Paramount Skydance is looking to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery soon, and they already have an offer, which is apparently in the best interest of the latter. However, if WB ends up getting swallowed by its rival company, is there a possibility that David Corenswet gets stripped of his Superman title? Let’s take a look.
Variety recently reported that Paramount has a blacklist with the names of stars who continue to support Palestine amidst what’s going on in the Middle East. As per the report, Paramount has a “list of talent it will not work with“, including those who appear to be “xenophobic“, “homophobic“, and “overly antisemitic.”
Apparently, actors like Javier Bardem, Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Andrew Garfield, and more, who have signed the Film Workers Pledge to End Complicity, will no longer have the chance to collaborate with Paramount.
According to the pledge, hundreds of celebrities have sworn not to “screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions—including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies—that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
Coming to why Corenswet may be in danger of getting replaced, recent reports claimed that the Superman actor had signed this pledge, along with the others. This would mean that if Warner Bros were to be acquired by Paramount, Corenswet’s job may be at risk. However, how much truth is really in the report? Did he really sign a pledge boycotting Israeli film institutions?
Did David Corenswet Really Sign a Pledge to Boycott Israeli Institutions?
First of all, reports claiming the above went absolutely viral on social media. Everyone was talking about it. While some applauded Corenswet for the move, others were not so happy learning about the actor’s apparent stance on the matter.
David Corenswet signed petition boycotting Israeli film institutions involved in g*nocide and apartheid against Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/MH0OhIpNtl
Now, it has been revealed that Corenswet has signed no such pledge. Film Workers for Palestine clarified the situation, revealing the truth. They added that despite a “stringent verification process“, it slipped through the cracks, causing confusion among people.
We would like to correct the record that David Corenswet did not sign the Film Worker Pledge to End Complicity. We have a stringent verification process but this one slipped through the cracks. We apologize for the confusion.
A popular pro-Palestine account on Instagram had previously reposted the report. Film Workers reached out to the account with their clarification and added that a “troll went to great lengths to be David Corenswet in correspondence” and that his “name has now been removed from the pledge.” The original post was soon deleted.
A post shared by @celebrities4palestine
So, no. Corenswet will not have to worry about getting replaced if Warner Bros gets acquired by Paramount. Speaking of the business deal, let’s take a look at what has been going on behind the scenes of the two companies.
Paramount-Warner Bros Negotiations Could Turn Hostile Soon
According to CNBC, Paramount Skydance has told WBD that the $23.50 per share acquisition offer “delivers superior value” for WBD shareholders, as compared to any plans they may have for breaking up the company.
So far, WBD has rejected three offers from Paramount. The $23.50 offer consisted of 80% and 20% equity. Reportedly, Paramount is waiting for WBD to engage in friendly sale discussions.
However, if the company takes its time in coming to a conclusion or goes ahead with a completely different plan, people familiar with the company’s thinking state that things could turn hostile for everyone involved. Apparently, Paramount has discussed the possibility of going to the shareholders directly with their offer, formalizing a hostile bid for WBD.
Via the hostile bid, Paramount may argue that its offer is more lucrative when compared to WBD’s closing price on September 10. The company closed at $12.54 per share back then, meaning that Paramount’s offer is already 87% higher than the share price.
Meanwhile, the sources claim that WBD wants Paramount to sign an NDA that includes a standstill provision, preventing them from launching a hostile tender offer in return for access to its data room. So far, Paramount has signed no such NDA and is keeping its options open.
On the other hand, the WGA has called the possibility of the sale going through “a disaster for writers, for consumers, and for competition.” They vow to work with regulators and block the merger (via Variety).
Do share your thoughts on the battle between the two companies in the comments section below!
