A key determine in Hollywood is towards Netflix‘s billion-dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD).
James Cameron, one of many highest-grossing movie administrators of all time, penned his grievances in regards to the deal in a not too long ago unveiled letter to Utah Senator Mike Lee.
The creator of the “Avatar” franchise argued that permitting Netflix to take over Warner Bros. Discovery’s movie studio and streaming belongings would negatively affect Hollywood and the period of theatrical releases.
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James Cameron Stands Towards Netflix’s Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery
In a newly launched letter dated February 10, 2026, Cameron urged Sen. Lee to hitch him in opposing Netflix’s acquisition of WBD. The famend director penned a prolonged letter crammed along with his arguments towards the acquisition of the movie studio and its streaming belongings.
Cameron started by noting his “44-year directing profession has been targeted on making films for theatrical exhibition.” On that observe, he argued “that the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix will likely be disastrous for the theatrical movement image enterprise that I’ve devoted my life’s work to.”
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Cameron, per the letter obtained by CNBCfamous that seeing films in theaters is a key a part of American tradition and “being considered one of our greatest exports, in purely financial phrases.” He strongly believed that letting Netflix have its method wouldn’t solely destroy a decade-long custom but additionally result in important losses.
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The ‘Titanic’ Director Says The Merger Will Change The Film Business For The Worse
Cameron harassed that Netflix’s enterprise mannequin was “at odds with the theatrical movie manufacturing and exhibition enterprise, which employs tons of of 1000’s of Individuals.” He believed many would lose their jobs if the streaming platform acquired WBD.
The director defined that WBD was one of many few remaining main film studios, releasing about 15 theatrical movies every year. If the merger went by way of, it will “prohibit the alternatives of film-makers in search of studios to spend money on their tasks, which is able to in flip scale back jobs.”
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Moreover, Cameron argued that the merger would “take away client selection by decreasing the variety of characteristic movement photos which might be made.” He famous that the US continues to be the world chief in films, but when Netflix took over Hollywood by way of the acquisition of WBD, that standing would “change for the more severe.”
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The Oscar Winner Questioned The Platform’s Guarantees
Cameron reiterated that Netflix shouldn’t be allowed to amass WBD as a result of it will result in losses in theatrical releases. He known as out the platform’s written testimony, by which showrunners vowed to maintain Warner Bros. movies in theaters for a 45-day window.
Cameron questioned whether or not these guarantees would maintain after the acquisition, mentioning that Netflix’s “pledge to help theatrical releases (a enterprise essentially at odds with their core enterprise mannequin) is more likely to evaporate in a couple of years.”
On that observe, Cameron claimed “the theatrical expertise of films might develop into a sinking ship” if Netflix took over WBD. He harassed that the acquisition should not be handled as a future downside as a result of “as soon as they personal a significant film studio, that’s irrevocable.”
Netflix Introduced Its Acquisition Of WBD In December 2025
Information of Netflix’s transfer to take over Hollywood first arrived in December 2025, with the streaming big dropping the bombshell replace on X. The Blast coated the story, reporting that the group had framed the takeover as a possibility to develop its artistic universe.
In accordance with the streaming platform, its merger with WBD would enable it to supply extra worth for viewers “by uniting Netflix’s member expertise and international attain with Warner Bros.’ famend franchises and in depth library.” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos echoed comparable sentiments in a press release.
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Sarandos claimed the acquisition would assist Netflix speed up its longtime mission of entertaining the world and connecting individuals by way of nice tales. His accomplice, Greg Peters, agreed, noting that the acquisition would assist enhance their provide to shoppers and speed up their enterprise’s progress.
Matt Damon Referred to as Out Netflix’s Film Insurance policies
A month after the acquisition information broke, The Blast reported that Matt Damon had make clear how Netflix’s film insurance policies had been altering conventional storytelling. He addressed the difficulty whereas selling his new film, “The Rip,” with Ben Affleck.
In accordance with Damon, the platform’s film construction, particularly for motion movies, didn’t comply with the standard stream. As an alternative, Netflix prioritized viewers’ engagement by that includes explosive scenes within the first 5 minutes and repeatedly reiterating the plot in dialogue.
Damon famous that Netflix most well-liked this route as a result of its viewers had been principally watching the film whereas multitasking and will simply be distracted. His feedback implied that the streaming platform most well-liked simplicity and a quick tempo over the standard drawn-out plots.