Cinemark CEO Is “a Bit Apprehensive” to Buy Into Netflix’s 45-Day Theatrical Window Commitment

Sean Gamble is not as much of a risk-taker as his surname suggests. Before Netflix sits down at the big boy table as owners of Warner Bros., the Cinemark CEO would like to see a little “more action,” he says.

On a Wednesday conference call timed to Cinemark’s fourth quarter 2025 earnings, Gamble faced a few questions about Netflix’s stated theatrical plans should the streamer’s $83 billion acquisition of WB, including its legendary film studio, go through. Gamble and the rest of the industry have good reason to be skeptical about Ted Sarandos’ dedication to the theatrical exhibition industry considering how Netflix — and streaming in general — has upended the business.

Gamble said that “for a long while” he’s been “optimistic” that Netflix would eventually see the light — in this case the value of theatrical beyond even box office — like fellow techies Amazon and Apple have. To shirk theatrical…