Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has responded to James Cameron's criticism of the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) merger, calling the Avatar director's comments 'quite confusing'. In an interview on BBC's Today programme, Sarandos said he had met Cameron in December and discussed Netflix's commitment to a 45-day theatrical window for WBD films, making Cameron's later opposition seem disingenuous.
Sarandos also defended Netflix's impact on the film industry, arguing that the streaming model complements rather than harms theatrical releases. He noted that Netflix members watch an average of seven movies per month in the US, compared to the average cinema attendance of twice a year, suggesting that streaming fosters a deeper appreciation for films.
Comparing the Netflix bid to Paramount's rival offer, Sarandos claimed that Paramount's proposal would shrink the film business due to planned cost cuts of $6 billion immediately and an additional $16 billion after the deal closes. He described the Netflix offer as a growth move, adding assets like a movie studio and distribution entity.
Sarandos hinted that Netflix could raise its $82.7 billion bid for WBD's streaming and studios division if Paramount improves its $108.4 billion offer for the entire company. However, he emphasised that Netflix remains disciplined in its approach. The deal faces regulatory scrutiny, with the Department of Justice investigating potential monopoly concerns.
