Paramount Responds After Stars Sign Letter Opposing Warner Bros. Merger

The studio addressed the concerns raised by over 1,000 creatives, including Mark Ruffalo and Kristen Stewart.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged black silhouettes and bold red and white geometric shapes, conceptually representing the tension between media consolidation and creative independence in the entertainment industry.As Hollywood's top talent voices concerns over a major media merger, the industry's creative future hangs in the balance.Paramount Today

Paramount is in the process of finalizing a $110 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, but over 1,000 creatives, including actors, directors, and producers like Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, and Adam McKay, have signed an open letter expressing their 'unequivocal opposition' to the merger. The letter cites concerns about reduced competition, fewer opportunities for creators, and the erosion of the mid-budget film. Paramount has issued a response, stating that the deal will strengthen competition and create more opportunities for talent, while also acknowledging the industry's disruption and the need for 'strong, creative-first and well-capitalized companies.'

Why it matters

The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has sparked a debate within the entertainment industry about the impact of media consolidation. Creatives are concerned that the deal will reduce competition, limit opportunities, and negatively affect the overall creative landscape, while Paramount argues that the combined company will be better positioned to support talent and storytelling at a global scale.

The details

The open letter signed by over 1,000 creatives, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Kristen Stewart, directors like Denis Villeneuve, and producer Adam McKay, expresses their 'unequivocal opposition' to the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The letter states that the transaction 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 creatives argue that this would result in fewer opportunities, higher costs, and less choice for audiences. Paramount has responded by saying the deal will 'strengthen competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent' and that it is committed to increasing output, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership.

  • The open letter from the creatives was published on April 13, 2026.
  • Paramount is currently in the process of finalizing the details of the $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The players

Paramount

The American media company that is in the process of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110 billion deal.

Warner Bros. Discovery

The media company that was initially set to be acquired by Netflix before Paramount topped the offer, leading to the current proposed merger.

Mark Ruffalo

An American actor who is among the over 1,000 creatives who signed the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Kristen Stewart

An American actress who is among the over 1,000 creatives who signed the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

Adam McKay

An American filmmaker who is among the over 1,000 creatives who signed the open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

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What they’re saying

“Because Hollywood, believe it or not, is a blue-collar town. It's thousands and thousands of Grips and Gaffers. Drivers and Decorators. Builders and Boom operators. Camera teams and Caterers. And they're all about to get fucked. Hollywood mergers mean fewer movies and fewer TV shows and that means fewer jobs. When two storied backlots are owned by the same company, the outcome is intuitive —one becomes a Ghost Town. I'm scared. But I'm not a ghost. And a fight is already lost if it's never fought.”

— Damon Lindelof, TV writer

What’s next

As Paramount continues to go through the consolidation process, it remains to be seen if more stars will speak out against the proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The takeaway

The debate over the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger highlights the ongoing tensions in the entertainment industry around media consolidation and its impact on creative opportunities, competition, and the livelihoods of industry professionals. Both sides are making their case, but the ultimate outcome will have significant implications for the future of the film and television landscape.