A California federal judge extended the temporary restraining order blocking Paramount Skydance’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery through August 17 to allow time for scheduling, hearings, and further legal arguments on whether a preliminary injunction should be issued. State attorneys general argue the roughly $111 billion merger would lessen competition across film, television, and distribution, while the Writers Guild of America has its own challenge against the deal. Paramount has requested a three-day evidentiary hearing to present its case, with ongoing discussions about the hearing format and timeline. The extension underscores continued antitrust scrutiny and potential delays to closing, depending on the court’s ruling on injunctions. The parties were ordered to meet to plot a path forward and submit a joint report by July 24, signaling an active but uncertain process.