Writers Guild files lawsuit to block Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) filed a complaint in U.S. district court in northern California on Tuesday seeking to block the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The union alleges the deal would create the largest buyer of original film and television programming in the United States, violating antitrust standards and reducing competition for writing contracts.

"If Paramount succeeds in buying Warner Bros., the merged firm will be the largest buyer of original film and television programming in the United States, eliminating vigorous competition from a major film and television studio that has operated for more than a century," the complaint states.

The WGA contends that the combined entity would control more than 30 percent of the market, exceeding the threshold the Supreme Court has deemed presumptively anticompetitive. Union data show the two studios together accounted for roughly 35 percent of film writing jobs and 36 percent of television writing projects in recent years.

The lawsuit argues the merger would suppress writers' compensation, limit employment opportunities, and reduce the diversity and volume of programming. It also warns that the $79 billion debt load assumed by the merged company could incentivize layoffs and fewer productions.

Paramount’s spokesperson responded that the transaction would bring "more development slates, more series and film greenlights" and reaffirmed a commitment to working with the guild under the renewed collective bargaining agreement. Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.

WGA President Michele Mulroney said the suit aligns with the guild’s longstanding opposition to industry consolidation and praised the state attorneys general who have also challenged the deal.

The filing follows a wave of legal actions by state regulators and adds to the broader debate over consolidation in the entertainment sector.