Hollywood Stars Oppose Paramount Takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

More than 1,000 Hollywood professionals, including prominent actors, directors and writers, released an open letter on April 13, 2026, expressing their opposition to the takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance.

The signatories described their opposition as unequivocal, arguing that the merger would negatively impact an entertainment industry that is already experiencing severe strain. The protest was coordinated through a website titled Block the Merger.

Industry Concerns and Consolidation

The open letter emphasizes that the corporate tie-up would lead to further consolidation within a media landscape that is already highly concentrated. According to the professionals who signed the letter, this reduction in competition occurs at a time when both the industry and its audiences are particularly vulnerable.

This 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.

Open letter published on Block the Merger

The signatories warned of several specific negative outcomes resulting from the acquisition, including:

• A decrease in opportunities for creative professionals.
• A reduction in available jobs across the broader production ecosystem.
• Increased costs for consumers.
• A decrease in the variety of choices available to audiences both within the United States and internationally.

The letter further highlighted a significant structural change to the American film industry, stating that the merger would reduce the total number of major U.S. Film studios to only four.

Prominent Signatories

The list of professionals opposing the deal includes a wide range of A-list talent and respected industry figures. Among the actors who signed the letter are Bryan Cranston, Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix, Glenn Close, Ben Stiller, and Kristen Stewart.

The creative community’s opposition also extends to celebrated filmmakers and writers. Signatories include directors Denis Villeneuve and Yorgos Lanthimos, as well as David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos.

Details of the Acquisition

The deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery was finalized in late February 2026. David Ellison, the chief of Paramount Skydance, secured the agreement after prevailing over Netflix in a bid for control of the media empire.

The acquisition gives Paramount Skydance control over a sprawling set of assets, which includes the iconic Warner Bros. Movie studio, the HBO premium network, and various cable channels, including CNN.

In response to the acquisition, David Ellison has stated his intention to honor the legacy of two iconic companies while pursuing a strategy to build what he describes as a next-generation media and entertainment company.

Despite these assurances from leadership, the open letter released on April 13, 2026, indicates deep resistance from the creative community regarding the long-term effects of the merger on employment and market competition.