SAG-AFTRA Board Adopts Resolution Opposing Paramount-WBD Deal But Stops Short Of Joining WGA Lawsuit
News Source
β’Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:03:35 +0000
π° What Happened
SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, has passed a resolution opposing the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. But the union stopped short of joining the Writers Guild of America in their lawsuit to block the deal. The resolution is largely symbolic but puts the union on record against the merger unless there are guarantees about production levels.
Union leaders Sean Astin and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the merger should not go ahead unless there are 'enforceable safeguards' to stop the studios from cutting production. They also want guarantees that more shows and movies will be made in the USA. The WGA and a group of states have already filed antitrust lawsuits to block the deal.
π The Backstory
The Paramount-WBD merger would combine two of Hollywood's biggest studios. It was announced after years of financial struggles at both companies. Many in the industry worry it would reduce competition and lead to fewer shows being made. Actors and writers are especially worried because fewer productions mean fewer jobs.
SAG-AFTRA and the WGA worked together during the 2023 strikes that shut down Hollywood for months. Since then, both unions have been watchful of studio consolidation. Benedict Cumberbatch recently called the merger a 'calamity that must be blocked'. The US Department of Justice is also reviewing the deal for antitrust concerns.
π― Why It Matters
If big studios keep merging, there are fewer people making decisions about what TV shows and movies get made. This means less variety and fewer jobs for the actors and writers who create your favourite entertainment.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, has passed a resolution opposing the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. But the union stopped short of joining the Writers Guild of America in their lawsuit to block the deal. The resolution is largely symbolic but puts the union on record against the merger unless there are guarantees about production levels.
Union leaders Sean Astin and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the merger should not go ahead unless there are 'enforceable safeguards' to stop the studios from cutting production. They also want guarantees that more shows and movies will be made in the USA. The WGA and a group of states have already filed antitrust lawsuits to block the deal.
The Paramount-WBD merger would combine two of Hollywood's biggest studios. It was announced after years of financial struggles at both companies. Many in the industry worry it would reduce competition and lead to fewer shows being made. Actors and writers are especially worried because fewer productions mean fewer jobs.
SAG-AFTRA and the WGA worked together during the 2023 strikes that shut down Hollywood for months. Since then, both unions have been watchful of studio consolidation. Benedict Cumberbatch recently called the merger a 'calamity that must be blocked'. The US Department of Justice is also reviewing the deal for antitrust concerns.
If big studios keep merging, there are fewer people making decisions about what TV shows and movies get made. This means less variety and fewer jobs for the actors and writers who create your favourite entertainment.