Mark Ruffalo blasts Paramount-Warner Bros. merger after judge clears $110B Hollywood deal

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1. 3h ago

   Judge clears $110B Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

   A federal judge approved a settlement with state attorneys general, removing the final legal hurdle for Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110 billion deal. The merger is expected to close on Tuesday, 6 October. Actor Mark Ruffalo has condemned the decision, calling the merger a "bad deal" and claiming it will cost people their jobs, weaken free speech, and stifle creativity. Ruffalo stated that the anti-merger movement will not "fade away" following the court's Wednesday ruling.

   Why it matters

   This acquisition represents a massive consolidation of the Hollywood media landscape. The deal faced antitrust scrutiny from 12 states before the recent settlement. The outcome affects industry employment and the volume of creative output from major studios.

   What is confirmed

   • A federal judge approved the settlement of an antitrust case involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
   • The acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount is valued at $110 billion.
   • The merger is expected to close on Tuesday, 6 October.
   • Mark Ruffalo described the merger as a "bad deal" that will "stifle creativity, weaken free speech, and cost people their jobs."
   • The settlement involved 12 states.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Paramount promised 30 movies a year to win Warner Bros.
   • Paramount may lose Miramax if the deal fails.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the merger closing on 6 October
   • Implementation of the settlement terms with state attorneys general
   Sources used for this update (27)

   1. Variety — Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Set to Close Next Week After Judge OKs Settlement With State AGs
   2. CNN — Paramount-Warner Bros. merger moves forward after judge approves settlement | CNN Business
   3. Deadline — Paramount-WBD Merger Is A Go As Judge Approves Legal Settlement, Last Hurdle To Close
   4. Reuters — US judge allows Paramount to close Warner Bros acquisition
   5. WSJ — Paramount Settlement of Antitrust Case Approved by Judge
   6. NBC News — Judge allows Paramount to close $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery
   7. Warner Bros. Discovery - Investor Relations — Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Announce Anticipated Closing Date of Paramount Merger
   8. foxbusiness.com — Mark Ruffalo blasts Paramount-Warner Bros. merger after judge clears $110B Hollywood deal
   9. yahoo.com — Mark Ruffalo Warns of Fallout From Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger: ‘A Bad Deal’
   10. qz.com — Judge approves Paramount's antitrust settlement, clearing Warner Bros. merger
   11. fastcompany.com — Paramount’s megamerger with Warner is set to close soon as judge approves settlement with 12 states
   12. Yahoo — Mark Ruffalo Says Paramount-Warner Merger Will ‘Stifle Creativity’ After Judge Clears Deal to Close
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