Celebrities against the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros.

More than a thousand film and television stars and authors, including Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller and Kristen Stewart, have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that puts the interests of a small group of powerful actors ahead of the broader public good,” the letter, published by the New York Times on Monday, said.

"The integrity, independence and diversity of our industry would be seriously threatened. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is careful regulation and law enforcement," the stars added.

Paramount's Skydance announced in late February its intention to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, in a deal worth $111 billion, after a battle with Netflix over the assets.

Among the "prominent signatories" of the letter, which at the time of publication had been signed by more than 1.034 people, are Alyssa Milano, Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Nixon, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, Elliot Page, Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Yorgos Lanthimos...

"That's thousands and thousands of workers, electricians, drivers, decorators, builders, sound technicians, camera crews and caterers. They will all be affected," wrote "Watchmen" creator Damon Lindelof, explaining his decision to sign the open letter.