Over 1,000 Hollywood professionals oppose Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger over industry concerns

More than 1,000 prominent figures from Hollywood, including leading actors, directors, and writers, have jointly expressed strong opposition to the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery through an open letter. The signatories include well-known names such as Denis Villeneuve, J.J. Abrams, Kristen Stewart, and Joaquin Phoenix. They argue that the merger between two of the most influential legacy studios in the film industry could significantly reduce employment opportunities and lead to a decline in the number of films being produced.

According to the group, the consolidation of such major studios would further intensify the ongoing downsizing trends already affecting Hollywood. They believe that fewer independent creative opportunities and reduced competition in the industry could harm both filmmakers and audiences in the long run. The open letter describes the merger as a threat to the diversity and sustainability of cinematic production, warning that it may concentrate too much power in the hands of a single corporate entity.

The proposed deal, valued at approximately $111 billion, has become a focal point of debate within the global entertainment industry. Critics of the merger highlight concerns about job losses across production, writing, acting, and technical departments. They also fear that such consolidation may limit creative freedom and reduce the variety of content available in theatres and streaming platforms. The movement reflects growing anxiety within Hollywood about large-scale corporate consolidation reshaping the entertainment landscape.