Benedict Cumberbatch Calls Paramount-Warner Deal a Calamity That Must Be Stopped
Benedict Cumberbatch has joined a growing chorus of voices opposing Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, warning that this deal could significantly impact the future of British film, television, and media.
The actor, alongside fellow performers Alan Cumming and Benedict Wong, penned an opinion piece for The Guardian urging the UK government to intervene and block the suggested $111 billion merger. They argued that allowing this deal to proceed could jeopardize the creative industry and diminish competition in entertainment.
In their article, titled “A TV and cinema calamity could be disastrous for what you watch and what you know. Act now to stop that,” the actors called on Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to take action before the agreement is finalized.
The comments come after Nandy informed Parliament that she is considering whether to initiate a full public interest investigation into the takeover. A final decision is anticipated after Parliament reconvenes from its summer break in September.
Cumberbatch, Cumming, and Wong believe the merger could threaten thousands of jobs within the UK entertainment sector. They also expressed concerns about the concentration of media power that would result from the deal.
The merged entity would encompass major news outlets such as CNN International, CBS News, and 5 News. The actors contended that having so many significant news platforms under a single owner could lead to serious issues.
“One owner controlling this much of the news, and the truth, endangers the public in a way no ordinary consolidation does,” they wrote in The Guardian.
They also scrutinized comments allegedly made by Paramount CEO David Ellison, who reportedly told Donald Trump that he would implement major changes to CNN if the merger proceeded. The actors emphasized that political influence over a major international news organization should be thoroughly examined before any approval is granted.
“When the buyer of the world’s most trusted international news channel makes editorial promises to a politician, a British secretary of state is entitled – and, really, obliged – to ask questions before the ink dries,” the actors stated.
The group also cautioned that neglecting to investigate the merger could have lasting repercussions for British culture and entertainment. They asserted that blocking the deal could become one of the most significant decisions made by a culture secretary in years.
Paramount has defended its merger plans. According to The Guardian’s reporting, the company referenced an earlier statement from CEO David Ellison, who assured continued investment in content, support for theatrical releases, and protection for HBO.
The deal has already encountered challenges in other areas. Warner Bros. Discovery recently secured regulatory approval from the European Union, but the agreement has been postponed until 2027 or until legal disputes from various groups, including U.S. state officials and the Writers Guild of America, are resolved.
Actor Alan Cumming has also voiced his opposition to the merger. Earlier this month, he shared a video supporting a campaign called Block the Merger UK, urging people to contact government officials and regulators to demand a thorough review of the agreement.
As the Paramount-Warner deal continues to face scrutiny, Cumberbatch and his fellow actors are intensifying pressure on officials to consider the implications of the merger for the future of entertainment and news.
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