George Clooney Defends Mark Ruffalo’s ‘Ability to Speak Freely’ About Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal and Doesn’t See How the Merger ‘Financially Ends Up Making Sense’

George Clooney arrived at the Venice Film Festival to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. During a press conference, the actor and director criticized Pete Hegseth regarding a Canadian Cadet post. Clooney also expressed support for Mark Ruffalo's right to speak freely concerning the Paramount-Warner Bros merger. Furthermore, Clooney questioned the financial logic of the proposed deal between the two studios while reflecting on his career during the prestigious opening ceremony events in Italy.