Credit: NetflixThe biggest entertainment story of the day was Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Studio, which includes some of the most prominent names in entertainment, such as HBO and Turner Classic Movies. With this purchase, Netflix now owns The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network, and Friends, in addition to the properties it already owns.
The entertainment possibilities are endless for Netflix. While this could mean the end of HBO/Max as it merges with Netflix, it also means expanded possibilities that Netflix may not have considered when it made this acquisition, including forays into theme parks.
Netflix already owns a new, permanent themed entertainment center in Chicago, with another one on the way in Dallas, and a Las Vegas location set to open in 2027. These entertainment centers aren’t theme parks in the traditional sense, as they offer immersive experiences and dining rather than rides based on Netflix’s IP.
However, with the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the associated theme park properties, this could be Netflix’s opportunity to challenge Disney and Universal for theme park supremacy. There is one sticky wicket in this plan: Universal already has the rights to Harry Potter, and Six Flags has a contract with DC.
While all that is true, Universal and Six Flags don’t own DC and Harry Potter. They have contracts that allow them to use those properties at their parks. However, contracts don’t last forever.
DC just renewed its contract with Six Flags, but that only runs through the end of 2030. When it ends, Six Flags, which is having its own financial difficulties, will have to renegotiate with Netflix.
As for Harry Potter, its contract with Universal runs through 2029. However, there are two issues that Netflix will have to overcome with Harry Potter. The first is J.K. Rowling, who has a say in where and how any Harry Potter theme park experience is built. The second provision is a clause in the contract that grants Universal the right to renew the contract based on demand.
So, while getting DC for a theme park would pose some issues, it’s not impossible. While the same can’t be said for Harry Potter. However, with its new acquisitions and what it already owns, Netflix has more than enough to build its own Universal/Disney-style theme park.
While today’s announced merger has created one of the largest entertainment companies on Earth, it could also have created a theme park juggernaut with the IP and financial resources to compete with Disney and Universal.
What do you think of the possibilities of Netflix opening its own theme park with its newly purchased IPs? Let us know in the comments.