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 concerning the deal in a lately 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 In opposition to 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 stuffed 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 CNBC, famous that seeing films in theaters is a key a part of American tradition and “being one in all our largest exports, in purely financial phrases.” He strongly believed that letting Netflix have its manner 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 lots of of 1000’s of People.” 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 annually. If the merger went by, it could “limit the alternatives of film-makers in search of studios to put money into their initiatives, which can in flip scale back jobs.”
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Moreover, Cameron argued that the merger would “take away shopper alternative by lowering the variety of characteristic movement footage which might be made.” He famous that the US continues to be the world chief in films, but when Netflix took over Hollywood by 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 could result in losses in theatrical releases. He referred to as out the platform’s written testimony, during 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, stating 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 flicks might turn out to be a sinking ship” if Netflix took over WBD. He harassed that the acquisition should not be handled as a future drawback as a result of “as soon as they personal a serious 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 lined the story, reporting that the group had framed the takeover as a possibility to develop its inventive universe.
In keeping 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 intensive 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 nice tales. His associate, Greg Peters, agreed, noting that the acquisition would assist enhance their provide to customers and speed up their enterprise’s development.
Matt Damon Known 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 have been altering conventional storytelling. He addressed the difficulty whereas selling his new film, “The Rip,” with Ben Affleck.
In keeping with Damon, the platform’s film construction, particularly for motion movies, didn’t observe the everyday move. As a substitute, 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 have been largely 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.
