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Paramount has been threatening to leave California since July, when the state sued to block it from merging with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Attorney General Rob Bonta has called it “blackmail” meant to stop him from enforcing
antitrust law. But Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for one, is taking the threat seriously and is trying to do whatever she can to persuade the company to stay.
“We’ve heard the same information that everybody has,” said Steve Kang, the mayor’s film czar, on Wednesday. “We need to be prepared for every option to be available — whether it’s true or not.”
Paramount faces an Oct. 1 deadline to close its transaction or begin accruing a $7-million-a-day “ticking fee” owed to WBD shareholders. In recent days, the noise about a potential relocation has started to pick up with reports in Politico and TMZ that the company is taking affirmative steps toward a move.
Bass has already done most of what she can do, urging Bonta last month to come to the table and reach a deal.
Bonta’s office has repeatedly said that it is open to good faith talks, but has said it will only agree to a resolution that includes “robust structural remedies.” A court-supervised settlement conference has been set for Oct. 14-15.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bonta’s office said the threat to move out of California is nothing new.
“We cannot comment on a company’s plans,” the A.G.’s office said. “It’s no secret that Paramount has been making this threat, despite its alleged commitment to California and Hollywood. What Paramount decides to do is Paramount’s choice alone. We’ll continue to apply the law without fear or favor and continue to be open to coming to the table for good faith discussions.”
Paramount declined to comment.
Kang was appointed in 2025 to serve as Bass’ liaison to the film community. Asked what steps Bass could take, aside from pressuring Bonta, to get Paramount to stay, Kang cited her support for increased subsidies for production in California and in Washington, D.C.
“Creating a film-friendly environment is our first and foremost priority,” he said. “We’re hoping they don’t leave. We’re hoping all sides are speaking to one another. This is an issue between the attorney general and Paramount. All we can do is encourage discussions among all parties.”
