Paramount and Warner Bros. Merger Gains Industry Backing

Regal Cinemas chief executive Eduardo Acuna publicly backed a proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Paramount streaming subscribers seeking to block the deal. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer also voiced support, arguing that uncertainty and delays hurt the industry and that a combined, better‑financed streamer would benefit content creators and distributors.

The $110 billion transaction cleared initial regulatory review but faced an antitrust challenge in July when the Writers Guild of America and twelve state attorneys general sued. A judge initially sided with the plaintiffs, and a full trial is set for March. Critics have organized a petition with more than 5,000 signatures opposing the merger, citing fears of layoffs and market concentration. Industry leaders, including CEOs of AMC, Regal and TKO, have joined Acuna and Feltheimer in urging certainty for the deal.