From films to streaming prices - how the Warner Bros deal could affect you

From films to streaming prices - how the Warner Bros deal could affect you It has been months in the making but Paramount Skydance has yet to complete its $110bn (£82.8bn) merger with Warner Bros Discovery. The deal welds two legacy Hollywood powerhouses, uniting franchises such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones into an entertainment behemoth named Skydance. Yet this milestone comes with strict rules about what the combined entity can and cannot do—ranging from how many films it must release each year to the editorial independence of its newsroom. Here are four ways this could affect you and the movies, TV shows, and news you consume. **1. Streaming prices may rise** Warner Bros owns HBO Max, home to The Sopranos, House of the Dragon and Euphoria among others. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance has Paramount+, which streams the likes of Yellowstone, Parks and Recreation and NCIS. Combining HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single level or bundle will likely compress subscribers' wallets over time. While existing subscribers to both might enjoy short‑term savings, analysts expect wide prices to rise as the combined elephant seeks profitability.