Neil Druckmann Pokes Fun at Streaming Shake-Up During Game Awards

Neil Druckmann, the creative mind behind The Last of Us, couldn’t resist a playful jab at the current state of the streaming world during his acceptance speech at the 2025 Game Awards. As he collected the trophy for best game adaptation for the HBO series, Druckmann addressed the crowd with a wry smile, acknowledging the confusion swirling around the industry.

“Do we need to thank Netflix or Paramount, or whoever our streaming overlord is now?”

he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The remark came hot on the heels of news that Netflix is set to purchase Warner Bros., a move that has sent ripples through the entertainment sector. Earlier this year, Warner Bros. announced it was up for grabs, attracting interest from several major players, including Paramount Pictures. However, Netflix ultimately clinched the deal, agreeing to acquire the media giant for a reported $82.7 billion. Paramount’s subsequent, higher offer was turned down, leaving Netflix in pole position.

Industry Uncertainty and The Last of Us

This acquisition has left many in the business pondering what lies ahead, particularly for projects like The Last of Us. The acclaimed television adaptation, with Druckmann at the helm as writer, director, and executive producer, is produced by HBO—a network owned by Warner Bros. With the sale, the fate of HBO and its extensive catalogue, which includes everything from DC Studios to Harry Potter and Looney Tunes, now rests in Netflix’s hands.

While Druckmann managed to find humour in the situation, others in the film community are less amused. There’s a growing sense of unease about what the deal could mean for the future of cinema, especially regarding the traditional theatrical experience. The prospect of a streaming giant controlling such a vast array of content has sparked debate about whether audiences will still have the chance to see major releases on the big screen.

Netflix’s Stance on Theatrical Releases

Amidst the speculation, Netflix’s chief executive Ted Sarandos sought to reassure the industry. Speaking at a recent event, he stated,

“We didn’t buy this company to destroy that value,”

referring to the importance of theatrical releases. He went on to explain,

“The reason we’ve never talked about the theatrical business is because we’ve never been in that business. When this deal closes, we are in that business, and we’re going to do it.”

Despite these assurances, questions remain about how Netflix will handle the various networks and properties under the Warner Bros. umbrella, including HBO and CNN. The industry is watching closely to see how the streaming landscape will evolve once the acquisition is finalised.

What’s Next for Viewers?

For now, audiences are left to wonder how their favourite series and films might be affected. As the dust settles, there’s plenty of speculation about what the future holds for both streaming and cinema. In the meantime, those keen to keep up with the latest releases can look forward to a packed slate of upcoming films for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.