Hollywood has united against the Warner Bros. Paramount megamerger as #blockthemerger gains the support of major industry figures.
The #blockthemerger initiative has now gathered more than 2,000 signatures from industry professionals and high profile Hollywood celebs. They include the likes of Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, Jason Bateman, Florence Pugh, Ben Stiller and Jane Fonda who infamously wore a “Block the Merger” pin to the 2026 Oscars.
The merger was a result of a longstanding bidding war with Netflix, ultimately ending with Paramount’s AU$111 billion deal reigning supreme.
If completed the deal would see two of Hollywood’s most influential production houses combine to reshape the global film, streaming and television markets.
At the centre of the #blockthermerger initiative is a letter hosted on its official website urging regulators to hit pause on the transaction.
“This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries—and the audiences we serve—can least afford it,” the letter stated.
“The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world.
“Increasingly, a small number of powerful entities determine what gets made—and on what terms—leaving creators and independent businesses with fewer viable paths to sustain their work.
“We 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. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised.
“Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. 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.”
Paramount responded by stating that it understood the concerns of “some in our creative community”, and that it is committed to “protecting and expanding creativity”.
In a statement, Paramount added: “This transaction uniquely brings together complementary strengths to create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale—while strengthening competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent.
“We have been clear in our commitments to do just that: increasing output to a minimum of 30 high-quality feature films annually with full theatrical releases, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership —ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer.”
