Hollywood stars unite to oppose Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger

More than 1,400 actors, directors and filmmakers - including scores of Hollywood stars - have signed an open letter opposing the proposed merger of film studios Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery. The letter, signed by Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem and Rose Byrne, argues that the deal would harm an already battered US entertainment industry. "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," they said. Paramount responded by pledging its commitment to talent and "ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer". The deal appears to be the latest symptom of an entertainment industry still reeling from the after-effects of the Covid pandemic and the work stoppage from dual labour union strikes in 2023, as well as big-tech disruptions and changes in consumer behaviour. The merger - estimated at around $111bn (£82.2bn) - would reduce the number of US film studios to four, effectively also reducing the number of people working for studios and narrowing the number of buyers and makers of film and TV, the letter argues. Other si