Writers Guild sues to block Paramount-WBD deal
July 15, 2026 12.56 Europe/London By Julian Clover


The Writers Guild of America has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the deal would reduce competition for writers and lower pay.

The action was filed by WGA West and WGA East in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The guilds allege the combination would violate US antitrust law by reducing competition in markets for episodic TV and streaming writing, overall television writing deals and screenwriting for major theatrical films.

The complaint says the merged company would have the ability and incentive to cut costs by suppressing writers’ wages and reducing output, leading to fewer employment opportunities.

The WGA action follows a separate lawsuit by 12 Democratic state attorneys general, led by California, seeking to block the deal. The states argue the transaction would reduce competition in theatrical film distribution and basic cable programming, with possible consequences for prices, consumer choice and employment in the entertainment industry.

According to the Associated Press, the states have also sought emergency relief to prevent the companies closing the transaction while the case is heard. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said the merger would lead to higher prices, fewer films and TV shows, and lower content quality.

Paramount has rejected the claims, arguing the combination would strengthen competition against larger streaming and technology platforms. AP reported that the company has said the merged group would expand opportunities for writers and maintain two distinct film studios, while committing to release at least 30 theatrical films a year.

The proposed acquisition is valued at nearly $111 billion including debt. It would bring together two of Hollywood’s remaining legacy studios and combine assets including Paramount+, CBS, Warner Bros., HBO Max and CNN.