More than 1,400 prominent figures in the entertainment industry—including A-list actors, directors, and filmmakers—have united in a powerful open letter to voice their opposition to the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery. The letter, signed by stars such as Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem, and Rose Byrne, warns that the consolidation would severely damage an already struggling U.S. entertainment sector.
"This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries—and the audiences we serve—can least afford it," the signatories argue.
The merger, if approved, would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four, potentially leading to fewer job opportunities, higher costs, and less creative diversity. Other notable signatories expressing "unequivocal opposition" include Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Glenn Close, with more industry professionals reportedly adding their names to the list.
"The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world," the letter states.
Damon Lindelof, co-creator of Watchmen and Lost, who has an overall deal with Warner Bros Discovery, amplified the concerns on social media, writing, "Hollywood mergers mean fewer movies and fewer TV shows and that means fewer jobs. When two storied backlots are owned by the same company, the outcome is intuitive—one becomes a Ghost Town. I'm scared. But I'm not a ghost. And a fight is already lost if it's never fought."
Paramount Skydance, which reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in late February after Netflix withdrew its bid, responded by emphasizing its commitment to supporting talent. David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance and son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, stated that the company plans to keep Paramount and Warner Bros as standalone studios while increasing output to at least 30 high-quality feature films annually.
"[A]s creators we know firsthand that this is also a moment when the industry has been facing significant disruption—and the need for strong, creative-first and well-capitalized companies that can continue to invest in storytelling has never been greater," Paramount Skydance said in a statement.
The studio argues that the merger will enable it to greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, and strengthen competition globally. However, the deal still requires approval from shareholders and government regulators. The letter concludes by urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other regulators to block the merger, highlighting the ongoing tensions in an industry still recovering from the pandemic, labor strikes, and shifting consumer habits.