Hollywood Figures Oppose Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

Several prominent figures from Hollywood, including Robert De Niro, Elliot Page, Lily Wachowski, Sofia Coppola, and Holly Hunter, have added their names to a petition against the merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Initially launched on April 13 with 1,000 signatures, the petition now boasts over 4,194 signatures as of Thursday, with more industry names joining in regularly. While Warner Bros. Discovery has given the green light to the merger, the petitioners are urging regulators to intervene, expressing concerns over further consolidation in the industry.

The opposition letter highlights worries about potential job losses, increased consumer costs, and a decrease in the number of available TV shows and films. Organizers noted that the list includes more than 75 Oscar winners and nominees from the film and entertainment industry.

The group is determined to maintain their stance against the merger, which still requires approval from regulators in both the U.S. and Europe. They also anticipate possible legal challenges from state attorneys general aiming to halt the merger.

On the other hand, Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has shown support for the merger, commending David Ellison as “the right man for the job.”

Cameron stated, “I know David very well, and he really cares about movies.” He characterized Ellison as an old-school entrepreneurial producer who loves storytelling and producing large-scale projects. Cameron expressed confidence in Ellison’s ability to manage major studios without any concern.

While some lawmakers have called for a halt to the merger discussions, the current administration has taken a neutral stance on the situation, at least for now. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) remarked that the merger isn’t finalized yet, assuring that state attorneys general across the nation are mobilizing to prevent what she refers to as an “antitrust disaster.”