More than 1,400 actors, directors and filmmakers - including scores of Hollywood stars - have signed an open letter opposing the proposed merger of film studios Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery.

The letter, signed by Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem and Rose Byrne, argues that the deal would harm an already battered US entertainment industry.

"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," they said.

Paramount responded by pledging its commitment to talent and "ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer".

The deal appears to be the latest symptom of an entertainment industry still reeling from the after-effects of the Covid pandemic and the work stoppage from dual labor union strikes in 2023, as well as big-tech disruptions and changes in consumer behavior.

The merger - estimated at around $111bn would reduce the number of US film studios to four, effectively also reducing the number of people working for studios and narrowing the number of buyers and makers of film and TV, the letter argues.

Other signatories expressing their "unequivocal opposition" to the media consolidation include Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas and Glenn Close. The BBC understands that more entertainment industry professionals are still 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 signatories say.

The letter concludes by calling for California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other regulators to block the deal.

Paramount Skydance reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in late February after Netflix dropped its months-long bid for the company, which houses brands including Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, Friends, the HBO hits Succession, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones, as well as CNN.

David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance and the son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, has said that he plans to keep Paramount and Warner Bros as stand-alone movie studios and increase output by releasing at least 30 high-quality feature films in theaters each year.

The studio said that the merger will allow it to greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a global scale, as well as strengthen competition.

The deal still needs to be approved by shareholders later this month, as well as get a stamp of approval from government regulators. (Source: BBC News)

Story Date: April 14, 2026