According to Bloomberg and KTLA 5, more Universal attractions could soon be based on DC heroes, such as Batman, Superman and other DC Comic characters.
Warner Bros. and Universal
Currently, Warner Bros. licenses the DC intellectual properties to Six Flags Entertainment Corp. with rides such as Batman: The Ride, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, and more.
No contractual obligations have been drawn up and talks are in very early stages, but this would allow Universal to replace or re-theme its current Marvel attractions. If Universal replaces Marvel Super Hero Island and has no “Marvel Universe” within the park, their contract with the now Disney-owned property would be terminated. They would no longer have the theme park rights to any Marvel property.
Netflix Acquiring Warner Bros.
Just yesterday, Netflix announced that they will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. This means Comcast’s proposal to create a new, standalone company by combining NBCUniversal, HBO, and the studios, bringing several new properties under Universal’s umbrella that could be sourced for its theme parks has fallen through.
Warner Bros. Discovery went on sale on November 20, leading to a frenzy of bidding that Netflix ultimately won.
The transaction is valued at $27.75 per Warner Bros. Discovery share for a total equity value of $72 billion and an enterprise value of $82.7 billion.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
Other Warner Bros. properties now owned by Netflix include The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz, and the DC Universe.
The transaction is expected to close in 12 to 18 months, after Discovery Global separates into a new publicly-traded company in Q3 2026. Discovery Global will include CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.