A banner-towing aircraft made passes over Paramount Pictures’ lot on Thursday as multiple groups gathered to protest and debate the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The plane’s banner contained a message directed at Paramount CEO David Ellison, though the identity of those responsible for the stunt remains unclear.
The aerial protest coincided with planned activism at the studio’s gates. A group calling itself Neighbors for Strong Communities convened a press conference to discuss potential consequences should Paramount relocate from California. Separately, the Block the Merger coalition assembled speakers to voice support for state attorneys general pursuing an antitrust lawsuit challenging the deal. Coalition participants included actress and writer Elyssa Phillips, Free Press co-CEO Jessica J. González, and Burbank City Council members Konstantine Anthony and Nikki Perez. The Block the Merger campaign stated it had no involvement with the aircraft banner.
The $111 billion merger has faced significant legal obstacles. A 12-state antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta is scheduled for trial in March 2027, with settlement negotiations still possible. Ellison has indicated the company will incur a $7 million daily penalty to Warner Bros. investors if the transaction does not close by Oct. 1.
Concern about the merger has extended beyond market competition issues. Critics have raised questions regarding potential editorial influence over CNN, which would fall under Paramount’s control in the combined entity. Ellison has publicly committed to maintaining CNN’s editorial independence. A shareholder lawsuit filed earlier this summer alleged the Ellisons made commitments to the Trump administration regarding the merger, claims that Paramount representatives have denied. Ellison has stated the antitrust challenge centers on trust in his stewardship rather than market concentration.
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