Michael O'Leary, chief executive of exhibitors' body Cinema United, has publicly renewed his opposition to Paramount Skydance's proposed merger with Warner Bros., backing legal action from state Attorneys General that has temporarily halted the deal. In a letter to theatre owners, he warned the tie-up would mean fewer films, higher costs for cinemas and patrons, and ultimately fewer theatres, dismissing Paramount's public assurances about supporting theatrical releases as vague and unenforceable.

O'Leary said he had submitted a sworn declaration backing the states' successful bid for a temporary restraining order, and questioned Paramount's pledge to release 30 films a year post-merger, far above any rival studio's output, given the combined firm's $80 billion debt load. He detailed a breakdown in talks: Cinema United's request to meet Paramount at CinemaCon was declined, a June meeting in Washington followed, and a list of concerns sent on 1 July went unanswered. Paramount disputed this account, saying it offered enforceable commitments before Cinema United's lawyers raised unrelated new demands.