After a months-long battle between Netflix, Paramount and other media giants, Drew University has decided to cast their hat into the ring in an effort to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite having seemingly reached a deal with Paramount Skydance on Feb. 27, 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery is apparently giving Drew the chance to buy one of the most legendary studios that ever was.
An announcement from university President Hilary Link was made on Wednesday, April 1, informing Drew students and the world that the university had cast a bid for the studio giant. Offering a whopping 500 billion dollar deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and proposing 100 dollars per share, Drew has entered the fight for one of media’s most influential studios.
Explaining the university’s interest in the acquisition, Link claimed that a Drew-led Warner Bros. Discovery would allow the university to broaden their mission. Hoping to make use of the company’s resources and potential to produce Oscar-winning blockbusters, Drew wants to ensure that they can reach prospective students all across the nation and world.
Though many in the industry and beyond have expressed concern over a possible Drew acquisition, the university has stated that they do not intend to impede on current studio operations and productions. In fact, Link was adamant in her announcement that Drew would actually extend theatrical exhibitions and releases for films produced by the studio, while creating more jobs for Drew students and alumni looking to make a start in the entertainment industry.
“We as a university want to ensure that our students have easy access and ample opportunities to follow their passions in storytelling,” Link stated in the announcement. “If that means generating new titles and positions that may not traditionally be accepted in the entertainment world, then so be it.”
Opinions across campus are mixed as students are both excited and worried about Drew’s newfound stake in entertainment and media. Many media and communications and film students, especially, are thrilled that they might have a chance to be hired at such a renowned studio following graduation should the takeover pan out. Plus, many are hopeful that the university will film even more productions on campus. Others are less enthused at the prospect of Drew venturing into the field of entertainment while their own areas of study are pushed to the side.
“While I do think this acquisition is beneficial for the corporations, this is just evident that cinema is slowly dying to money,” said Griffin Harris (C’24). “Where’s the love of art?”
Either way, Warner Bros. Discovery has yet to make a decision, but reports are saying that their board of directors have been meeting with university officials to discuss the deal. The Acron will continue to follow this ordeal as new developments are made.
Laura Palmer is a senior majoring in log studies and minoring in coffee brewing.
