Iowa AG Brenna Bird is threatening to sue California over its opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, citing potential benefits for consumers and the industry.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced in an op-ed that she intends to sue California for its role in leading a multi-state lawsuit against the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Bird contends that California’s regulatory actions are driving up costs and that the dispute should be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. It remains unclear whether any formal legal filings have been submitted by Iowa.

Arguments for the Merger

Bird argues that a merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. would create a stronger competitor against market leaders like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. She claims the combined entity could generate $6 billion in savings for reinvestment and has committed to releasing at least 30 theatrical films annually. According to Bird, this would increase entertainment options, support small-town theaters, and provide more work for production crews.

Industry Uncertainty and Legal Standoff

The Attorney General asserts that the current legal uncertainty is harming the industry, preventing companies from green-lighting films or signing long-term contracts. In July, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state AGs sued to block the merger. While settlement talks were scheduled for Monday, Bonta canceled the meeting, accusing Paramount of leaking information regarding the negotiations. Paramount has denied responsibility for the leaks, but Bonta maintains that no further talks are scheduled until the studio addresses the issue.