Mark Ruffalo Clashes With James Cameron Over Netflix’s Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Actor Mark Ruffalo has publicly criticized filmmaker James Cameron after Cameron warned U.S. lawmakers that Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery would harm the movie industry.

The disagreement comes as Netflix moves forward with a proposed $83 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max. Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders are scheduled to vote on the acquisition on March 20.

Ruffalo Questions Cameron’s Position

On Saturday, Ruffalo responded to Cameron’s concerns in a post on Instagram Threads. He questioned whether Cameron is equally opposed to a possible rival bid involving Paramount.

“So… the next question to Mr Cameron should be this,” Ruffalo wrote. “Are you also against the monopolization that a Paramount acquisition would create? Or is it just that of Netflix?”

Ruffalo also asked whether Senator Mike Lee, who chairs the Senate subcommittee on antitrust, is equally concerned about other potential mergers. “We all want to know,” Ruffalo added, saying he was speaking “on behalf of hundreds of thousands of filmmakers worldwide.”

Warner Bros. Discovery recently opened a seven-day window allowing Paramount Skydance to submit a competing offer.

Cameron Warns of Theatrical Impact

In a letter addressed to Senator Mike Lee, Cameron argued that allowing Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery would damage the traditional theatrical film business.

“Theaters will close. Fewer films will be made. The job losses will spiral,” Cameron wrote.

He said Netflix’s streaming-first business model is “directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business,” which he noted supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs. He also argued that the model conflicts with the way Warner Bros.’ movie division has historically operated.

Cameron, the director of major theatrical releases including the “Avatar” films, has long been a strong supporter of cinema releases in movie theaters.

Netflix Promises to Protect Theatrical Strategy

Netflix executives have sought to calm fears that the company would reduce theatrical releases if the deal is approved.

In a recent interview with Variety, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the studio’s theatrical rollout strategy would “remain largely like it is today.” He emphasized his commitment in dramatic terms, saying he would make a “blood oath” to keep the approach intact.

The proposed acquisition is expected to face regulatory scrutiny as lawmakers review its potential impact on competition and the broader film industry.

For now, the debate highlights growing tensions in Hollywood over the future of theatrical movies as streaming platforms expand their influence.