Warner Bros. backs Paramount merger

The long-running saga of the Warner Bros. takeover has reached a critical milestone with shareholder approval of the Paramount Skydance bid.

If finalized, the merger would consolidate the major U.S. film studios from five down to four, creating a media behemoth with unprecedented market influence.

Paramount CEO David Ellison has pledged to make the combined studio an 'unstoppable force' amidst industry upheaval.

However, critics and prominent actors like Mark Ruffalo have warned that the consolidation could lead to fewer creative opportunities and reduced audience choice.