Hollywood lawsuit to block Paramount–Warner Bros. merger surpasses 4,000 signatures, with Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Holly Hunter and others joining the opposition wave
According to the CinemaDrame News Agency, as the $111 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery moved a step closer to reality on Thursday following strong approval from Warner Bros. shareholders, the deal has not yet been finalized. At the same time, a growing group of prominent Hollywood figures—including Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, and Holly Hunter—have signed an open letter opposing the merger, warning of job losses, higher costs for audiences, and a reduction in the number of films and television series.
The number of signatures on the letter reached 4,194 by Thursday morning, up from around 1,000 when the campaign launched on April 13. Organizers say the list includes members of film and television unions, actors, and directors, with more than 75 Oscar winners or nominees among them. The group aims to maintain pressure to stop the deal, which still requires regulatory approval in the United States and Europe and could face lawsuits from state attorneys general.
The coalition behind the letter also held a rally outside Warner Bros.’ headquarters in Manhattan, with further demonstrations planned in Washington, D.C. The protest coincided with a private event hosted by the Paramount Skydance CEO honoring a former U.S. president.
The letter argues that the merger would concentrate media power further, reducing competition and ultimately leading to fewer jobs, higher costs, and fewer choices for audiences in the United States and worldwide. It also warns that the deal could reduce the number of major Hollywood studios to just four.
Other signatories include Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Edward Norton, Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Kristen Stewart, Adam McKay, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, John Leguizamo, Mark Ruffalo, Nick Nolte, and many others.
The campaign is supported by organizations including the Writers Guild of America, the Cinema Future Coalition, the Democracy Defenders Fund, the Jane Fonda Freedom of Expression Committee, and several other industry and media groups.
Some Democratic politicians, including Senators Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren, have also voiced opposition to the merger. Following the shareholder vote, Warren reiterated that the deal is not yet final and that state attorneys general are taking steps to block it.
