AT&T’s WarnerMedia is in the last phases of talks with JJ Abram’s Bad Robot Pictures production company in a content deal that could be worth USD 500 million, Hollywood Reporter reported, citing sources. The contract, for a still undisclosed period of time, would see the production company make content for WarnerMedia and supervise other producers across film, TV and digital platforms. Sources say the process of moving Bad Robot’s feature film deal from Viacom-owned Paramount Pictures has already begun. Both WarnerMedia and Bad Robot declined to comment.
Some aspects of the deal are still uncertain, such as whether Abrams would still be allowed to direct films for competitors, which was a clause in his previous contract. What has been ironed out is the fact that AT&T and WarnerMedia will get a first look at anything Bad Robot produces, according to The New York Times. The deal covers “movies, television shows, video games, consumer products, music and digital content for a WarnerMedia streaming service set to arrive early next year,” the report said. Abrams’ Bad Robot is currently working on the third season of WarnerMedia unit HBO’s Westworld, the Verge reported.
WarnerMedia is expected to launch its subscription streaming service this fall, and “keeping Abrams in the fold was considered a high priority for the independent studio,” according to the Reporter. The service is expected to cost USD 16-17 per month, including a subscription to HBO Now, which costs USD 15 per month.
