James Cameron warns Netflix-Warner Bros. deal would be disastrous

James Cameron warns of "disastrous" Netflix deal

Director James Cameron has written to a U.S. senator warning that a potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. would be "disastrous." In a letter obtained by CNBC, the "Avatar" filmmaker argued the deal would cause major job losses and damage the film industry.

Cameron sent the letter last week to Senator Mike Lee, the chair of the Senate subcommittee on antitrust. He contends that Netflix gaining control of Warner Bros.' studio and streaming assets would fundamentally reshape Hollywood.

The potential impact on jobs and theaters

Cameron's letter outlines several specific risks. He warns that consolidation would lead to significant job cuts across the industry. He also argues it would alter the theatrical landscape, potentially reducing the number and variety of films in cinemas.

The director further claims the deal would hurt America's film export business. His intervention adds a high-profile voice to growing regulatory scrutiny over major media mergers.

Key concerns in Cameron's letter

Cameron focused on the broader consequences of one streamer controlling a massive library and production pipeline. His letter highlights three primary threats:

• Massive industry job losses from consolidation.
• A negative shift in the theatrical movie business.
• Damage to the U.S. film industry's competitive position globally.

The letter frames the issue as a matter of cultural and economic policy, not just corporate strategy. Cameron is urging lawmakers to consider the deal's wider implications.

Regulatory scrutiny intensifies

The letter was sent to Senator Lee, a key figure in antitrust oversight. This suggests a direct effort to influence the regulatory review process before any formal deal is announced.

Netflix has been speculated as a potential buyer for Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Such a merger would create a streaming and entertainment giant of unprecedented scale, combining Netflix's platform with Warner's iconic franchises and studios.

Cameron's warning underscores the high stakes for creatives and workers. It signals that major Hollywood figures are prepared to lobby against further consolidation they see as harmful.