Annnnd Scene

A new media giant premiered yesterday as Paramount’s $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery officially wrapped.

The newly-formed Skydance combines Warner Bros., HBO Max, CNN, and franchises like Harry Potter and the DC Universe (see every show and movie included in the deal). Paramount CEO David Ellison called it a “historic day” for the industry, saying the company has the resources to “tell great stories” across genre and platform.

Since Paramount outbid Netflix in February, the deal’s gotten mixed reviews. While some filmmakers prefer Paramount over the streamer, 4,000+ Hollywood signatories warned that consolidating studios means fewer jobs for creatives and fewer movies for audiences. As part of a 12-state antitrust lawsuit settlement, Skydance will release 30+ films annually.

On the news beat, CNN’s chief is staying on and expressed confidence that Skydance will protect its newsroom from political interference.

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Verse to consider whether you’re making deals, making friends, or making PB&Js…
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 (CSB) (read full passage)