Why It Matters
Cinema United’s decision to hire Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca LLP marks a strategic escalation for the theater industry trade group in opposing a potential Warner Bros. acquisition by Netflix or Paramount. The organization, which has lobbied since 2003 and spent $3.6 million on advocacy, is now adding specialized antitrust expertise at a crucial moment.
Congress is actively engaged—the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee held a hearing examining the competitive impact of a Netflix-Warner Bros. transaction, and senators from both parties, including Tim Scott (R-SC), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), have publicly opposed the deal.
By the Numbers
Cinema United has filed 156 disclosures since 2003, spending $3.6 million primarily through Mercury Strategies LLC and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, which received the highest fees at $1.11 million for COVID-19 relief advocacy.
The new engagement with Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, filed in April 2024, designates Joseph W. Van Wye as the lobbyist. Van Wye brings antitrust expertise, having previously represented Cinema United on opposing the Warner Bros. acquisition and The OrthoForum on healthcare consolidation issues.
The Agenda
Cinema United, representing movie theater owners, has hired the specialized firm to oppose an acquisition of Warner Bros. by either Netflix or Paramount. This signals a focused push against media consolidation that threatens the theatrical business model.
Broader Context
The theatrical exhibition industry faces severe headwinds. The 2025 box office fell 20 percent short of pre-pandemic levels, while theatrical windows collapsed from 64 days in 2022 to 32 days in 2025. A streaming giant controlling major studios could further compress these windows and accelerate revenue erosion for theaters.
The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 (S.130) would strengthen antitrust standards for merger review, potentially influencing regulatory outcomes. The Senate Commerce Committee also held a hearing examining monopolistic practices in live entertainment, broadening congressional focus on entertainment industry consolidation.
Between The Lines
Congressional opposition is vocal and sustained. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on February 3, 2026 saw lawmakers from both parties raise concerns about reduced competition. Sen. Warren labeled it an "anti-monopoly nightmare," while Sen. Scott warned it could threaten brick-and-mortar theaters.
Competitive Landscape
Cinema United isn’t alone in mobilizing against the deal. The Writers Guild of America, Teamsters Motion Picture Division, and International Documentary Association have all expressed opposition. Meanwhile, Paramount Global, a potential acquirer, is actively lobbying on merger-related issues.
Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca brings deep consolidation expertise, recently representing the Writers Guild of America, West on entertainment antitrust issues.
The Bottom Line
Cinema United is positioning itself to influence regulatory and legislative outcomes on one of the largest potential media mergers in recent history. With Congress actively engaged and bipartisan concern evident, the theater industry group’s specialized antitrust expertise could prove crucial in shaping the deal’s fate.
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