Ruffalo urges AG to block Paramount deal that spark Warner‑Bros merger

**Mark Ruffalo Urges California Attorney General to Reject Paramount Settlement Amid Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Talks**

Mark Ruffalo has written a passionate letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging the state not to settle its antitrust lawsuit against Paramount Pictures. The lawsuit concerns Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could reshape the Hollywood landscape.

In his letter, Ruffalo stresses that the outcome could have lasting effects on California’s film industry.

Ruffalo cited numbers from the industry, saying that 5,670 filmmakers have already signed petitions urging the AG to oppose the merger. He added that over 75,000 others are waiting to add their names within three weeks. The letter warns that Bonta’s constituents could be harmed if the deal “filled with empty promises” is approved.

The conflict has escalated beyond the AG’s office. Internal discussions in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and California Attorney General’s Office suggested Paramount would announce it was leaving California on Tuesday, a move that has not yet materialized. The announcement remains pending as negotiations continue without resolution.

## What Happened

Ruffalo’s appeal is part of a larger campaign by industry stakeholders to influence the lawsuit’s direction. He called on the AG to refuse a settlement with Paramount, arguing that it would undermine antitrust protections. The letter also highlighted the collective voice of thousands of filmmakers who fear negative consequences.

Ruffalo addressed his letter to Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging him not to compromise on antitrust protections. He warned that settling could open the door for further consolidation in Hollywood.

## Background & Context

The lawsuit was filed by California to block Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, . Negotiations between California state and local officials and Paramount have been ongoing, but no agreement has been reached.

In parallel, reports from the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office indicated that Paramount might announce its departure from California. This potential exit is tied to the lawsuit’s outcome and could affect the state’s role as a film production hub.

If Paramount leaves California, it would mean losing a major studio that employs thousands of local crew and supports the state’s tax incentives.

Ruffalo’s letter underscores the stakes for California, which has long been a cornerstone of Hollywood. By mobilizing industry voices, he aims to preserve the competitive environment that fosters creative diversity.

The outcome of this legal battle will likely influence not only Paramount’s merger but also the broader regulatory landscape for media consolidation.

The lawsuit remains unresolved, and the fate of Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery continues to hinge on the decisions made by California officials and industry advocates like Ruffalo.