James Cameron Backs Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Despite Industry Pushback

Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has shown support for the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., notwithstanding protests from numerous industry figures.

In an interview, Cameron shared his views on the matter, noting, “I’m an advocate. I know it’s controversial.” He praised Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, calling him “the right person to run a major studio.”

“I have a good relationship with David, and I know he genuinely cares about movies,” Cameron stated. “He’s a natural storyteller who embodies the spirit of an old-school entrepreneurial producer, someone who loves storytelling and delivering great experiences.”

He further commented, “I think he’s the right person to head a major studio, and the idea of two studios being combined under his leadership doesn’t concern me at all.”

Cameron has previously worked with Ellison on Terminator: Dark Fate. Notably, Netflix had expressed interest in acquiring Warner Bros. but ultimately decided against it.

“I firmly believe that the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix would be disastrous for the theatrical film industry,” Cameron wrote, voicing his dedication to cinema. “Sure, all my films are also available in the video market, but my true passion lies in the theater experience.” He elaborated on the risks, stating that “theaters will close, film production will decline, and job losses will increase.” He argued that Netflix’s model conflicts directly with that of theatrical film production, which employs many Americans and is integral to Warner Bros.’ operations.

Over 2,000 Hollywood professionals—including screenwriters, actors, and directors—have signed an open letter opposing Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The letter, reportedly spearheaded by Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo, includes names like Bryan Cranston, Joaquin Phoenix, Tiffany Haddish, and Denis Villeneuve. It cautioned that such a major studio acquisition could “reduce opportunities for creators, decrease jobs across the production ecosystem, raise costs, and limit choices for viewers in the U.S. and globally.”

The letter also noted, “We’ve observed a significant decline in film production and a narrowing of the stories that receive funding and distribution. A handful of powerful organizations increasingly dictate what gets made and under what circumstances, leaving fewer pathways for creators and independent businesses to sustain their livelihoods.”