As a fervent fan of dystopian fiction, the recent buyout of Warner Bros. by Netflix strikes a deep chord of fear and frustration. The very essence of dystopian narratives is the uneasy reflection of our reality, and already feeling burdened by those parallels, this corporate merger amplifies those anxieties. And even for those who wouldn't see our current reality as a dystopia, the strategies that could seem dystopian to people like me could easily be turned on things they hold dear now that Netflix's actions have set the disturbing precedent. For example, imagine if, since they are a different entity than the FOX broadcast network, FOX News was bought out by one of the many companies its frequent viewing demographic would decry as too "woke" for their tastes and said company cited this as a precedent for why it could do that without creating a monopoly. Beyond this, as a dedicated DC fan, there’s a genuine dread that Netflix’s acquisition might lead to unnecessary retconning of the meticulously crafted new cinematic universe that Warner Bros has begun. The 2025 Superman movie starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan was one of the most highly praised superhero movies in years and it's honestly disconcerting to envision the idea that the pieces James Gunn has already started to put into place for his vision of the DCU could all be undone in a heartbeat just because Zack Snyder's at Netflix.

The worry doesn't end there. The vibrancy and diversity of television under Warner's stewardship are unparalleled, with HBO Max being a beacon for unique stories, such as breakout hit 'The Pitt' whose success is already inspiring a deliberate search for the next great streaming procedural on their part. A shift in ownership brings the risk of these treasures falling prey to what many regard as Netflix’s tendency to prematurely end diverse programming as any frequent signer of petitions on change.org knows too well given the staggering amount of petitions on here to save/renew some Netflix show or other that was beloved by young people. It magnifies the vulnerability of innovative shows that deserve to thrive and continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Moreover, on a personal note, this merger impacts the creative landscape significantly for screenwriters like myself. Warner Bros. has long been a bastion for nurturing creatives and providing platforms for fresh ideas. A reduction in the diversity of networks translates to fewer opportunities to pitch groundbreaking narratives, inevitably stifling creative expression and innovation. And this is even if HBO Max is not sunsetted purely because the company that created it was bought by one that just happened to be another streaming service. As if both remain existent but are now controlled by the same overarching entity there's the fear that they still could become the same thing in all but name and a project likely not to pass one's standards will not have any luck at the other either

There's a strong community of fans, historians, creatives, and viewers alike who recognize and cherish the legacy of Warner Bros. This petition seeks to address and reverse the recent buyout by Netflix, thus preserving the distinct identity and creative spirit of Warner Bros. It's imperative to retain separate identities in entertainment to ensure varied, rich content continues to be part of our cultural tapestry. Join us in urging decision-makers to recognize the value of Warner Bros maintaining its independence. Sign this petition to protect the future and richness of our shared entertainment landscape.