The Digester
entertainment

Hollywood voices oppose $111 billion Paramount-Warner merger

More than 1,000 actors, writers and directors signed an open letter saying the proposed Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would cut jobs, reduce film output and shrink competition as the deal awaits shareholder and regulatory approval.

Apr 13th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • More than 1,000 industry figures published an open letter on BlocktheMerger.com opposing the $111 billion deal.
  • Signatories include Denis Villeneuve, Kristen Stewart, J.J. Abrams and Joaquin Phoenix.
  • Organizers of the letter include the Committee for the First Amendment, the Democracy Defenders Fund and the Future Film Coalition.
  • Opponents say the merger would lead to fewer movies, fewer jobs and reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to four.
  • Paramount Skydance reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and the transaction is pending a shareholder vote and regulatory approval.
  • Paramount chief David Ellison has pledged to keep both studios operating separately and to release 30 combined theatrical films a year while acknowledging some role cuts

Sources