Brief
John Leguizamo urges David Ellison to put public interest ahead of profit in Paramount‑Warner deal
Leguizamo warned the new Skydance leadership that the merger must serve broader industry and public needs.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Actor John Leguizamo used his Critics Choice Association Career Achievement Award speech on Friday to press David Ellison, head of the newly formed Paramount‑Skydance, to consider the public interest in the pending Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery merger. "Come on, Dave. Do the right thing. Don’t just think of yourself and your pocket. Think of what Americans need and what the industry needs," he told Variety. Leguizamo noted that the merger terms already bar Paramount‑WBD from selling its California studio lots for at least five years, but argued that a five‑year expiration still leaves creators and workers uncertain. He recalled the open letter signed by more than 4,000 film and TV talent in April, which warned that the deal could compromise industry integrity, independence and diversity. Leguizamo concluded that the industry belongs in L.A. and must be rebuilt, not subtracted.
Key facts
- John Leguizamo addressed David Ellison at the Critics Choice Association’s 6th Annual Celebración of Cinema & Television. (variety.com)
- Leguizamo urged Ellison to consider what Americans need and the industry's needs in the Paramount‑Warner merger. (variety.com)
- The merger agreement prohibits selling Paramount Studios or Warner Bros. lots in California for at least five years. (variety.com)
- Over 4,000 film and TV stars signed an open letter in April opposing the merger, citing concerns about industry integrity and competition. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “John Leguizamo Has a Message for David Ellison: ‘Think of What Americans Need and What the Industry Needs’”
