More than 1,000 Hollywood figures have signed a letter opposing the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the April 13 letter, the group of actors, directors, and industry professionals argued that the acquisition “would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape,” reducing competition at a time when they say the industry “can least afford it.” The group said such consolidation would lead to fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across productions, higher costs, and less content choice for global audiences.

The signatories said that if completed, the merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four. They stated that ongoing consolidation had already contributed to a decline in mid-budget and independent films, along with a narrowing of storytelling diversity as decision-making has become concentrated among a small number of powerful companies.

Among the signatories were filmmaker Adam McKay and actors including Ben Stiller, Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Nixon, Glenn Close, and Jane Fonda.

The proposed $110 billion transaction—among the largest media deals in history—was agreed to in February. It awaits a shareholder vote and regulatory approval. A competing bid from Netflix ultimately fell short during negotiations.

The deal follows a broader wave of consolidation in Hollywood, including The Walt Disney Company’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox for $71.3 billion.

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has said the combined company would continue operating Paramount and Warner Bros. as separate film studios while aiming to release about 30 theatrical films annually. However, Paramount has also acknowledged that overlap between the two companies would likely result in substantial job cuts.

The April 13 letter also said that consolidation had weakened independent distribution channels, international sales opportunities, profit participation structures, and even proper credit attribution for creatives. According to the group, these changes have had a cascading economic impact on tens of thousands of workers across smaller production companies and related industries.

The signatories warned that approving additional large-scale mergers would deepen these challenges by further reducing competition and creative independence. They called for stronger regulatory oversight, arguing that both economic stability and cultural diversity depend on maintaining a more competitive media landscape.

The letter also praised California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general for reviewing potential legal action to block the deal.

In response to the letter, Paramount said on April 13 that the merger would expand—not restrict—creative opportunities. The company stated that combining complementary strengths would allow more projects to be greenlit, greater support for talent, and a wider global reach for storytelling.

The Epoch Times reached out to Warner Bros. for comment on the letter but did not hear back by publication time.

In March, the Department of Justice refuted claims that Paramount would have an easier road to regulatory approval partially because Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, has a close connection with President Donald Trump.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.