Hollywood stars unite to oppose Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger

Over 1,400 actors, directors, and film professionals—many of them prominent Hollywood figures—have joined an open letter condemning the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery. Among the signatories are Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem, and Rose Byrne, who claim the deal would exacerbate challenges facing the US entertainment sector. They argue that the consolidation would limit competition at a time when the industry and its audiences need it most.

The merger, valued at approximately $111bn (£82.2bn), is expected to cut the number of US film studios to four, according to the letter. This reduction, they warn, would shrink opportunities for creators, decrease job availability in production, raise costs, and reduce content choices for viewers globally. Additional names on the list of opponents include Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Glenn Close, with the BBC noting that more industry figures are still joining the effort.

“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 said.

Paramount Skydance, which acquired Warner Bros Discovery in late February after Netflix withdrew its bid, asserts it will maintain both studios as separate entities. The company’s CEO, David Ellison, son of tech magnate Larry Ellison, aims to boost output by launching at least 30 high-quality films annually. In response to the letter, the studio emphasized its commitment to investing in storytelling and fostering competition through expanded projects and global reach.

The deal’s supporters insist it will allow for more creative projects and stronger support for talent. However, critics like Damon Lindelof, a co-creator of *Watchmen* and *Lost* who has a deal with Warner Bros Discovery, expressed concerns on social media. “Hollywood mergers mean fewer movies and fewer TV shows, and that means fewer jobs,” he wrote. “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.”

The merger must now pass shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. The BBC has sought comments from Warner Bros Discovery to provide further insight.