More than 1,000 film and TV industry professionals, including Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, and Yorgos Lanthimos, have signed an open letter protesting Paramount's pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. com. Other signatories to the letter include Jane Fonda, Javier Bardem, Glenn Close, Sandra Hüller, Rose Byrne, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Steenburgen, Lily Gladstone, and the documentarian Laura Poitras.
Denis Villeneuve, Boots Riley, Mimi Leder, and Nicole Holofcener are among the directors who have signed the letter. Emma Thompson is among the Britons on the list, as is James Wilson, the longtime producer of Jonathan Glazer's films. Significant names from TV who have signed the letter include David Chase, Noah Wyle, Ramy Youssef, Rob Delaney, Jason Bateman, and Ted Danson.
Several signatories have significant ties to Paramount, lending weight to their criticism. Ben Stiller's criticism is particularly significant as the Zoolander films and Madagascar series were distributed by Paramount. Mary Steenburgen's recent Book Club films were made by Paramount.
Ted Danson's big break was in Paramount's Cheers. Mark Ruffalo's most recent work with Paramount was 2010's Shutter Island. Conversely, other prominent signatories have longstanding relationships with Warner Bros Discovery.
Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix have longstanding relationships with Warner Bros Discovery. Joaquin Phoenix won his leading actor Oscar for his role in Joker, which was made by Warner Bros. Mark Ruffalo recently starred in two HBO productions – I Know This Much Is True and This Normal Heart – as well as in last year's Mickey 17, which was made by Warner Bros.
Emma Thompson played Professor Trelawney in the original Harry Potter films made by Warner Bros. David Chase is best known for showrunning HBO's The Sopranos. The letter expresses broad concerns about the industry impact of the merger, which would consolidate two of Hollywood's most significant studios if successful.
Many believe the deal would result in diminishing quality and significant job losses. The signatories argue that media consolidation has already weakened one of America's most vital global industries – one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world. In their arguments, the signatories state they are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritise the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good.
They warn that the integrity, independence and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. The letter emphasizes that competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.
It concludes by calling for a vibrant future to be ensured for the US's single most significant export. The deal is worth some $111 billion and is awaiting approval by regulators. The official response from Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery to the open letter has not been made public.
It remains unclear which regulatory bodies are reviewing the deal and what their timeline for approval might be. Additionally, the extent of direct business ties among the over 1,000 signatories to the companies involved has not been detailed.