The proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery would mark one of the biggest consolidations of entertainment assets under a single media company in Hollywood history. Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, along with more than 1,000 other names from the film industry, signed an open letter condemning the deal. In his latest tweet, Ruffalo responded to a report of the merger making “great progress” and inching closer to completion.
Ruffalo not willing to lose hope as reports claim Paramount-Warner Bros deal progressing fast
Paramount executives reportedly told investors during the company’s earnings call that the deal with Warner Bros. Discovery was making “great progress” and remained on pace for a late Q3 2026 closing. The recent developments come after shareholders in Warner Bros. Discovery approved the $110 billion merger last month.
“We really view our pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery as a powerful accelerant to our strategy,” said Chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison. He reportedly has plans to release 30 films per year in theaters.
“It expands reach and enhances our ability to create the world’s most compelling stories and experiences, and it positions us really well to build a next-generation media and technology company,” he further added. However, Ruffalo is determined to throw a wrench into their plans, claiming that artists like him are also making “great progress” in blocking the merger.
“Not so fast! We are making great progress on blocking this merger,” Ruffalo stated on X. Currently, the deal awaits clearance from regulators in the United States and internationally before it can be finalized.
However, the merger has sparked massive concerns in Hollywood. The open letter, signed by several industry bigwigs, stated that the merger would place even more control over film and television projects in the hands of a small number of media giants, potentially limiting opportunities for creators and leading to job cuts across Hollywood. If finalized, the deal would reduce the number of major studios in the industry to just four.
“Media consolidation has accelerated the disappearance of the mid-budget film, the erosion of independent distribution, the collapse of the international sales market, the elimination of meaningful profit participation, and the weakening of screen credit integrity,” the letter stated.
“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,” it further added.
Ruffalo, along with his contemporaries in the industry, is concerned about layoffs, canceled projects, and risks to creative independence as one of the biggest consolidations in the entertainment industry’s history moves closer to completion.
