Mark Harris
@markharris.bsky.social
Writer, husband, etc. Books: Pictures at a Revolution (2008), Five Came Back (2014), Mike Nichols: A Life (2021), Untitled gay cultural history (2026). Freelance: T, New York, etc. A long time ago: EW, Grantland, younger.
I hope that @warren.senate.gov, the @wgawest.bsky.social, the @wgaeast.bsky.social, and others who have rung alarm bells at the proposed Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. will treat this hostile takeover bid from Paramount as at least as much of a threat.
30+ movies a year. Wow. That's very impressive. This year Paramount released a grand total of 7, exactly one of which made the year's top 25 (while losing $), so there is zero reason to believe that the company has the means to more than quadruple its output. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
Paramount Promises To Release 30+ Films Annually If It Acquires Warner Bros: “We’re Going To Satisfy The Needs Of The Moviegoing Public”
Should Paramount succeed in acquiring Warner Bros, the combined studio will release more than 30 theatrical titles a year. This was Paramount CEO David Ellison’s promise during a phone presser followi...
deadline.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I hope that @warren.senate.gov, the @wgawest.bsky.social, the @wgaeast.bsky.social, and others who have rung alarm bells at the proposed Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. will treat this hostile takeover bid from Paramount as at least as much of a threat.
30+ movies a year. Wow. That's very impressive. This year Paramount released a grand total of 7, exactly one of which made the year's top 25 (while losing $), so there is zero reason to believe that the company has the means to more than quadruple its output. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
Paramount Promises To Release 30+ Films Annually If It Acquires Warner Bros: “We’re Going To Satisfy The Needs Of The Moviegoing Public”
Should Paramount succeed in acquiring Warner Bros, the combined studio will release more than 30 theatrical titles a year. This was Paramount CEO David Ellison’s promise during a phone presser followi...
deadline.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:56 PM
30+ movies a year. Wow. That's very impressive. This year Paramount released a grand total of 7, exactly one of which made the year's top 25 (while losing $), so there is zero reason to believe that the company has the means to more than quadruple its output. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
Yeah, I agree with this. Writers need to get paid; people subscribing to publications and websites is how that happens. And writers need to get work, so we share what we do in an attempt to try interest people. No apologies for that.
FYI this is an immediate block. You’re under no obligation to pay for my or anyone else’s work, but you won’t come onto my feed to complain about us earning a living.
December 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Yeah, I agree with this. Writers need to get paid; people subscribing to publications and websites is how that happens. And writers need to get work, so we share what we do in an attempt to try interest people. No apologies for that.
To sum up:
1. This will not "save" WB as a theatrical entity.
2. This would amount to handing over two studios to a right-wing tech billionaire.
3. The argument that this won't monopolize market share is true only bc Paramount does so badly it has no market share! www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/b...
1. This will not "save" WB as a theatrical entity.
2. This would amount to handing over two studios to a right-wing tech billionaire.
3. The argument that this won't monopolize market share is true only bc Paramount does so badly it has no market share! www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/b...
Paramount Makes Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:05 PM
To sum up:
1. This will not "save" WB as a theatrical entity.
2. This would amount to handing over two studios to a right-wing tech billionaire.
3. The argument that this won't monopolize market share is true only bc Paramount does so badly it has no market share! www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/b...
1. This will not "save" WB as a theatrical entity.
2. This would amount to handing over two studios to a right-wing tech billionaire.
3. The argument that this won't monopolize market share is true only bc Paramount does so badly it has no market share! www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/b...
Hamnet is a superb film that shouldn't need defending, but apparently it does, so I'll just say that I can't count the number of Oscar seasons in which a movie labeled as "soft" or "manipulative" is attacked bc it putatively threatens the chances of a NOT-soft film that is at least as manipulative.
December 8, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Hamnet is a superb film that shouldn't need defending, but apparently it does, so I'll just say that I can't count the number of Oscar seasons in which a movie labeled as "soft" or "manipulative" is attacked bc it putatively threatens the chances of a NOT-soft film that is at least as manipulative.
Sometimes when a sense of inevitability sets in during this early phase of awards season, Oscar voters get bored/irritated and go their own way. And sometimes, when a sense of inevitability sets in, it's exactly what it looks like. For me, a little too soon to tell which this is.
at this point the only play for Best Picture is to take the long odds on anything that’s not One Battle After Another
December 8, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Sometimes when a sense of inevitability sets in during this early phase of awards season, Oscar voters get bored/irritated and go their own way. And sometimes, when a sense of inevitability sets in, it's exactly what it looks like. For me, a little too soon to tell which this is.
