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Ruffalo, Stoller Rally 5,000 Artists to Block Paramount-Warner Merger

5/8/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ruffalo Opposes Merger

Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller authored a New York Times op-ed urging artists to oppose the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger.
The open letter has attracted nearly 5,000 signatories, including 75 Oscar winners.
The letter asks state attorneys general to block the deal, warning it would reduce major U.S. film studios to four.
Reported retaliation includes Paramount pulling advertising from The Ankler and CNN refusing to host Ruffalo.

Summary

Ruffalo Blocks Merger

Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller met and say studios boost competition, enabling projects like I Know This Much Is True and Spotlight.
In a New York Times op-ed Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller urge state attorneys general to block the merger, note President Donald Trump’s enforcers not act, and warn of wider antitrust action.
Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller say consolidation enables cost-cutting that could further damage the creative ecosystem.

History

Historical Context

On May 18 1998 the U.S. Department of Justice and 20 states sued Microsoft, accusing the firm of monopolizing PC operating systems by bundling Internet Explorer with Windows. Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson’s rulings forced unbundling, illustrating how antitrust action can curb industry concentration. Actors Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller now cite that precedent while urging state attorneys general to block the Paramount-Warner merger.

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Ruffalo Opposes Merger

Mark Ruffalo and Matt Stoller authored a New York Times op-ed urging artists to oppose the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger.
The open letter has attracted nearly 5,000 signatories, including 75 Oscar winners.
The letter asks state attorneys general to block the deal, warning it would reduce major U.S. film studios to four.
Reported retaliation includes Paramount pulling advertising from The Ankler and CNN refusing to host Ruffalo.

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