Netflix CEO’s Shocking Feud With Disney Revealed

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Summary

  • The Netflix-Marvel TV shows provided a dark, gritty take on classic Marvel characters in contrast to the big-budget MCU blockbusters.
  • Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, revealed there were consistent managerial conflicts with Marvel Television during the 2010s.
  • Netflix prioritized quality storytelling over monetary incentives, leading to tensions with Marvel’s team, who were tight-fisted about budgets.

In the 2010s, the more compact Netflix-Marvel TV collection showcased a distinctive and original creative style compared to the high-budget Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters. Some of these series have stood the test of time, with Disney+ even reviving Daredevil, the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, on their platform. Yet, the co-CEO of Netflix admitted that it wasn’t always an easy journey.

I was deeply invested in the gritty, street-level universe that Netflix and Marvel collaboratively crafted, a world that stood apart from the cosmic spectacles dominating the big screen during Phases 2-3. This darker take on iconic Marvel characters, focused around New York City’s criminal underbelly and turf wars, drew me in like no other.

Sadly, Disney’s foray into streaming was already causing ripples in this partnership when it started. Nevertheless, these shows continued to earn critical acclaim until their unfortunate end, leaving fans mourning the abrupt cancellations or quick ends of many beloved programs.

Currently, Ted Sarandos, who has been co-CEO of Netflix for 25 years, recently spoke with Variety about various topics. One of these subjects involved their past collaborations with Marvel Television. Sarandos acknowledged that there were recurring managerial disagreements between those at Marvel and Netflix. Throughout the 2010s, Netflix was enjoying success with popular series such as BoJack Horseman, Stranger Things, and House of Cards. Most people would agree that during this period, Netflix primarily aimed to establish themselves and diversify their content by focusing on compelling storytelling. In truth, back then, Netflix seldom released a failed production.

Netflix’s Variety sought Ted Sarandos’ thoughts on The Defenders shifting to Disney+ and if he thinks they are managing successful reboots such as Daredevil: Born Again. Sarandos openly discussed Disney’s prospects.

“I think they are. I mean, I don’t know because they don’t release any numbers.”

During the time of The Defenders series on Netflix, Ted Sarandos faced a unique challenge – a Marvel television division that functioned autonomously from Disney. This independent Marvel regime was distinct from Disney’s executive leadership, creating a sense of separation that could be seen either as a strategic way for Sarandos to avoid personalizing the issue or simply an accurate reflection of the significant changes that have taken place within Marvel over time. However, according to Sarandos, he found the Marvel team challenging to work with.

Whenever we aimed to enhance or elevate our shows, it was necessary for us to push them harder. Unfortunately, our motivations didn’t always align perfectly. We strived to create outstanding TV programming, while their primary goal was financial gain.

As the release of “Daredevil: Born Again” approaches, Sarandos finds it important to differentiate Netflix’s creative approach from Marvel’s. He firmly believes that Netflix continues to thrive due to its focus on groundbreaking and well-crafted stories, rather than financial gains: “I believed we could earn money through exceptional television.

Sarandos is still trying to figure out why he thinks Marvel TV was so frugal with their budget back then: ‘Any money they didn’t spend, they kept. So whenever we wanted to enhance our show, it felt like a battle.’” In this scenario, Sarandos portrays Netflix as an adventurous entity and Marvel Television as a cautious and thrifty one.

In recent years, Netflix has shifted its focus. Instead of primarily concentrating on producing signature original content, they’re now more focused on expanding their audience base. This is being achieved through a variety of strategies such as purchasing rights for sports shows like “WWE: Monday Night Raw”, promoting cable series like “Young Sheldon” and “Suits”, and reworking established intellectual properties like “Avatar: The Last Airbender”.

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2025-03-20 20:55