Hey, look at that! I feel taller already.
✅ @markharris.bsky.social has been verified by @bsky.app.
December 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Hey, look at that! I feel taller already.
I can't believe Kiss and Stallone showed up for their Kennedy Center honors wearing rubber masks. Welcome to the resistance!
December 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I can't believe Kiss and Stallone showed up for their Kennedy Center honors wearing rubber masks. Welcome to the resistance!
"He complained of having persistent earwax. Three days later, he lay in a hospital bed near death. Doctors couldn't figure out why until one of them noticed the small cut on his thumb."
--the thing I will always read and always hate myself for reading
--the thing I will always read and always hate myself for reading
December 7, 2025 at 4:37 PM
"He complained of having persistent earwax. Three days later, he lay in a hospital bed near death. Doctors couldn't figure out why until one of them noticed the small cut on his thumb."
--the thing I will always read and always hate myself for reading
--the thing I will always read and always hate myself for reading
I'm just sending this wish up into the universe:
Chotiner and Sarandos.
Chotiner and Sarandos.
December 7, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I'm just sending this wish up into the universe:
Chotiner and Sarandos.
Chotiner and Sarandos.
One complicated thing about Netflix/WB is that Ted Sarandos, although he is the public face of antipathy to the theatrical experience, is not especially high on the list of those who've undermined and damaged it. I'd rank him 4th, after studios, theater owners, and people who quit going to movies.
December 6, 2025 at 11:50 PM
One complicated thing about Netflix/WB is that Ted Sarandos, although he is the public face of antipathy to the theatrical experience, is not especially high on the list of those who've undermined and damaged it. I'd rank him 4th, after studios, theater owners, and people who quit going to movies.
Someone please find and interview his son about that experience.
December 6, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Someone please find and interview his son about that experience.
To everyone who is pointing out that some states are already doing that: yes, thank you, I am aware, and while it is certainly better than nothing, it is also off the subject. A vacuum of national leadership is what we're discussing here.
I've been saying this for a year now: the Democrats have missed a gigantic political opportunity--and, at this point, have failed in an ethical obligation--to create a shadow-government health department that dispenses medically accurate information, guidance, and advice.
WATCH: A CDC panel voted to end the recommendation that newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine, despite a 99% drop in cases since in the 30 years since it was implemented. Chris Hayes and Brandy Zadrozny react. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6REM...
December 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
To everyone who is pointing out that some states are already doing that: yes, thank you, I am aware, and while it is certainly better than nothing, it is also off the subject. A vacuum of national leadership is what we're discussing here.
I've been saying this for a year now: the Democrats have missed a gigantic political opportunity--and, at this point, have failed in an ethical obligation--to create a shadow-government health department that dispenses medically accurate information, guidance, and advice.
WATCH: A CDC panel voted to end the recommendation that newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine, despite a 99% drop in cases since in the 30 years since it was implemented. Chris Hayes and Brandy Zadrozny react. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6REM...
CDC Panel ends recommendation for newborn hepatitis B shot
YouTube video by MS NOW
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:23 PM
I've been saying this for a year now: the Democrats have missed a gigantic political opportunity--and, at this point, have failed in an ethical obligation--to create a shadow-government health department that dispenses medically accurate information, guidance, and advice.
Adam is a terrific writer and reporter, wildly knowledgeable, and an ideal colleague. Variety, come closer so I can slap you.
The great axe of modern journalism has come for me: Today was my last day at Variety. Not my choice at all and I will miss my tremendous colleagues — and friends! — there enormously.
Just figuring out my next steps now. My DMs are open for any and all opportunities.
Just figuring out my next steps now. My DMs are open for any and all opportunities.
a drag queen is wearing a pink dress with dolls on it and gloves .
ALT: a drag queen is wearing a pink dress with dolls on it and gloves .
media.tenor.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Adam is a terrific writer and reporter, wildly knowledgeable, and an ideal colleague. Variety, come closer so I can slap you.
This...should have been two separate emails.
December 5, 2025 at 10:09 PM
This...should have been two separate emails.
