Michael O'Leary

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United and chief exhibition industry lobbyist, talks about a new filmmakers council featuring names like Jerry Bruckheimer and Ryan Coogler. He discusses the upbeat start to the 2026 box office. They cover how top creators can push for theatrical windows, theater improvements, and the role of streaming strategies in protecting moviegoing.

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, discusses the potential impact of Netflix acquiring Warner Bros. and its implications for movie exhibitors. He outlines fears regarding reduced theatrical releases stemming from consolidation, sharing cautionary tales from the Disney-Fox deal. O'Leary highlights the importance of marketing mid-tier films and emphasizes rising engagement from Gen Z audiences. He also details substantial reinvestments in U.S. theaters and their critical role in local communities, advocating for a balance between premium formats and broad access.

In this discussion, Michael O'Leary, the Chief Executive of Cinema United, shares his insights on the Netflix-Warner deal, calling it an unprecedented threat to movie theaters. He highlights concerns about reduced theatrical titles and the potential for consumers to shift away from cinemas. Alongside, the team examines the current economic data and its implications for the Fed's decisions ahead. Discussions also touch on regulatory challenges, with insights from former DOJ Antitrust Chief Jonathan Kanter, who outlines potential hurdles this transaction may face.