Cinema United urges California AG and Paramount to negotiate antitrust settlement

Cinema United President Michael O'Leary and board chair Mike Bowers said on Tuesday that the trade group had changed its position in California's federal antitrust case concerning Paramount-Skydance's $110 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. They urged Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount chief David Ellison to start settlement negotiations, arguing that prolonged uncertainty threatens box-office momentum and the broader entertainment sector.

"For many in our industry, the current environment is marked by disruption and uncertainty. That is why we believe that it is incumbent upon both of you to meet in good faith to discuss a resolution that would provide robust protections and serve the entire industry," the executives said.

In a statement, a Cinema United spokesperson said the group still worries about consolidation but sees talks as the next step to secure protections for theaters and moviegoers. The organization, which represents about 30,000 U.S. screens, had previously backed a coalition of 12 states seeking to block the merger and had called for safeguards such as maintaining wide theatrical releases, preserving exclusive windows, and preventing higher rental terms.

Attorney General Bonta reiterated his office's view that the proposed transaction violates antitrust law and could lead to job losses, wage cuts, and higher consumer prices. Paramount, meanwhile, argued that delaying the deal would harm entertainment workers already affected by technological disruption.

The call for negotiations coincides with a rise in domestic box-office receipts, which reached $6.8 billion, roughly 20 % above the same period in 2025. Other major exhibitors, including AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark, have also expressed support for an expedited resolution.