James Cameron is speaking out against the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix. In a letter to Senator Mike Lee of Utah, Cameron warns that such a move could seriously hurt movie theaters and lead to job losses.
Cameron pointed to statements by Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who referred to movie theaters as “outdated.” He believes that Netflix’s business model is incompatible with the traditional film industry that employs many Americans.
Currently, Warner Bros. releases around 15 movies a year in theaters, and Cameron fears that Netflix would reduce this number. “If theaters see less business, the whole industry suffers,” he writes. He emphasizes the threat of theater closures and job losses if major films aren’t made anymore.
During a recent Senate subcommittee hearing, Sarandos promised to maintain a 45-day window for theatrical releases. However, Cameron remains skeptical, stating that Netflix’s core business does not favor theatrical releases in the long term. He raised concerns about accountability, asking, “What will hold them to their commitment?”
Cameron also criticized Netflix’s past theatrical efforts as mostly token gestures, aimed more at gaining awards than supporting theaters. He believes that if Disney acquired Warner Bros. instead, it might lead to more movies and better support for theaters.
Cameron isn’t alone in his concerns. A recent study from the Motion Picture Association revealed that in 2023, theatrical ticket sales were still recovering but had not reached pre-pandemic levels. This indicates that the industry is fragile and needs robust support from major studios.
To sum up, Cameron sees Netflix’s potential acquisition as harmful. He fears it would limit both audience options and opportunities for filmmakers. After all, fewer movies means less creativity and fewer jobs in an industry he loves.
For further insights on the impact of streaming on film distribution, you can check the Motion Picture Association’s Annual Report here.
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James Cameron,Paramount,Warner Bros. Discovery
