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Antitrust Pressure and the Future of Theaters
This week’s stories spotlight two major power battles in entertainment. Live Nation is attempting to delay its high-stakes monopoly trial against the DOJ, while James Cameron is sounding the alarm over Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
ChaseLawyers Newsletter
February 24, 2026
Hi there,
The live entertainment and film industries are facing defining legal moments.
Live Nation is asking a federal court to pause its upcoming antitrust trial, arguing that pending appeals could dramatically change — or even eliminate — major claims against it. Meanwhile, James Cameron has stepped into the Netflix–Warner Bros. debate, warning lawmakers that a streaming giant controlling a historic studio could devastate theatrical releases and the broader exhibition ecosystem.
Both cases raise a larger question: how much consolidation is too much?
Live Nation seeks delay of DOJ monopoly trial
Live Nation has filed a motion to delay its March 2 monopoly trial against the Department of Justice, requesting a pause while it pursues an interlocutory appeal. The company argues that recent rulings — including the court’s decision allowing certain monopolization claims to proceed without proof of actual price discrimination — could fundamentally alter the scope of the case. If the appeal succeeds, Live Nation claims key portions of the trial could be eliminated entirely.
The DOJ’s lawsuit, originally filed in 2024, seeks to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging the company uses its vertically integrated structure to suppress competition. While the court recently dismissed some promotion-related claims, the core allegations remain intact. A delay could give Live Nation additional leverage — potentially buying time for settlement discussions — but for now, the trial is still set to begin.
James Cameron opposes Netflix–Warner Bros. deal, backs Paramount
James Cameron has publicly urged lawmakers to scrutinize Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would weaken the theatrical film ecosystem. In a letter to Senator Mike Lee, Cameron warned that Netflix’s streaming-first model conflicts with traditional theatrical distribution and could reduce the number of films released in cinemas each year.
Cameron expressed skepticism about Netflix’s pledge to maintain a 45-day theatrical window, questioning whether the commitment would hold once the company controls a major studio. He argues that fewer theatrical tentpoles would ripple through the industry — harming theaters, service providers, and thousands of jobs. Cameron has endorsed Paramount’s competing bid, calling a Netflix acquisition “a disaster” for theatrical filmmaking.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
 Live Nation Seeks to Delay Monopoly Trial, Citing Appeal |  James Cameron Sounds Alarm Over Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal, Backs Paramount |
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