Stars and creatives issue open letter against Paramount - Warner Bros merger

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Stars and creatives issue open letter against Paramount - Warner Bros merger

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Paramount-Warner Bros Merger may threaten film industry's integrity and independence

Paramount-Warner Bros Merger may threaten film industry's integrity and independence

14 Apr - Concerned over the merger between Paramount Skydance (PSKY) and Warner Bros Discover (WBD), more than 1,000 film and TV stars and players have now issued an open letter to express opposition.

The letter, which was published in completion on the BlocktheMerger website, stated that they are deeply concerned by the merger prioritising the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public.

"The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement," it stated.

Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo among the signatories

Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo among the signatories

Among the featured signatories include Adam McKay, Alan Cumming, Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Nixon, Damon Lindelof, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, Elliot Page, Glenn Close, Jane Fonda, JJ Abrams, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Margaret Cho, Mark Ruffalo, Noah Wyle, Patti Lupone, Ramy Youssef, Tig Notaro, and Yorgos Lanthimos among others.

In response, Paramount issued a lengthy statement that among others stated that the merger meant that it can "greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale - while strengthening competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent."

PSKY is helmed by David Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison

PSKY is helmed by David Ellison, son of billionaire Larry Ellison

Cinema Online, 14 April 2026

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