Ted Sarandos, the head of Netflix, recently found himself in an interesting conversation with filmmaker James Cameron. This all started when Cameron expressed concerns about Netflix’s plan to purchase major parts of Warner Bros. for $83 billion. He believes this move could hurt theatrical movies and lead to job losses.
In response, Sarandos wrote a letter to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), emphasizing his commitment to ensuring Warner Bros. films have a significant presence in theaters. Despite the backlash, Sarandos insists that Netflix remains devoted to the theatrical experience.
Their meeting in December 2025 revealed more about Netflix’s intentions. Sarandos noted that Cameron, who had expressed enthusiasm about Netflix’s strategies, was more keen to discuss his new at-home movie viewing technology he’s developing with Meta than to talk about exclusive movie release windows.
Interestingly, while Sarandos argues for a 17-day exhibition window, Cameron’s focus seems to have shifted, evident in the letter to Senator Lee where he failed to mention their discussions.
As the situation develops, Sarandos is set to answer follow-up questions from the Senate Judiciary subcommittee regarding antitrust inquiries.
The implications of this acquisition go beyond just individual projects; they reflect a notable shift in the entertainment landscape. According to a recent survey by Statista, a significant portion of audience members now prefers streaming services over traditional theaters. This indicates that industry leaders like Netflix are reshaping how films reach viewers.
As this drama unfolds, the conversation surrounding the future of theater versus streaming continues to gain traction. There’s no clear-cut answer, but it’s clear that the balance of power is changing, making this an exciting time to watch Hollywood.
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