Mark Ruffalo is stepping into the heated debate over Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, directly challenging James Cameron’s outspoken opposition to the deal. After Cameron urged Congress to reconsider the merger, Ruffalo took to Threads on February 21 with pointed questions about whether the director’s concerns apply broadly—or selectively.
“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?” He went on to question whether lawmakers critical of the Netflix deal would show the same resistance if Paramount were to take over Warner Bros., adding that the film community deserves clarity on the issue.
The controversy began after Cameron sent a February 10 letter to Senator Mike Lee arguing that Netflix’s business model threatens the traditional theatrical system. The Avatar director claimed the streaming giant’s approach conflicts with the structure of major studios like Warner Bros., potentially harming an industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Cameron has previously suggested that Paramount Global, led by David Ellison, would be a more suitable buyer.
Netflix, however, has firmly pushed back. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos dismissed Cameron’s remarks as part of a “disinformation campaign,” denying claims that the company would shrink theatrical release windows to 17 days. Sarandos insisted Netflix remains committed to a 45-day theatrical window and maintaining a robust slate of cinema releases. As Warner Bros. Discovery’s board continues backing the Netflix deal—while still entertaining Paramount’s interest—the debate highlights deeper tensions about consolidation, streaming dominance, and the future of theatrical filmmaking.
