Paramount

California AG says court order refutes anti‑Trump claims

Attorney General Rob Bonta responded to a federal judge's temporary restraining order that paused the Paramount‑Warner Bros. merger, saying the decision disproves accusations that the states' antitrust lawsuit is politically motivated against former President Trump. The order, granted at the request of twelve state attorneys general, cites compelling evidence that the combined company would dominate the wide‑release theatrical distribution market. Bonta emphasized that political grievances have no place in court and noted that critics had framed the suit as “anti‑Trump” and “anti‑Ellison.” A Paramount spokesperson has not commented.

TheWrap

Josh Lucas joins Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in Discretion

Actor Josh Lucas has been added to the Paramount+ legal drama series "Discretion," where he will appear alongside Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. The series, based on Chandler Baker's short story of the same name, received a straight-to-series order in October 2025 and is slated for an eight‑episode run. The show continues to build its high‑profile cast as production moves forward under Paramount+'s original content slate. Further details about plot and release timing have not yet been disclosed.

Variety

Hollywood Merger Stalls Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

A major Hollywood merger is caught in a period of regulatory uncertainty as British lawmakers take a summer break. With the House of Commons in recess, no formal decision has been made by the UK Culture Secretary on whether to intervene in the proposed $110 billion deal. This pause could extend the approval process for several weeks until Parliament reconvenes. The delay highlights the complexities of cross-border mergers and the influence of political schedules on corporate decisions.

Deadline

Court Denies Subscribers' Request to Block Merger

Paramount+ subscribers were unsuccessful in their attempt to block the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery on Thursday. The plaintiffs, who filed a lawsuit in April, argued that the merger led to price increases and reduced viewing options. A coalition of states plans to refile their request on Friday. The case centers on consumer concerns over potential impacts from the corporate consolidation. Legal challenges continue as the situation evolves.

Variety