NEW YORK — Director Ryan Coogler described further studio consolidation as “not ideal” when asked about the possibility of Warner Bros. being sold to Netflix, raising concerns about the long-term impact on jobs and creative opportunity in Hollywood.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Coogler said his primary concern centers on employment across the industry, from union crews to independent filmmakers whose projects rely on multiple buyers competing in the marketplace.
“What I’m going to always be advocating for is jobs,” Coogler said, noting that fewer major studios could mean fewer opportunities for workers across departments.
The remarks come during a moment of heightened visibility for Coogler. His latest film, Sinners, leads this year’s Academy Award nominations, earning recognition across major and technical categories. The film’s success has placed Coogler at the forefront of both creative and industry conversations as Hollywood continues to navigate structural and economic shifts.
The possibility of a Warner Bros.-Netflix deal would mark another significant step in the ongoing consolidation of media companies, a trend that has accelerated over the past decade as streaming platforms expand their influence. Industry analysts have long debated whether consolidation strengthens global distribution models or limits competition in greenlighting original projects.
Coogler did not directly criticize any specific company but emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for filmmakers and crews.
His comments reflect broader discussions within Hollywood about balancing corporate growth with creative sustainability — particularly at a time when theatrical distribution, streaming economics and awards recognition increasingly intersect.
The Academy Awards are scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
— REAVES // @wildreaves