Overview
- Mark Ruffalo and policy analyst Matt Stoller wrote Thursday in the New York Times that many artists privately support the campaign to stop the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery deal but declined to sign an open letter due to fear of retaliation.
- They pointed to reported pressure, including Paramount pulling advertising from The Ankler after “Block the Merger” buttons surfaced and CNN passing on a proposed Ruffalo segment because the merger involves its parent company.
- The open letter opposing the merger now counts more than 4,000 signatories, and organizers are urging state attorneys general to try to block the deal under antitrust laws.
- The proposed combination of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery remains under review in the United States and Europe after shareholder steps in April, with opponents warning it would reduce jobs, choices, and competition for workers and audiences.
- Paramount and Skydance leader David Ellison defend the plan, saying both studios would keep separate operations and that the combined company would release at least 30 theatrical films each year.