Joaquin Phoenix, David Fincher & Other Hollywood Stars Oppose Paramount’s Warner Bros Merger

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Regulators in the U.S. and Europe prematurely celebrated what they thought was a resolution, only to discover it was far from over. The highly publicized and contentious dispute with Netflix – a massive corporate battle that led to a key figure leaving the company – wasn’t the end, but rather the opening move in a larger conflict.

While regulators review the deal, a group of prominent Hollywood stars are working to block the sale, according to Deadline.

A petition opposing the merger, now available at BlockTheMerger.com/openletter, has garnered signatures from numerous prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Joaquin Phoenix (known for roles in Gladiator and Joker), Denis Villeneuve (director of the Dune trilogy), Don Cheadle (Ocean’s Thirteen, Avengers), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcolm In the Middle), David Fincher (Seven, Gone Girl), and hundreds of others.

A-Listers, Dune Creator Fight Warner Bros. + Paramount Merger

Here is the opposition letter in its entirety:

We, as filmmakers and media professionals, strongly oppose the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This deal would give even more power to a few giant companies, limiting competition at a time when both creators and viewers need more options, not fewer. We believe this merger would lead to fewer jobs, higher costs, and less creative freedom for filmmakers, while also reducing the number of major U.S. film studios to just four and limiting choices for audiences everywhere.

The film industry is facing major challenges, largely because of repeated mergers and acquisitions. We’re seeing fewer movies being made and released, and the range of stories being told is shrinking. A few large companies now control what gets produced and how, making it harder for filmmakers and smaller businesses to survive. This consolidation has led to the decline of mid-budget films, independent distribution networks, and international sales, while also reducing fair profit sharing and weakening the recognition of creative contributions on screen.

Top Hollywood Creators Want Warner Bros. to Stop Sale, Citing Competition

The letter continues:

These issues put the entire creative community at risk, potentially harming the livelihoods of the many small businesses and independent workers who contribute to local economies across the country. We’re worried about support for this merger because it seems to favor a few powerful companies over the public benefit. This could seriously damage the unique character, independence, and variety within our industry. Competition is vital for both a strong economy and a functioning democracy, and it needs to be supported by sensible rules and enforcement. The merging of media companies has already hurt a crucial American industry – one that has historically shaped our culture and connected us globally.

Thankfully, action is being taken. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general are reviewing the merger and considering legal steps to stop it. We appreciate their leadership and will fully support any efforts to maintain competition, safeguard jobs, and ensure a strong future for our industry, American arts and entertainment, and our country’s leading export.

It’s unclear what will happen with the proposed Warner Bros. and Paramount merger, but many in Hollywood seem determined to block it. This means the process will likely be difficult, and there’s no guarantee it will succeed.

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2026-04-13 18:38