Hollywood Stars Sign Open Letter Opposing Paramount-Warner Bros Merger

Over 1,000 industry professionals warn the $110 billion deal would reduce competition and consolidate the media sector.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:33am

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An abstract composition of sharp, angular black silhouettes and geometric shapes, conceptually representing the tension between creative freedom and corporate consolidation in the entertainment industry.As Hollywood's creative community rallies against a major media merger, the industry faces a battle between artistic expression and corporate control.Burbank Today

Over 1,000 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, including Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix, and Mark Ruffalo, have signed an open letter opposing the proposed $110 billion merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance. The letter states that the merger would result in fewer opportunities for creators, pressure on jobs, higher costs, and less choice for audiences.

Why it matters

The proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. combination would bring together two of Hollywood's largest studios and content libraries, while also uniting their streaming platforms Paramount+ and HBO Max. This level of consolidation in the media sector is concerning to many in the industry, who fear it will reduce competition and limit creative opportunities.

The details

The open letter, released on Monday, argues that prior waves of consolidation have already put the industry under pressure, reducing the number of films produced and released, and narrowing the range of stories that receive financing and distribution. The letter warns that the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger would further exacerbate these issues.

  • The open letter was released on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Jane Fonda

An acclaimed actress and one of the signatories to the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Joaquin Phoenix

An award-winning actor and one of the signatories to the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Mark Ruffalo

An actor and one of the signatories to the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Warner Bros. Discovery

One of the companies involved in the proposed $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance.

Paramount Skydance

One of the companies involved in the proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

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What they’re saying

“The letter helps to galvanize opponents of the deal and bring them together under a common cause.”

— Ross Benes, Senior Analyst

What’s next

Regulators in the U.S. and Europe are expected to scrutinize the deal, weighing its impact on consumers and the creative community. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said the state is probing the transaction and will be 'vigorous' in its review.

The takeaway

The open letter from over 1,000 industry professionals highlights the widespread concern within the entertainment industry about the potential consequences of further media consolidation. The merger between two of Hollywood's largest studios could significantly impact the creative landscape, reducing opportunities for filmmakers and limiting choices for audiences.