I think the Netflix deal is ultimately better for movies and for WB than a Paramount deal (which I 100% believe would end WB) or a Comcast deal (which would take the two best-functioning studios in Hollywood and reduce them to one). I'm open to arguments, but "None of the above" isn't one.
December 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
I think the Netflix deal is ultimately better for movies and for WB than a Paramount deal (which I 100% believe would end WB) or a Comcast deal (which would take the two best-functioning studios in Hollywood and reduce them to one). I'm open to arguments, but "None of the above" isn't one.
Reposted by Mark Harris
Irrespective of their release pattern, Netflix in the last year produced or acquired among others Frankenstein, House of Dynamite, Train Dreams, Nouvelle Vague, Jay Kelly, KPop Demon Hunters; WB One Battle After Another, Sinners, Weapons, Mickey 17. Both blow Paramount away.
December 5, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Irrespective of their release pattern, Netflix in the last year produced or acquired among others Frankenstein, House of Dynamite, Train Dreams, Nouvelle Vague, Jay Kelly, KPop Demon Hunters; WB One Battle After Another, Sinners, Weapons, Mickey 17. Both blow Paramount away.
A lot of the people bemoaning Netflix's possible acquisition of WB are ignoring the fact that if WB goes to Paramount, it will be Disney buying Fox all over again--WB will become a "label" within Paramount and then simply disappear. Ellison hasn't shown he can run one studio. Don't give him two. >
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM
A lot of the people bemoaning Netflix's possible acquisition of WB are ignoring the fact that if WB goes to Paramount, it will be Disney buying Fox all over again--WB will become a "label" within Paramount and then simply disappear. Ellison hasn't shown he can run one studio. Don't give him two. >
So, my husband barely knows what Bluesky is, which is one reason I love him. And I can count the number of times he has asked me to post something on one hand with fingers to spare. That said, he asked me to share this...>
December 5, 2025 at 4:08 AM
So, my husband barely knows what Bluesky is, which is one reason I love him. And I can count the number of times he has asked me to post something on one hand with fingers to spare. That said, he asked me to share this...>
Supporting Supreme Court expansion is pretty close to a litmus test for me for a 2028 Democratic candidate.
December 5, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Supporting Supreme Court expansion is pretty close to a litmus test for me for a 2028 Democratic candidate.
I was on AFI's movie jury this year, and here's what we came up with. I love or like, uh, most of them!
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good
And a special award to It Was Just an Accident.
>>
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good
And a special award to It Was Just an Accident.
>>
December 4, 2025 at 8:28 PM
I was on AFI's movie jury this year, and here's what we came up with. I love or like, uh, most of them!
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good
And a special award to It Was Just an Accident.
>>
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good
And a special award to It Was Just an Accident.
>>
This letter is a clear attempt to get Trump angry enough to intervene, and is thus a pretty clear signal to the entertainment community of what kind of company Paramount plans to run. I know people dread a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.; this would be worse. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
Paramount Calls WBD Sale Process “Tilted And Unfair” In Letter To CEO David Zaslav
Paramount is calling foul on Warner Bros. Discovery sale process, accusing the company of running an unfair process that it thinks favors Netflix.
deadline.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This letter is a clear attempt to get Trump angry enough to intervene, and is thus a pretty clear signal to the entertainment community of what kind of company Paramount plans to run. I know people dread a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.; this would be worse. deadline.com/2025/12/para...
The pro shot version of Merrily We Roll Along with Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez hits theaters this weekend. I don't see any reviews, so maybe there's an embargo, in which case it would be completely inappropriate for me to say "Do not miss it."
December 4, 2025 at 5:34 AM
The pro shot version of Merrily We Roll Along with Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez hits theaters this weekend. I don't see any reviews, so maybe there's an embargo, in which case it would be completely inappropriate for me to say "Do not miss it."
Yesterday the President fell asleep, yet again, during a televised fake Cabinet meeting staged so that each of his courtiers could heap praise on him, praise for which he couldn't stay conscious. He woke up just long enough to spew racism. Why is this not being treated as an emergency? >
December 4, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Yesterday the President fell asleep, yet again, during a televised fake Cabinet meeting staged so that each of his courtiers could heap praise on him, praise for which he couldn't stay conscious. He woke up just long enough to spew racism. Why is this not being treated as an emergency? >