The CEO of Paramount Skydance is committed to producing films while seeking approval for the merger
Tom Cruise praises the future of Paramount
Johnny Depp and James Cameron promote their upcoming films
By Lisa Richwine
The CEO of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison, promised theater owners that the company will uphold its commitment to release at least 30 films per year if regulators approve the purchase of Warner Bros Discovery for $110 billion.
Ellison spoke after a video narrated by actor Tom Cruise, who praised Paramount as a studio where “epic storytelling meets a bold future.”
However, theater operators expressed skepticism about Ellison’s pledge to increase the number of films released by the two studios annually and urged regulators to block the deal.
Ellison assured thousands of owners and theater managers gathered at CinemaCon in Las Vegas that Paramount had already demonstrated its ability to increase film production. The company, born from the merger of Paramount Global and Skydance Media last August, plans to release 15 films this year, up from eight in 2025.
All these films will be exclusively shown in theaters for at least 45 days, Ellison stated, receiving applause from the audience. Theater operators have pushed for a minimum 45-day duration industry-wide.
“People can speculate all they want, but I’m here today to personally tell you that you can count on our full commitment,” he declared. “And we will prove we are sincere.”
Earlier in the week, the director of the professional association Cinema United warned at the convention that the Paramount and Warner Bros combination would be harmful to the entertainment industry and consumers.
“Unfortunately, history shows us that consolidation leads to a decrease in the number of films produced for theaters,” said Michael O’Leary, CEO of Cinema United.
After Ellison’s address at CinemaCon, O’Leary stated that the industry needed more than verbal promises to address its concerns.
“We remain open to tangible commitments that will ensure the vitality of the global cinema operation industry for years to come,” he said.
Hollywood’s biggest stars also oppose the merger. Jane Fonda, J.J. Abrams, and Mark Ruffalo are among some 3,500 signatories of a letter stating that the merger would lead to decreased opportunities for creators, job losses, and increased costs for consumers.
Following Ellison’s remarks, Paramount hosted a glittering preview of its upcoming films. Johnny Depp was brought in to promote the film “Ebenezer,” and director James Cameron to promote the 3D concert film of Billie Eilish, among others.
The video narrated by Cruise, known for his roles in “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible,” ends with a scene where the actor sits atop the Paramount water tower in Hollywood, 145 feet high.
“The future looks pretty good from here,” Cruise said.
