David Ellison spent much of the past week rolling out the new company name – Skydance – and management team for his long-sought-after Hollywood and media conglomerate that rolls up the assets of Paramount and Warner Bros.-Discovery. Many longtime execs at both Paramount and Warner Bros. will be departing, including the former Co-Chairs at Warner Bros. Film Studios Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, whose strategy included creating original IP and providing extensive support for new projects from well-known filmmakers. On the one hand, their approach paid off handsomely in 2025, with Warner Bros. releasing a string of major hits that included A MINECRAFT MOVIE, SINNERS, WEAPONS, and THE Best Picture winner ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. On the other hand, the downsides of this approach have been on display in 2026, with WB releasing a number of big budget box office disappointments including THE BRIDE!, SUPERGIRL, and DIGGER.
With the merged Skydance weighed down with $80 billion in debt, Ellison’s decision to move on from De Luca and Abdy would appear to be an indication of the intense need to prioritize profitability across the company, including in its film division. Ellison has underscored the value he sees in the film franchises that are controlled by the company’s two major studios, such as HARRY POTTER, DUNE, TOP GUN, and SUPERMAN. As for developing new franchises, Ellison appears to be targeting popular video game franchises like STREET FIGHTER and CALL OF DUTY. While Skydance may not turn away entirely from making original films, as seen by their 4-year film deal with the creators of STRANGER THINGS the Duffer Brothers, they are likely to dial back on the “risks” Warner Bros. took under its previous leadership.
