Over 1,000 Hollywood figures oppose Paramount-WB merger

More than 1,000 writers, actors and directors have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, warning that the proposed deal could further concentrate power in an already heavily consolidated Hollywood industry.

The letter, released on Monday, includes signatures from high-profile figures such as Kristen Stewart, Ben Stiller and Joaquin Phoenix. It argues that the merger would deepen structural imbalances in the entertainment sector and reduce opportunities for creators across film and television.

At the heart of the appeal is a concern that the deal would "consolidate an already concentrated media landscape", ultimately weakening competition and narrowing the diversity of stories being produced. The signatories caution that the consequences would be felt not only by industry professionals but also by global audiences who rely on a broad range of content.

Paramount and Warner Bros did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment regarding the growing backlash and the developing regulatory scrutiny in the United Kingdom.

The open letter further warns that continued consolidation in Hollywood has already contributed to a steep decline in mid-budget filmmaking, alongside what it describes as a shrinking pipeline for independent distribution and international sales. It also raises concerns over diminishing profit participation for creators and reduced integrity in screen credits.

According to the signatories, the merger would reduce the number of major US film studios to just four, a shift they argue would significantly weaken competition and creative independence across the industry. They say this level of concentration risks placing decision-making power in the hands of a small number of corporate entities.

The letter also highlights wider concerns about the impact on employment, stating that tens of thousands of workers across production ecosystems—many of them employed in small or independent companies—could face long-term instability if consolidation continues at this scale.

In a separate development, a spokesperson for Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the UK antitrust regulator is expected to open an investigation into the proposed acquisition in the coming weeks, signalling increasing international scrutiny of the deal.

The CMA has not yet outlined the scope of its inquiry, but its anticipated involvement adds to growing regulatory attention surrounding one of the largest proposed media transactions in recent years.

Paramount secured the $110 billion deal for Warner Bros in February following a weeks-long bidding battle with streaming giant Netflix, which ultimately chose not to raise its offer.

Industry observers say the combination of mounting creative-sector opposition and impending regulatory review could shape the future trajectory of the merger, which is already under intense global scrutiny.

The open letter closes by urging regulators to act in defence of competition, cultural diversity and employment stability, arguing that unchecked consolidation poses a broader threat not only to Hollywood, but also to the global cultural economy it helps sustain.