UK Urged to Block Paramount-WBD Merger, Backed by Cumberbatch and Co.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming and Benedict Wong co-authored a Guardian op-ed urging UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to intervene and block Paramount’s $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the consolidation would harm the UK screen industry and threaten news diversity by concentrating outlets like 5 News, CNN International, and CBS News. The European Union has cleared the deal, but the UK is reviewing it with a decision due after Parliament returns from summer break; the merger could close without UK clearance due to a non-suspensory regime, though Paramount says it will respect the British process.