Sarandos Accuses Cameron of Spreading Disinformation Over Netflix-WBD Deal
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos rejected James Cameron's claims and reiterated a 45-day theatrical commitment after Cameron's February 10 letter to Sen. Mike Lee amid rival bids and a seven-day WBD negotiation with Paramount.
Overview
Ted Sarandos accused James Cameron of spreading "disinformation" about Netflix's proposed Warner Bros. deal and said he personally told Cameron in late December that Netflix would commit to a 45-day theatrical window, he said.
Netflix announced its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in December, and days later Paramount Skydance submitted a rival all-cash offer, with reported deal valuations roughly $83 billion to $108 billion.
James Cameron sent a February 10 letter to Sen. Mike Lee warning that a Netflix takeover would close theaters and cause job losses to "spiral," according to the letter.
Sarandos insisted Netflix will maintain a 45-day theatrical exclusivity, denied ever citing a 17-day window, and said the Paramount alternative would cut roughly $6 billion to $16 billion from Warner Bros., he said.
The Warner Bros. Discovery board agreed to negotiate for seven days with Paramount while Sen. Mike Lee's subcommittee continues to examine the merger and has asked Sarandos and WB exec Bruce Campbell for further responses.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a clash between defenders of the theatrical experience and streaming interests, using conflict language and high-credibility figures. Editorial choices—metaphoric verbs ('war,' 'doubled down'), vivid imagery ('sinking ship'), prioritized Cameron and theater-owner skepticism, and juxtaposition with Sarandos' denials—heighten drama while keeping multiple viewpoints.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Netflix announced a proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in December 2025, including its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO, with the transaction expected to close within 12-18 months after regulatory approvals and WBD's separation of its Global Networks division in Q3 2026.
Paramount-Skydance submitted a rival all-cash offer valued between $83-108 billion, and WBD's board agreed to a seven-day negotiation period while reaffirming recommendation for the Netflix deal at a special shareholder meeting on March 20, 2026.
James Cameron warned in a February 10, 2026 letter to Sen. Mike Lee that a Netflix takeover of Warner Bros. would close theaters and cause job losses to spiral.
Ted Sarandos accused James Cameron of spreading disinformation, denied citing a 17-day theatrical window, and confirmed Netflix's commitment to a 45-day theatrical exclusivity, which he personally told Cameron in late December.
Netflix and WBD have submitted HSR filings and are engaging with regulators like DOJ and EU; WBD filed a definitive proxy statement and scheduled a special shareholder meeting for March 20, 2026, unanimously recommending approval of the Netflix merger.
History
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