By Glenn Garner
As James Cameron campaigns against Netflix‘s acquisition of Warner Bros., Mark Ruffalo has entered the chat.
The 4x Oscar-nominated actor called out the Avatar writer/director over his recent letter claiming that the deal would be “disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business,” asking if Cameron feels the same about a potential Paramount sale.
“So… the next question to Mr Cameron should be this,” he wrote on Threads. “‘Are you also against the monopolization that a Paramount acquisition would create? Or is it just that of Netflix?’”
Ruffalo continued, “I think the answer would be very interesting for the film community to hear and one that should be asked immediately. Is Mike Lee against the Paramount sale as well? Is he as concerned about that as he is the Netflix sale? We all want to know. …Speaking on behalf of hundreds of thousands of filmmakers world wide.”
In his letter to Rep. Mike Lee, Cameron claimed that Ted Sarandos’ goals for Netflix “are directly opposed to the health of the cinema marketplace.”
“I am but a humble movie farmer,” he wrote in part. “And I see my future creativity and productivity directly threatened by this proposed sale. I’m sure there are many in the motion picture community… writers, producers, directors, exhibitors, craft Guilds, film crew employees, and service providers who agree with me. Many will choose not to be as vocal as I am, because Netflix is a major employer into the foreseeable future.”
Cameron added, “But I know I speak for many. A vast groundswell, in fact. I hope you will consider my concerns as you further investigate this proposed transaction.”
Sarandos has since issued a rebuttal, claiming that Cameron’s letter “knowingly misrepresents our position and commitment to the theatrical release of Warner Bros. films.”
As Paramount attempts a hostile takeover of Warner Bros., the Netflix deal is officially under antitrust scrutiny from the Department of Justice, which announced an investigation into the purchase this weekend.
