Netflix CEO Responds to James Cameron's Critique of Warner Bros. Acquisition

Sarandos defends Netflix's plans for theatrical releases and commitment to the movie industry.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a letter to Senator Mike Lee, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has responded to James Cameron's criticism of Netflix's $83 billion acquisition of most of Warner Bros. Sarandos acknowledged Cameron's stature in the industry but disputed his claims, stating that Netflix remains committed to theatrical releases for Warner Bros. films and that Cameron was more interested in discussing his own home movie viewing glasses project with Meta than exclusive theatrical windows during their recent meeting.

Why it matters

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between streaming platforms and traditional Hollywood studios over the future of film distribution and exhibition. Cameron's critique reflects concerns that a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. could prioritize streaming over theatrical releases, potentially harming the theatrical movie business. Sarandos' response aims to assuage those fears and maintain Netflix's relationships with prominent filmmakers like Cameron.

The details

In his letter, Sarandos reiterated Netflix's 'firm commitment' to strong theatrical releases for Warner Bros. films if the acquisition goes through, including a 45-day exclusive theatrical window. Sarandos also revealed that he met with Cameron in December 2025 shortly after the acquisition was announced, and that Cameron was more interested in discussing his home movie viewing glasses project with Meta than exclusive theatrical windows.

  • On February 10, 2026, James Cameron sent a letter to Senator Mike Lee criticizing Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros.
  • On February 21, 2026, Ted Sarandos sent a response letter to Senator Lee addressing Cameron's concerns.
  • Sarandos is set to respond to follow-up questions from the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust next week.

The players

Ted Sarandos

The co-CEO of Netflix who wrote a letter responding to James Cameron's critique of Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros.

James Cameron

The acclaimed film director who sent a letter to Senator Mike Lee criticizing Netflix's $83 billion acquisition of most of Warner Bros. as 'disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business'.

Senator Mike Lee

The Republican senator from Utah who received letters from both Ted Sarandos and James Cameron regarding Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros.

David Ellison

The founder of Skydance Media who is leading a $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. in competition with Netflix.

Paramount

The film studio that is partnering with David Ellison's Skydance Media in the hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros.

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What they’re saying

“I respect Mr. Cameron enormously and I love his work, but his letter to you knowingly misrepresents our position and commitment to the theatrical release of Warner Bros. films.”

— Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix (Deadline)

“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.”

— Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix (Deadline)

What’s next

Sarandos is set to respond next week to follow-up questions from the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust regarding Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between streaming platforms and traditional Hollywood studios over the future of film distribution and exhibition. While Netflix aims to assure the industry of its commitment to theatrical releases, concerns remain about the potential impact of a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. on the traditional movie business model.