More than 1,400 representatives from film and television warn of negative consequences of the high-profile deal
A group of well-known actors and directors has opposed the merger of major film companies Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting risks for the industry and creative professions. Among them are Alyssa Milano, Kristen Stewart, and Ben Stiller.
More details on this are reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the BBC.
More interesting news: Alec Baldwin speaks out about ending his career
Why stars oppose the Paramount and Warner Bros. deal
In a letter, actors, directors, and film industry workers state that the merger will lead to a decrease in competition and opportunities for creative individuals.
“This agreement further consolidates an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a time when our industries—and the audience we serve—can least afford it,” the letter states.
They believe this will result in job cuts, financial changes, and a narrowing of choices for viewers in the U.S. and around the world.
More than 1,400 people signed the letter, including Alyssa Milano, David Fincher, Cynthia Nixon, Jane Fonda, Elliot Page, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Stiller, Kristen Stewart, Emma Thompson, Javier Bardem, Pedro Pascal, and others.
At the end of the letter, the stars appeal to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other regulatory bodies, asking them to block the deal.
“I will not remain silent while major media corporations try to harm our industry and consumers,” Milano wrote on Threads.
View on Threads
What is known about the merger
Recall that in February of this year, Netflix declined to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance offered a larger sum, reaching $111 billion.
WB includes projects such as “Harry Potter,” “Friends,” HBO hits “Game of Thrones,” “Euphoria,” “Pitt,” and CNN.
The CEO of Paramount Skydance is film producer David Ellison, son of technology billionaire Larry Ellison.
He previously stated that he plans to maintain Paramount and Warner Bros. as independent studios and increase production volume.
In response to concerns about the future, the company also assured that creators will have more opportunities to realize their works.
Even more interesting:
What will the merger of HBO Max and Paramount+ look like
How the subscription price for Netflix has changed
