2 hrs ago
Mark Ruffalo Urges California AG to Reject Paramount-Warner Deal
Mark Ruffalo is asking California Attorney General Rob Bonta to stop a possible merger involving Paramount and Warner Bros.
Discovery.
He says the deal could hurt filmmakers and other people in the entertainment industry.
Ruffalo believes Bonta may accept a settlement instead of fighting to block the merger.
He asked people in the Bay Area to protest outside Bonta’s office in Oakland.
A group called Block the Merger is also urging state attorneys general to reject the deal.
The group says more than 75,000 people have signed its petition.
The attorneys general and Paramount are reportedly discussing the deal before a federal antitrust trial.
Bonta’s office did not comment to Deadline.
Mark Ruffalo urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to reject a potential Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger deal.
Ruffalo accused Bonta of preparing to accept a settlement and urged Bay Area supporters to protest outside the attorney general’s Oakland office.
The attorneys general and Ellison-run Paramount are reportedly negotiating ahead of a federal antitrust trial scheduled for March 2, 2027.
Block the Merger said more than 75,000 people have signed a petition opposing concessions and calling for the merger to be blocked.
Bonta’s office did not respond to Deadline’s request for comment about the reported negotiations.
- Who
- Mark Ruffalo, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, other state attorneys general, Paramount, and opponents organized by Block the Merger.
- What
- State attorneys general are negotiating a potential settlement involving Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while Ruffalo and other opponents demand that the deal be rejected.
- Where
- The negotiations involve state attorneys general, including California’s; Ruffalo urged supporters to gather outside Bonta’s office in Oakland.
- When
- The calls for rejection were reported September 19, 2026; a federal antitrust trial is scheduled for March 2, 2027.
- Why
- Opponents say the merger could harm filmmakers and the entertainment industry and argue that it should be blocked without concessions.
Merger Opponents
Settlement Negotiators
Whether to accept a deal
Merger Opponents
Mark Ruffalo and Block the Merger urge Bonta and other state attorneys general to reject the settlement and fully block the merger.
Settlement Negotiators
The attorneys general and Paramount are reportedly negotiating a potential settlement, though the article does not state Paramount’s or the attorneys general’s detailed position.
Possible industry impact
Merger Opponents
Opponents say the merger could harm filmmakers and others in the entertainment industry and describe proposed concessions as insufficient.
Settlement Negotiators
Negotiators are pursuing talks ahead of the antitrust trial, but the article does not provide their public response to those criticisms.
Key facts
- Main advocate
- Mark Ruffalo
- California attorney general
- Rob Bonta
- Merger under discussion
- Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery
- Reported petition support
- More than 75,000 people, according to Block the Merger
- Filmmakers cited
- 5,670 filmmakers, according to Ruffalo’s post
- Federal antitrust trial
- Scheduled for March 2, 2027
- Office contacted for comment
- Bonta’s office did not respond to Deadline
Quotes
Mark Ruffalo
Actor and opponent of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
“Don’t you dare @AGRobBonta, do not cave. 5670 film makers put their necks on the line for you to fight this merger. Another 75,000+ and counting have signed to tell you not to concede in just 3 weeks.”
deadline.com
“You work for the people — the very people who will be hurt if you let this lousy deal filled with empty promises go forward.”
deadline.com
Block the Merger
Coalition of entertainment industry figures and supporters opposing the merger
“We know a bad deal when we see one. AG Bonta and his fellow state AGs should reject this deal, stand strong, and fully block the merger with no concessions.”
deadline.com
Sources
Related news
California Cancels Paramount Settlement Meeting Over Warner Bros Merger
Paramount, California Officials Discuss Warner Bros Merger Settlement
Paramount-Warner Merger Settlement Talks Advance Amid Antitrust Lawsuit
Mark Ruffalo Attacks Oracle Ties Amid Paramount-Warner Merger
California May Seek Cable Sales Before Paramount-Warner Merger Approval
Paramount, California Begin Preliminary Talks Over Warner Bros. Deal
Paramount Settlement Talks Include California Commitment and Asset Sales
Why Working Capital Matters for Business Cash Flow and Valuation
Parents awarded $40 million after Uber held liable in death
