Blockbuster Netflix deal fuels fears that end credits could roll for cinema

A takeover of Warner Bros may give viewers more choice but only on small screens

- Vanessa Thorpe

The jury is still out as to whether it’s a marriage of love or convenience, as Netflix, the world’s biggest streaming service, plans to buy Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's largest studios, along with its rival streamer HBO in a $82.7bn deal.

Ted Sarandos, chief execuive of Netflix, hopes to expand beyond the wildest dreams of the onetime DVD lending service, launched in 1997.The purchase would see Netflix vacuum up HBO's 128 million subscribers — fans of Succession, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones - to join its 300 million-plus viewing base. Established Warner Bros franchises such as Harry Potter and Friends would join Netflix hits such as Stranger Things and KPop Demon Hunters.