Tom Cruise Was Reportedly ‘Furious’ With Netflix’s Bid For Warner Bros.

Tom Cruise has seemingly saved Hollywood again following his involvement in thwarting Netflix’s takeover of Warner Bros.

Reports suggest the actor feared the deal would mean the end of the movie industry, as films would now be mostly streamed rather than released to cinemas, and allegedly took steps behind the scenes to fight it.

Tom Cruise has made strong moves in the past to protect the film industry, as he prevented the COVID-19 pandemic from shutting down production by coming up with ways to film while keeping cast and crew safe.

Tom Cruise is seemingly being credited as one of the forces saving Hollywood after streaming giant Netflix pulled out this week from acquiring Warner Bros., following a bitter two-month battle.

Reports suggest the “Top Gun: Maverick” star was furious at the takeover, which would have effectively seen one of Hollywood’s leading studios in the hands of the streaming giant, and put his foot down against it.

According to the Daily Mail, sources say he made his feelings “very, very clear” to those at the top of Warner Bros. Discovery over the deal, as he feared it would mean the end of Hollywood because films would now be streamed rather than released in cinemas.

“Tom was really cross, furious in fact, at the idea that a streamer would take over such a prestigious filmmaking company,” a source said. “He was very outspoken about it – there was even a suggestion that he might go on strike if it was to happen.”

Regarding Cruise’s disdain for the straight-to-streaming model, an insider noted that he stepped in to save the industry again after the pandemic, by using his “clout” and influence to shape decisions related to Hollywood.

“Tom has the clout, and he knows it; he likes to use his power for good and change, and now it looks like he has saved the movie industry once again from falling victim to streaming giants,” the source noted.

They added, “He disagrees with it and very much believes in funding the industry properly so it’s fair for everyone. With Paramount, they are committed to filmmaking – Tom has saved the day again.”

Netflix’s takeover bid may have hit home for the actor as he only moved to Warner Bros in January 2024, after spending more than three decades at rivals Paramount, where he put out hits like “Top Gun” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

With the Netflix deal off the table, the path is clear for Paramount to buy Warner Bros. in a deal believed to be worth around $110.5billion.

Although Paramount has its own streaming service, Cruise has no objection as he believes the studio is still committed to the big screen.

Cruise has been a crusader of some sort for Hollywood as he single-handedly revived the global box office post-COVID.

At the time, productions were mostly down due to the pandemic, but the 63-year-old came up with new ways to film while keeping cast and crew safe.

According to the Daily Mail, a leaked video saw him barking orders to workers on the set of “Mission: Impossible 7,” telling them that anyone who flouts the strict guidelines would be fired.

“They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us,” he was heard saying. “We are not shutting this… movie down. Is it understood? If I see it again, you’re… gone.”

He also refused to let “Top Gun: Maverick,” which was already in the bag, go direct to streaming, choosing to instead wait for a cinema release.

The film eventually went on to make a whopping $1.5 billion at the box office following its release in 2022.

Despite Cruise’s deal with Warner Bros., he still has to work with Paramount under contract for upcoming projects, including another “Top Gun” movie and a “Days of Thunder” sequel.

After Netflix’s shock bid, Paramount made a rival proposal that Warner Bros. initially turned down. However, the studio has since upped the offer after a hostile takeover that went straight to shareholders.

“Once our board votes to adopt the Paramount merger agreement, it will create tremendous value for our shareholders,” Warner Bros chief executive David Zaslav said.

“We are excited about the potential of a combined Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery and can’t wait to get started working together telling the stories that move the world,” he added.

According to the news outlet, sources sum up the situation for Cruise, noting “it has all worked out well” for the actor.