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James Cameron Warns Netflix-Warner Merger Would Be "Disastrous"

Filmmaker James Cameron has written a letter to Senator Mike Lee, arguing that Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. would be "disastrous" for the theatrical film business. He cautions that the deal would lead to theater closures, fewer large-scale films, and spiraling job losses due to a fundamental conflict between streaming and traditional theatrical models. Cameron also warns that Hollywood's position as the world leader in movie exports would be severely damaged. Senator Lee has acknowledged the concerns and plans a follow-up hearing on the proposed merger.

Key Points: James Cameron: Netflix-Warner Deal "Disastrous" for Movies

  • Warns of massive job losses
  • Predicts widespread theater closures
  • Threat to big-budget film production
  • Conflict between streaming and theatrical models
  • Risk to U.S. film export leadership
2 min read

James Cameron says Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. would be "disastrous" in letter to lawmaker

James Cameron warns a Netflix-Warner Bros. merger would cause massive job losses, close theaters, and hurt Hollywood's global film exports.

"I believe strongly that the proposed sale... will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business - James Cameron"

Washington DC, February 20

Filmmaker James Cameron has written a letter arguing that if Netflix is successful in its bid for Warner Bros.' studio and streaming businesses, it could cause huge job loss, change the theatrical landscape and hurt the film export business, according to Variety.

The 'Avatar' filmmaker sent his letter last week to Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate subcommittee on antitrust, and the letter was then recently obtained by CNBC.

"I believe strongly that the proposed sale of Warner Brothers Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life's work to," Cameron wrote in the letter. "Of course, my films all play in the downstream video markets as well, but my first love is the cinema," as quoted by Variety.

The filmmaker, best known for directing the blockbuster 'Avatar' franchise, cautioned that a contraction in big-budget film production would have sweeping consequences. He predicted that if the number of large-scale films declines, "Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. The job losses will spiral."

Cameron argued that Netflix's streaming-first business model conflicts with the traditional theatrical system. "The business model of Netflix is directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans," he wrote. "It is therefore directly at odds with the business model of the Warner Brothers movie division, one of the few remaining major movie studios," according to Variety.

Responding to the concerns, Senator Lee said in a statement, "We have received outreach from actors, directors, and other interested parties about the proposed Netflix and Warner Brothers merger, and I share many of their concerns. I look forward to holding a follow-up hearing to further address these issues."

Cameron also contends that exports of Hollywood films would suffer in a Netflix-Warners merger. "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," according to Variety.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who grew up going to single-screen theatres in Chennai, this hits home. The big screen experience is magical. If Netflix swallows Warner Bros., will we only get content made for small screens? That's a sad thought. 🎬
R
Rohit P
Interesting to see a top director speak up. In India, we've seen the clash between streaming giants and theatrical releases too. But one company controlling too much is never good for creativity or for us, the audience. More competition is better.
S
Sarah B
While I respect Cameron's passion, isn't this just resistance to change? The world is moving digital. Maybe the model needs to evolve. Theatres won't die, they'll adapt. Look at how PVR and INOX in India offer premium experiences.
V
Vikram M
His point about film exports is crucial. Hollywood movies are a major soft power export. If Netflix's algorithm-driven content takes over, will we lose those grand, universal stories that travel across borders? We need both models to coexist.
K
Karthik V
Monopoly is bad, full stop. Whether it's in tech or entertainment. If Netflix gets Warner Bros., their power becomes immense. They can dictate terms to everyone. As an Indian consumer, I want choices, not one giant controlling everything I watch.

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