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Tue, 14 Apr 2026

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 Hollywood stars unite to oppose Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger

Stars like Emma Thompson and Ben Stiller signed an open letter against the deal, which Paramount said will ensure creators "have more avenues for their work, not fewer".

* Over 1,400 actors, directors and filmmakers have signed an open letter opposing the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery.
* The letter argues that the deal would harm the already battered US entertainment industry by reducing competition and increasing costs for audiences.
* Signatories include Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem and Rose Byrne, as well as Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas and Glenn Close.
* The merger is estimated to be worth $111bn and would reduce the number of US film studios to four.
* The signatories warn that the deal would lead to fewer opportunities for creators, jobs in the production ecosystem, and choices for audiences.
* Paramount has responded by pledging its commitment to talent and "ensuring creators have more avenues for their work".
* The merger still needs to be approved by shareholders and government regulators.