Mark Ruffalo thinks he’s ‘already on a list’ of banned actors for opposing Paramount-WB merger
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Mark Ruffalo is once again speaking out against the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger.
During a recent appearance on the 'I’ve Had It' podcast, the actor claimed that his outspoken criticism of the deal has left him cornered in Hollywood and could land him on what he described as Paramount-Skydance’s banned actors list. Indirectly, he also spoke about cancel culture in Hollywood.
According to Ruffalo, his vocal opposition to the studio’s acquisition of Warner Bros. has already created tension within the industry. The actor suggested that many people in Hollywood were initially hesitant to publicly push back against the merger, fearing possible consequences for speaking out.
Mark Ruffalo says Paramount merger fight got him ‘on the list’
The 'Avengers' actor explained that he chose to speak out because, in his view, remaining silent would not protect him from the consequences anyway. “And I know no matter what, if I don’t speak out, it’s the same outcome."
"I’m already on a list. I’m already not a friend of these people. And so you’re either going to fight, or you’re going to lie down. But the same outcome will be if you don’t (fight), if you lay down. That’s the way it is with every bully in the world,” Ruffalo said.
He also discussed the open letter he wrote condemning the Paramount-Warner Bros merger. According to the actor, many Hollywood figures were initially hesitant to support the statement publicly out of fear of retaliation.
“A lot of people, off the bat, were afraid to sign it." He added, “They’re afraid because, to quote one prominent agent whose name I won’t divulge here, these are some vindictive, the Ellisons.”
The actor said the letter was meant to send a message that opposition to the merger exists throughout Hollywood, even among people who may not feel comfortable speaking publicly.
Ruffalo also referenced the Disney-Fox merger while explaining why he believes the industry should be cautious about another major studio consolidation. “We lost so many jobs, we lost so many shows, we lost so many films that were in production or in pre-production or being developed, and we know the writing’s on the wall,” he added.
Mark Ruffalo claims Hollywood fears Paramount merger backlash
Mark Ruffalo released an open letter against the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger in April. In May, he also wrote an op-ed for The New York Times, asking people in Hollywood to speak out against Paramount Skydance’s plans for Warner Bros.
In the article, Ruffalo said many actors and filmmakers were scared to publicly oppose the merger because they feared backlash from powerful people in the industry.
“The most revealing thing about that letter wasn’t the people who signed. It was the people who didn’t. Not because they disagreed, because they were afraid,” Ruffalo wrote.
The 'Hulk' actor said many artists privately agreed with him but stayed silent because they were afraid of being pushed aside in Hollywood or facing cancel culture.
