Legendary filmmaker James Cameron has strongly criticized the proposed deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, calling it a disastrous move for the theatrical film industry.

Netflix has reportedly moved to acquire Warner Bros., but Cameron believes such a merger could severely damage the traditional cinema business. In a letter addressed to U.S. Senator Mike Lee, Cameron expressed deep concern over the future of theatrical filmmaking.

“I believe strongly that the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life’s work to. Of course, my films all play in the downstream video markets as well, but my first love is the cinema,” Cameron wrote.

According to him, the deal could accelerate theatre closures and significantly reduce the number of films being made for the big screen. He argued that Netflix’s streaming-first business model stands in direct contrast to the theatrical production and exhibition ecosystem, which supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Cameron further noted that Warner Bros. is among the last remaining major traditional film studios. If it shifts fully toward a streaming-driven model, it could signal the decline of serious large-scale filmmaking and weaken the United States’ leadership in global cinema.

Responding to Cameron’s concerns, Senator Mike Lee acknowledged receiving outreach from actors, directors, and other stakeholders regarding the proposed merger. “We have received outreach from actors, directors, and other interested parties about the proposed Netflix and Warner Bros. merger, and I share many of their concerns. I look forward to holding a follow-up hearing to further address these issues,” he stated.

With a globally influential filmmaker like Cameron voicing alarm, the debate around the future of theatres versus streaming platforms is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.