Warner Bros. Discovery to spend more than $1 billion downsizing
A group of former Warner Bros. employees have revealed that the studio’s plan to slash its production slate is “immoral,” and they are now pushing for the studio to be more transparent.
Former talent director and executive David Yates said the studio is planning a downsizing that could take an estimated 25% of its workforce, leaving the studio with a smaller workforce.
As a result, Warner Bros. could cut more than 1,000 jobs, and according to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, they would also be closing the studio’s New York City office, which employs about 400 people.
“This would be a moral outrage. I’m not talking about the Hollywood talent side, I’m talking about the studio side,” Yates told the publication. “It’s almost like they are firing a ton of people and it’s a complete and utter disaster. There’s absolutely nothing good to come out of this for the industry.”
“We have this great company. It’s a great place to work and there is opportunity everywhere, but when you start firing people out of nowhere without giving them a fair shot… It’s not just immoral, it’s dangerous,” Yates added.
On Tuesday night, Warner Bros. said it has canceled the remaining 13 episodes of “The Flash” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” and that “Justice League” will not premiere in 2019. Additionally, the studio revealed that it will not bring back “Escape from New York,” a thriller and a remake of the classic horror film that starred Keanu Reeves. The show, which was filmed in New York City and starred David Koechner, was canceled after a short, seven-episode run.
But before the studio announced it would not bring the show back, a number of stars announced they were no longer attached to the show, including Koechner, who also starred in the original movie.
Warner Bros. and DC have been at odds ever since the network canceled “The CW’s’ Arrow and its spin