James Cameron Sounds Alarm Over Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal, Backs Paramount

Hollywood Reporter

by Winston Cho

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

James Cameron has raised concerns over Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros., warning that it could severely harm movie theaters and the broader entertainment industry. In a letter to Sen. Mike Lee, Cameron argued that allowing Netflix to purchase Warner Bros. would lead to fewer theatrical releases, shorter window periods, or films being sent directly to streaming. He emphasized that this would weaken an essential part of Hollywood’s infrastructure, potentially causing significant job losses in theaters and related industries like visual effects companies. Cameron pointed to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ past comments dismissing movie theaters as “outdated” and “outmoded,” suggesting a clash between Netflix’s business model and the theatrical film industry. Warner Bros., which releases around 15 movies annually in theaters, would likely see this number decrease under Netflix’s ownership, according to Cameron. He also criticized Netflix’s limited theatrical releases, which he described as token efforts aimed at Academy Awards eligibility rather than genuine support for the exhibition business. The director expressed skepticism about Netflix’s commitment to maintaining theatrical releases, noting that such promises lack enforceability once Netflix owns a major studio. Cameron warned that this shift could lead to fewer tentpole films being greenlit, further contracting the market and harming jobs across the industry. He advocated for Paramount as a better alternative, citing their respect for the theatrical window and their alignment with the broader entertainment ecosystem. Cameron’s concerns align with those of lawmakers and the Justice Department, who have also raised antitrust issues regarding Netflix’s dominance in streaming and its potential impact on competition. The deal could also limit consumer access to films and reduce opportunities for filmmakers, as studios might become more risk-averse in choosing projects under Netflix’s leadership. Ultimately, Cameron views the proposed merger as a critical issue not just for Hollywood but for entertainment fans globally. The outcome of this deal will shape the future of movie theaters, job creation in the film industry, and the variety of content available to audiences. His letter highlights the delicate balance between streaming services and traditional theatrical releases, urging caution to preserve the diversity and vibrancy of the entertainment landscape.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/20/2026