In a letter also signed by Emma Thompson, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem, and Rose Byrne, among others, it is argued that the deal would harm the already struggling American entertainment industry. "This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a time when our industries—and the audiences we serve—can least afford it," they stated. Paramount responded by pledging commitment to talent and "ensuring creators have more, not fewer, opportunities for their work." The deal appears to be the latest symptom of an entertainment industry still recovering from the pandemic's aftermath and the 2023 dual union strikes, as well as disruptions in major tech companies and shifts in consumer behavior. The merger of companies—valued at approximately $111 billion—would reduce the number of major American film studios to four, effectively decreasing both the number of people employed in studios and narrowing the pool of buyers and creators for film and TV content, the letter claims. Among other signatories expressing their "unequivocal opposition" to media consolidation are Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Glenn Close. The letter concludes with a call to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other regulators to block the deal. Damon Lindelof, co-creator of "Watchmen" and "Lost," a signatory with an overall deal at Warner Bros. Discovery, further voiced his opposition on social media. "Hollywood mergers mean fewer movies and fewer TV shows, which also means fewer jobs. When two legendary film lots are owned by the same company, the outcome is intuitive—one becomes a ghost town. I'm afraid. But I'm not a ghost. And the fight is already lost if it's never fought," he wrote. Paramount Skydance reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery at the end of February after Netflix withdrew from a months-long bidding war for the company.