Mark Ruffalo says he is ‘already on a list’ over Warner Bros merger criticism

Mark Ruffalo says he is already on Paramount-Skydance's 'list' after criticising Warner Bros merger

Mark Ruffalo has said he believes he is already “on a list” at Paramount-Skydance due to his outspoken criticism of the company’s proposed acquisition of Warner bros.

The actor made the remarks during an appearance on the I’ve Had It podcast, where he discussed his opposition to the merger and wider concerns about consolidation in Hollywood.

“I’m doing this because I know we have to,” Ruffalo said. “And I know no matter what, if I don’t speak out, it’s the same outcome. I’m already on a list. I’m already not a friend of these people. And so you’re either going to fight, or you’re going to lie down. But the same outcome will be if you don’t [fight], if you lie down. That’s the way it is with every bully in the world.”

Ruffalo also spoke about an open letter he helped circulate opposing the merger, saying that “a lot of people, off the bat, were afraid to sign it.”

He added, “They’re afraid because, to quote one prominent agent whose name I won’t divulge here, these are some vindictive motherfuckers, the Ellisons.”

He said that although there was initial hesitation in Hollywood, more industry figures have since begun speaking out. “What we know is that courage is contagious, and there’s safety in numbers,” he said.

Ruffalo also pointed to concerns about the impact of major mergers on production and employment across the industry, stating, “We lost so many jobs, we lost so many shows,” in reference to previous consolidation events.

The actor previously argued that fear was a major reason some actors and filmmakers avoided publicly opposing the deal, claiming many were concerned about possible retaliation if they spoke out against Paramount-Skydance’s pursuit of Warner bros.