Media

Hundreds of Hollywood figures come out against Paramount, Warner Brothers merger

by Dominick Mastrangelo - 04/13/26 10:33 AM ET

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by Dominick Mastrangelo - 04/13/26 10:33 AM ET

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More than 1,000 professionals in the entertainment business are voicing their opposition to a planned mega merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers, which are eyeing a deal that would deliver a major shake-up to the TV and movie business.

In an open letter, which was signed by Hollywood stars like Bryan Cranston, Ben Stiller and Glenn Close and others, the group argued the transaction between two of the largest media companies on earth 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 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 reads. “Alarmingly, this merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four.”

The letter, which was first reported by the New York Times, praised California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) for scrutinizing the merger and considering legal action to block it.

The Paramount-Warner Brothers deal was struck late last year after a similar merger between Netflix and Warner Brothers Discovery fell apart.

President Trump and other conservatives in Washington, D.C. had voiced concern about Netflix’s increasing marketshare in the media sector.

The deal, which still needs to clear regulatory hurdles through the Department of Justice, is expected to close later this year. Paramount is owned by Larry and David Ellison, two of the richest people in the world and allies of Trump, who have already implemented sweeping changes at the company.

“Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy,” the actors, directors and producers wrote in their letter. “So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. Media consolidation has already weakened one of America’s most vital global industries—one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.”

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