The CEO of Paramount Skydance pledges to produce films while seeking approval for the merger.
Tom Cruise praises the future of Paramount. Johnny Depp and James Cameron promote their upcoming films.
CEO of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison, promised theater owners that the company would release at least 30 films per year if regulatory authorities approve the acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery for $110 billion.
Ellison’s statement came after a video narrated by Tom Cruise, who praised Paramount as a studio where “epic storytelling meets a bold future.”
Cinema operators expressed skepticism about Ellison’s plan to increase film production and urged regulators to block the deal.
Paramount, 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 films will have a 45-day exclusive run in theaters, a decision applauded by the audience. Theater operators had pushed for a 45-day minimum run industry-wide.
“We will produce at least 30 films per year for both studios once we merge with Warner Bros,” Ellison assured a crowd at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
Earlier in the week, Cinema United’s CEO warned that the merger would harm the entertainment industry and consumers, citing past consolidations leading to reduced film production.
Ellison’s reassurances were met with a call for tangible commitments by Cinema United, emphasizing the need to secure the future of the global cinema operation industry.
Hollywood stars, including Jane Fonda, J.J. Abrams, and Mark Ruffalo, oppose the merger, stating concerns about reduced opportunities for creators, job losses, and increased costs for consumers.
Following Ellison’s address, Paramount showcased upcoming films with Johnny Depp promoting “Ebenezer” and James Cameron endorsing a 3D concert film by Billie Eilish, among others.
The video narrated by Cruise, known for “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible,” concludes with him sitting atop Paramount’s iconic water tower, Hollywood, 145 feet high.
“The future looks bright from up here,” Cruise remarked.
