Hollywood Stars Protest Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

Over 1,000 industry professionals sign open letter warning of reduced competition and creative opportunities.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:54pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular black silhouettes and bold splashes of red and white, conceptually representing the tension between Hollywood's creative professionals and the corporate forces behind the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.Hollywood's creative community mobilizes to protest a merger that could stifle competition and artistic expression.Los Angeles Today

More than 1,000 Hollywood stars, filmmakers, and other industry professionals, including Bryan Cranston, Jane Fonda, and Joaquin Phoenix, have released an open letter strongly opposing the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. The signatories argue the blockbuster corporate union would shrink competition, hurt the industry, and threaten free speech and creative expression.

Why it matters

The merger would further consolidate the already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a time when the industry is under severe strain. This could lead to fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs, higher costs, and less choice for audiences globally. The deal is also facing scrutiny from regulators in the U.S. and U.K.

The details

The open letter, published on the website Block the Merger, warns the transaction would 'reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four.' The signatories express support for California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who has said the merger is 'not a done deal' and that his office will vigorously review it. The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority has also announced plans to launch a formal investigation into how the merger would affect British economic competition and consumers.

  • The open letter was released on April 13, 2026.
  • In late February 2026, Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison inked a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

The players

Bryan Cranston

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in shows like 'Breaking Bad'.

Jane Fonda

A legendary actress and activist who co-founded the Committee for the First Amendment, a free speech group leading the opposition to the merger.

Joaquin Phoenix

An Oscar-winning actor who has starred in films like 'Joker' and 'Walk the Line'.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who has said the merger is 'not a done deal' and that his office will vigorously review it.

David Ellison

The Paramount Skydance chief who inked the deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

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What they’re saying

“These two Hollywood titans have not cleared regulatory scrutiny — the California Department of Justice has an open investigation, and we intend to be vigorous in our review.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

What’s next

The Justice Department continues to review the Paramount-Warner merger on antitrust grounds, and the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority has announced plans to launch a formal investigation.

The takeaway

This open letter from over 1,000 Hollywood professionals highlights the widespread industry concerns about the potential negative impacts of further media consolidation, including reduced competition, fewer creative opportunities, and threats to free speech and expression.