Paramount's Ellison Courts UK Creatives, Takes Aim at Netflix's "Monopolistic" Ambitions in Warner Bros. Discovery Bid

As the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) intensifies, Paramount Global CEO David Ellison has made a direct appeal to the UK's creative community, positioning his company as the guardian of artistic choice and market competition. The move comes amid growing skepticism about Paramount's ability to outmaneuver streaming giant Netflix in the pursuit of the prized media assets.

In a detailed open letter published Monday, Ellison committed to significant content investment, preserving the theatrical window, and safeguarding the HBO brand should Paramount succeed in acquiring WBD. The letter's most pointed remarks, however, were reserved for Netflix, which has expressed "high confidence" in securing its own $83 billion offer. Ellison suggested Netflix's vision would consolidate power, creating a "monopolistic or dominant entity" that could stifle competition and limit creative avenues.

"A marketplace that encourages the full spectrum of filmmaking is essential," Ellison wrote. "We are pro-competition, pro-creative community, and pro-consumer. This proposed combination is intended to strengthen competition by creating a more capable rival to the dominant platforms."

Netflix, for its part, has defended its proposal as "pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker, pro-creator and pro-growth," according to a UK spokesperson last week. The regulatory landscape in the UK and other jurisdictions is now a critical front in this corporate clash, with outcomes likely to reshape the global media hierarchy.

The letter underscores a strategic pivot for Ellison: with Paramount's bid facing headwinds, rallying influential creative professionals and framing the contest as a choice between a competitive duopoly and a streaming monopoly may be his strongest remaining card. Industry analysts note the UK's robust production sector and stringent regulatory environment make its stakeholders key allies in any major media merger.

Industry Voices React

Marcus Thorne, Independent Film Producer (London): "Ellison's commitments to theatrical windows and HBO's integrity are reassuring on paper. The creative community is exhausted by consolidation that promises 'synergy' but usually results in fewer greenlights and more homogenized content. A credible counterweight to Netflix is needed, but the proof will be in the funding and the freedom given to creators."

Elara Vance, Media Analyst at Brighton Strategic Insights: "This is a shrewd, if transparent, political maneuver. By invoking the 'monopolistic' boogeyman and appealing directly to creators, Ellison is attempting to shift the regulatory and narrative battlefield. The financial and operational hurdles for Paramount remain immense, but public sentiment can influence regulatory scrutiny."

Damien Holt, Screenwriter & Guild Advocate (Manchester): "Spare me the corporate poetry. This is a desperate Hail Mary from a CEO who's losing the bidding war. Both Paramount and Netflix are colossal entities answering to shareholders, not artists. 'Protecting storytelling' while chasing a mega-merger is laughably contradictory. The real fear isn't just one monopoly—it's that this entire consolidation frenzy is leaving genuine, risk-taking indie storytelling in the dust."

Priya Sharma, Head of Drama at a Major UK Studio: "The emphasis on theatrical experience and sustained investment resonates here. Our industry thrives on a mixed ecosystem. If Ellison's vision guarantees that mid-budget, filmmaker-driven projects still have a home alongside blockbusters, and that HBO's unique voice isn't diluted, it warrants serious consideration. The alternative—a single, algorithm-driven gatekeeper—is a genuine concern."

The full text of Ellison's letter, addressed to "the British creative community, fellow film lovers and television fans," elaborates on his personal passion for film and argues that uniting Paramount and WBD would create a "true champion for the creative community." As the deadline for improved offers looms, the war of words is set to escalate, with the future structure of Hollywood hanging in the balance.