As we edge closer to 2026, the technology and media landscapes are bracing for seismic shifts. In a recent discussion on the Prima o Poi podcast, the hosts dissected two of the most compelling narratives shaping the near future: Netflix’s potential evolution into a traditional Hollywood power player and the highly anticipated IPO of SpaceX. These developments suggest that the line between "Big Tech" and "Big Media" isn't just blurring—it's disappearing entirely.
The most intriguing speculation revolves around Netflix. For years, the streaming giant has been content with disrupting Hollywood from the outside. However, recent moves suggest a change in strategy. There is growing chatter about Netflix potentially acquiring a legacy studio, with names like Warner Bros. being tossed around in industry circles. While such a merger would be complex, the intent is clear: Netflix wants to own the "live" conversation. The ambition to integrate news or live formats—similar to a CNN-style model—indicates that Netflix is no longer satisfied with just being a library of on-demand content. They aim to be the default operating system for our television screens, much like Spotify has become for audio.
Meanwhile, the aerospace sector is watching Elon Musk’s SpaceX with bated breath. The conversation has shifted from if to when the company will launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO). With valuations soaring past the $150 billion mark, a SpaceX IPO would not only be a historic financial event but also a validation of the commercial space industry. The driving force behind these numbers isn't just rockets, but Starlink. The satellite internet constellation is proving to be a massive revenue generator, providing the financial backbone for Musk’s interplanetary ambitions.
Looking ahead to 2026, the challenge for these giants will be scale and regulation. For Netflix, the hurdle is maintaining growth in a saturated market by becoming more than just a streamer. For SpaceX, going public means facing the scrutiny of quarterly earnings while trying to colonize Mars. What ties these stories together is the sheer magnitude of their ambition; we are moving past the era of startups disrupting industries and entering an age where tech companies become the industry itself.
