Mark Ruffalo posted a sharp reply on Instagram Threads after James Cameron sent a letter to Senator Mike Lee. Cameron warned that Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery would damage the theatrical movie business. Ruffalo asked Cameron a direct question. He wrote, “Are you also against the monopolization that a Paramount acquisition would create? Or is it just that of Netflix?”

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Ruffalo’s challenge moves the debate beyond the Netflix deal. He wants to know if Cameron worries about a possible Paramount purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. Ruffalo suggests that the film community should hear an answer quickly. He wonders whether Senator Lee shares the same concerns about a Paramount offer.

Netflix plans to acquire Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max for about $83 billion. Warner Bros. Discovery opened a seven‑day window for Paramount Skydance to submit a competing offer. Shareholders will vote on the Netflix deal on March 20. Cameron’s letter to Sen. Lee claims that allowing Netflix to own Warner would close theaters, cut film production, and cause job losses.

Cameron’s Antitrust Argument

In his letter, Cameron argued that Netflix’s business model clashes with the theatrical film model. He said the model employs hundreds of thousands of Americans. He added that the Warner Brothers movie division is one of the few remaining major studios that still relies on theater revenue.

Netflix’s Response

Netflix co‑CEO Ted Sarandos recently told Variety that the company will keep the current theatrical rollout strategy. He promised that the window for Warner Bros. movies will stay largely the same. Sarandos also said listeners can watch Netflix now and join a “blood oath” to support the plan.

Why This Debate Matters

The discussion highlights a larger conflict in Hollywood. On one side, streaming giants push for more control over content and distribution. On the other side, filmmakers and traditional studios defend the theater experience. The outcome of the Netflix acquisition vote could shape how movies are released for years.

Fans and industry observers should watch the upcoming shareholder vote. They should also monitor any moves by Paramount Skydance to make a counteroffer. The conversation sparked by Ruffalo and Cameron may influence future antitrust hearings in the Senate.

Source: Variety

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