The $82.7 billion deal that will see Netflix acquire Warner Bros. has Snyderverse fans wildly speculating about the franchise's new owners greenlighting a revival, but as someone who couldn't really care less about the inert DCEU timeline, there's only really one WB sci-fi property that I'd love to see Netflix bring back.
While the transition between the Snyderverse and James Gunn's DCU was fairly nebulous for a while, Gunn's universe is now in full flow and is inarguably the only active reality. As far as I'm concerned, bringing back the Snyderverse would be pointless, confusing, and would tread on the toes of Gunn and all the hard work he's put in so far. Despite the possibility of Netflix disagreeing with WB's decision to end the Snyderverse and bringing it back, I think it's incredibly unlikely to happen.
Still, there are other properties that Netflix is set to inherit, and one in particular was tantalizingly close to being finished. Unlike the Snyderverse, the saga I'm talking about could have been completely wrapped up with just one more outing. Inversely, the Snyderverse could have run without end, in theory. My pick for a WB/Netflix revival would be a far more streamlined endeavor.
A Westworld revival at Netflix would conclude the planned five-season arc
Westworld ran for four seasons at HBO (which is owned by Warner Bros.) between 2016 and 2022. Loosely adapting the 1973 sci-fi classic of the same name, the small-screen version deepened the concept and slickened the more cerebral aspects of the story. I still maintain that Westworld season 1 is a 10/10 masterpiece, and although the following seasons didn't maintain that level of quality, the show remained thrilling.
Sadly, despite co-creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy having "always planned for a fifth and final season" (via Deadline), HBO pulled the plug after the show's fourth run of episodes. Although some fans argue that the Westworld season 4 finale does sort of work as an artfully ambiguous stopping point, it's pretty clear that Nolan and Joy were leaving certain storylines unresolved, with a plan to wrap things up with season 5.
Today, despite being one of HBO's flagship shows at one point, Westworld isn't available to stream on HBO Max. It's not totally unreasonable to assume that Netflix will reverse HBO's decision to remove Westworld from streaming. What's less clear is whether or not this would lead to a revival. If it did, then it would only take one more renewal for Westworld to get the ending it so desperately deserves. At the very least, a reduced run or even a one-off feature-length special should get the job done.
Westworld immediately stood out when it premiered for being so unique, meticulously written, and engaging. Even since its cancellation, there hasn't been another sci-fi series quite like it. That's why it's so frustrating that Snyderverse fans are immediately rushing to the conclusion that reviving that particular DC franchise should be a priority. Not only has it been replaced by Gunn's superior timeline, but there are also countless other superhero properties to enjoy. There's no stand-in for Westworld, making it all the more annoying that it never had a satisfying resolution.
Comments from the Westworld cast and crew prove they're desperate to make season 5
Those who brought Westworld to life have understandably been pretty vocal about the show not being allowed on its own terms, and have made several references to the fact that a proper ending is required to pay off all their hard work. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, Evan Rachel Wood (Dolores) admitted that not knowing how Westworld ends "keeps [her] up at night." Elaborating on the subject, she explained: "They weren't writing it as we went along. They had an idea, and we were all just on a bed of nails waiting to see and hear what the conclusion was. What it all meant."
Wood went on to admit that she had asked Nolan and Joy what the ending was intended to be, but that they refused to share those details. This is likely due to the Westworld creators holding onto the slim chance of finishing the story in some way at another time down the line. Also speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, Nolan described himself as a completionist when asked about Westworld being unfinished, even acknowledging the possibility of the true finale taking place in another medium, such as a graphic novel.
Hopefully, Netflix sees the merit in letting Westworld end on the small screen and lets it happen on its worldwide streaming service.