Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, sharply rebutted James Cameron’s criticism regarding the streaming giant’s $83 billion bid to acquire a significant portion of Warner Bros. Discovery. Sarandos addressed the controversy in a letter to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), defending the company’s commitment to preserving Warner Bros.’ theatrical releases and disputing Cameron’s warnings about negative impacts on the film industry.
Strong Defense Against Claims of Harm to Theatrical Films
Sarandos expressed deep respect for Cameron as an Oscar-winning filmmaker but insisted the director misrepresented Netflix’s intentions. While Cameron had described the deal as potentially
disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business
and predicted substantial job losses, Sarandos argued that his company remains dedicated to robust theatrical engagements for Warner Bros. projects.
Speaking directly to Senator Lee, a vocal MAGA supporter, Sarandos emphasized Netflix’s intent to uphold cinema showings amidst competing takeover attempts by David Ellison and Paramount, as well as ongoing legal challenges. He highlighted his December 2025 meeting with Cameron to illustrate his consistent message:
I also said the same thing to Mr. Cameron when we met on December 20, 2025, shortly after we announced our agreement to acquire Warner Bros.
Inside the Sarandos-Cameron Discussion on Streaming Strategy
During that December meeting, Sarandos detailed Netflix’s approach, which includes a commitment to a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films. According to Sarandos, Cameron was supportive at the time, showing more enthusiasm for his own project involving movie-viewing glasses developed with Meta, rather than the length of movie theater exclusivity.
In his words:
During that meeting we talked about Netflix’s plans for Warner Bros., including our 45-day commitment. Mr. Cameron was very supportive. If anything, he was more excited to talk about the at-home movie viewing glasses he is developing with Meta than exclusive windows for theatrical movies.
However, Cameron’s later letter to Senator Lee, dated February 10, omitted any mention of this conversation or those glasses. Instead, Cameron critiqued what Netflix proposes as a shorter 17-day theatrical window, contrasting with Sarandos’s stated plan.
Anticipated Senate Inquiry and the Broader Stakes
Sarandos is preparing to respond to additional questions next week from the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust, chaired by Senator Lee. This exchange holds significant consequences for how major studios and streaming services balance theatrical releases and direct-to-consumer viewing.
The outcome could influence the future of Hollywood’s traditional cinema business and the ongoing power struggles among media conglomerates. As Netflix pushes to secure Warner Bros., Sarandos’s defense against Cameron’s objections shows the high tensions surrounding these transformative industry shifts.
