Skydance Media CEO David Ellison (Shutterstock image)
Paramount CEO David Ellison Pledges Support for 45-Day Theatrical Window for WBD, Cites Planned 30-Movie Release Slate for Paramount
February 5, 2026
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison isn’t giving up on his dream of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for $108.4 billion in cash — despite being rejected eight times by the WBD board through January.
In an open letter to the U.K. creativity community and European media, Ellison echoed Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ pledge to honor Warner’s existing theatrical window for box office movies.
“Every film will receive a full theatrical release, with a minimum 45-day window globally before becoming available on paid video-on-demand (VOD), with the intention of 60-90 days or more to maximize the audience for our most successful releases,” Ellison wrote. “We will continue to adhere to the specific windowing commitments we have across the geographies we operate in.”
The executive disclosed that Paramount has upped its theatrical slate from eight releases to 15 since Skydance Media bought the company, with plans to release 30 titles annually.
In the first month of 2026, Paramount had two theatrical releases, the sci-fi thriller Primate and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
Paramount contends that its combination with WBD would strengthen the entertainment production community, while promoting competition and pro-consumer agendas.
“Both studios will continue to support a vibrant third-party ecosystem by licensing their films and shows across their own and third-party platforms, while remaining active buyers of content from third-party studios and independent producers,” Ellison wrote.
The executive’s charm offensive apparently did not include appearing before Congress this week to allay lawmakers’ antitrust concerns about Netflix or Paramount merging with WBD.
Ellison reportedly said he chose not to attend the hearing since Paramount does not have an accepted offer.
Paramount’s extended offer deadline for WBD expires on Feb. 20.