California, New York, and other states are planning to sue Paramount to block its merger with Warner Bros. due to concerns over monopoly and industry harm. The lawsuit is expected to be filed soon, although specific complaints have not yet been disclosed. Paramount may face substantial daily penalties if the deal is not finalized by October. Critics, including Hollywood figures and politicians, have expressed opposition to the merger. Paramount’s representatives have controversially labeled opponents of the acquisition as holding 'antisemitic views.' The outcome of the anticipated lawsuit could delay the merger process.

US States Will Sue Paramount to Prevent Warner Bros. Merger

No one wants Paramount to get control of Warner Bros., so California and some other statres are doing something about it.

By Justin Carter Published June 6, 2026, 12:25 pm ET

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The ongoing Paramount/Warner Bros. merger may soon hit a snag due to an incoming lawsuit.

Per Reuters on Friday, California, New York, and other unnamed states have come together to prevent the merger. The suit is said to be filed “in the coming weeks,” so we currently don’t know what specific complaints will be made. However, Hollywood actors, theater owners, and US senators have previously criticized the acquisition for monopoly concerns and its harm to the industry. Paramount’s response, as of earlier this week, was to say anyone against this acquisition had “ antisemitic views.”

As Reuters notes, lawsuits don’t always succeed at blocking mergers, but they can impede progress. If Paramount doesn’t lock this down by October, it’s on the hook to pay shareholders a near-$6.9 million daily fee. Not a nice penalty, but analysts think the company can more easily get government approval compared to Netflix. In the past year, Paramount’s been openly trying to appease the Trump administration, often at the cost of angering staff and public that’s caught on to what it’s doing.

According to Reuters, the Department of Justice may reach a decision on Paramount acquiring Warner Bros. “soon,” so we’ll have more on the merger and lawsuit as news emerges.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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