Actor Mark Ruffalo has criticised the Paramount-Warner Bros merger, claiming that it would stifle creativity.

Hollywood’s megadeal has cleared its last obstacle after a federal judge approved Paramount’s settlement with 12 states on Wednesday. The states, led by California, sued to block the deal, citing media consolidation.

Ruffalo took to social media to express his disappointment over the merger.

“This merger will stifle creativity, weaken free speech, and cost people their jobs; it is a bad deal for this country and should never have been approved, Ruffalo said.

The MCU actor added that the grassroots movement will not fade away and the fight will go on.

“This was never about just one merger: this was about fighting back against corrupt oligarch billionaires trampling the interests of everyday people to line their own pockets. We’re still in that fight. Join us,” Ruffalo added.

Mark Ruffalo has been one of the most vocal opponents of Paramount’s USD 110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.

Previously, Paramount had accused the actor of antisemitism for linking Paramount CEO David Ellison’s family’s business ties with the Israeli military.

Under the new settlement approved Wednesday, the combined company must release at least 30 theatrical films a year.

It also includes creating an ‘editorial independent board’ to ensure the independence of the two news networks, CNN and CBS.

What Worries Hollywood About the Deal

The merger is considered one of the most important takeovers in Hollywood. It has faced scrutiny over fears of media consolidation and job losses.

Critics worry that a large share of US media will now sit under one company, led by David Ellison, son of Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle.

The billionaire is a well-known supporter of the current Trump Administration and also has close relations with the Israeli military.

It is also important to note that David himself acquired Paramount through another controversial merger last year.

According to Deadline, the merger is expected to take place on October 6.