Feb 21, 2026 11:13am IST
James Cameron Says Netflix’s Acquisition Of Warner Bros Would Be ‘Disastrous’: ‘Theaters Will Close, Job Losses Will Spiral’
Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for delivering blockbusters like “Titanic,” “The Terminator” and the “Avatar” franchise, among others, has vociferously opposed Netflix's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Calling it a ‘disastrous’ move, the director predicted that this would lead to the shutdown of theaters and several job losses in the showbiz world.
“I believe strongly that the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life’s work to. Of course, my films all play in the downstream video markets as well, but my first love is the cinema," Cameron wrote in his letter to American Senator Mike Lee, as quoted by Variety.
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“Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. The job losses will spiral," Cameron warned.
He continued, “The business model of Netflix is directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans. It is therefore directly at odds with the business model of the Warner Brothers movie division, one of the few remaining major movie studios."
Sharing that decision will change for the worse, he concluded, “The U.S. may no longer lead in auto or steel manufacturing, but it is still the world leader in movies. That will change for the worse."
Mike Lee has responded to Cameron’s letter with a statement, which reads, “We have received outreach from actors, directors, and other interested parties about the proposed Netflix and Warner Bros. merger, and I share many of their concerns. I look forward to holding a follow-up hearing to further address these issues."
In December 2025, it was reported that Netflix had struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to buy the Hollywood giant’s studio and streaming business for a staggering $72 billion.
In addition to its namesake television and motion picture division, the studio also owns DC Studios and HBO Max.
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