Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo have signed non-disclosure agreements with Paramount Global, according to reports, suggesting that the companies may be moving closer to a deal to buy the Hollywood studio.
Sony and Apollo are thought to have been in talks with Paramount for the past ten days, since the studio’s 30-day exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired. Non-disclosure agreements would allow Sony and Apollo to examine financial information about Paramount that is not publicly available.
According to the New York Times, however, Sony and Apollo have now backed away from the $26bn...
Sony and Apollo are thought to have been in talks with Paramount for the past ten days, since the studio’s 30-day exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired. Non-disclosure agreements would allow Sony and Apollo to examine financial information about Paramount that is not publicly available.
According to the New York Times, however, Sony and Apollo have now backed away from the $26bn...
- 5/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sony has signed an NDA with Paramount Global, a move that will give it access to the books and allow deal talks to move ahead, Deadline hears.
Sony and private equity giant Apollo kicked things off previously with a preliminary bid of $26 billion, but what’s being contemplated now is not that, but something narrower. A look at the books is necessary to move forward in any case.
The non-disclosure agreement comes two weeks after a Paramount’s month-long exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance ended with no deal but the indie studio still hanging in, still interested.
After a few weeks passed with no Sony NDA, there’s was speculation its interest was waning as it considered the significant regulatory hurdles, and that’s possibly what’s at play in looking for a different kind of deal.
Sony just wants the studio. Some industry players believe Apollo...
Sony and private equity giant Apollo kicked things off previously with a preliminary bid of $26 billion, but what’s being contemplated now is not that, but something narrower. A look at the books is necessary to move forward in any case.
The non-disclosure agreement comes two weeks after a Paramount’s month-long exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance ended with no deal but the indie studio still hanging in, still interested.
After a few weeks passed with no Sony NDA, there’s was speculation its interest was waning as it considered the significant regulatory hurdles, and that’s possibly what’s at play in looking for a different kind of deal.
Sony just wants the studio. Some industry players believe Apollo...
- 5/18/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Phelps, Paramount Global’s executive VP and chief communications and corporate marketing officer, is exiting after almost 20 years with the company and predecessor Viacom.
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
- 5/17/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio are all set to release a new anime series called Suicide Squad Isekai, an anime series based on DC Comics’ Suicide Squad. The show has got the superhero fans all hyped up because the character trailer of the series featuring Harley Quinn makes it look utterly promising.
The Joker and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad Isekai
However, it looks like the DC series is going to receive tough competition as another popular franchise that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead has announced its own anime series. Well, if you have not guessed already, it’s none other than Terminator, which is going to showcase itself in a brand new avatar, as they are all set to capture the anime industry.
Terminator Franchise Decides To Follow The Footsteps of Suicide Squad Isekai
The Terminator franchise featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most popular sci-fi film franchises of all time.
The Joker and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad Isekai
However, it looks like the DC series is going to receive tough competition as another popular franchise that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead has announced its own anime series. Well, if you have not guessed already, it’s none other than Terminator, which is going to showcase itself in a brand new avatar, as they are all set to capture the anime industry.
Terminator Franchise Decides To Follow The Footsteps of Suicide Squad Isekai
The Terminator franchise featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most popular sci-fi film franchises of all time.
- 5/15/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Country music superstar Tim McGraw is adding to his acting resume with a new drama series at Netflix.
Variety has learned that McGraw will star in the untitled series, which is set in the world of competitive bull riding. The official logline for the series states that it follows “a megastar champion (McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
The series, which hails from Skydance Television, was announced as part of Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday.
Brandon Camp is the creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner on the series, with Taylor Elmore also serving as co-showrunner and executive producer. McGraw will executive produce along with Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan and Joel Bergvall under their Down Home production banner. David Ellison,...
Variety has learned that McGraw will star in the untitled series, which is set in the world of competitive bull riding. The official logline for the series states that it follows “a megastar champion (McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
The series, which hails from Skydance Television, was announced as part of Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday.
Brandon Camp is the creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner on the series, with Taylor Elmore also serving as co-showrunner and executive producer. McGraw will executive produce along with Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan and Joel Bergvall under their Down Home production banner. David Ellison,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Tim McGraw will ride on Netflix.
The streamer has handed a series order to an untitled bull-riding drama starring the 1883 vet, the streamer announced Wednesday as part of its Upfront presentation to advertisers.
More from TVLine3 Body Problem Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix - EPs Promise 'Epic Conclusion' to Sci-Fi SagaAdam Sandler's Happy Gilmore Movie Sequel Lands at NetflixWill Ferrell to Headline (Talladega Nights-Like?) Golf Comedy for Netflix
“Set in the fierce, competitive world of bull riding, the series follows a megastar champion (played by McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young...
The streamer has handed a series order to an untitled bull-riding drama starring the 1883 vet, the streamer announced Wednesday as part of its Upfront presentation to advertisers.
More from TVLine3 Body Problem Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix - EPs Promise 'Epic Conclusion' to Sci-Fi SagaAdam Sandler's Happy Gilmore Movie Sequel Lands at NetflixWill Ferrell to Headline (Talladega Nights-Like?) Golf Comedy for Netflix
“Set in the fierce, competitive world of bull riding, the series follows a megastar champion (played by McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young...
- 5/15/2024
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Netflix is adding to its sports docuseries lineup with three new shows centered on the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has joined America’s Team.
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim McGraw and Kevin Williamson are the latest creatives to join Netflix.
The streaming giant, during its time wooing Madison Avenue ad buyers as part of the annual upfronts week in New York, announced series pickups for a pair of scripted dramas.
Ordered to series are an untitled bull riding drama starring and exec produced by McGraw; and The Waterfront, a thriller that brings creator Williamson back to North Carolina, where he filmed his breakout hit Dawson’s Creek.
The McGraw vehicle that hails from Skydance Television is set in the competitive world of bull riding and revolves around a “megastar champion (played by McGraw) who faces a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose very existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
Brandon Camp (2018’s Benji) created the series and serves as writer, exec producer and...
The streaming giant, during its time wooing Madison Avenue ad buyers as part of the annual upfronts week in New York, announced series pickups for a pair of scripted dramas.
Ordered to series are an untitled bull riding drama starring and exec produced by McGraw; and The Waterfront, a thriller that brings creator Williamson back to North Carolina, where he filmed his breakout hit Dawson’s Creek.
The McGraw vehicle that hails from Skydance Television is set in the competitive world of bull riding and revolves around a “megastar champion (played by McGraw) who faces a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose very existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
Brandon Camp (2018’s Benji) created the series and serves as writer, exec producer and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix is getting into the Olympic spirit with its newest batch of sports documentaries.
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan are going on a wild ride with Apple.
The tech giant and streamer has landed 12 12 12, a scripted thriller described as a “contemporary international heist” series. The streamer is nearing a formal series greenlight for the project that will reunite stars Mackie and Dornan after the 2019 feature Synchronic.
12 12 12 takes place over three timelines in a heist — the 12 months of planning to raid a bank vault beneath the streets of Zurich, the 12 hours of the actual heist and the 12 days after it. The drama revolves around an FBI agent (Mackie) and a career criminal (Dornan), who play a cat-and-mouse game across Europe.
Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble (Silent Witness, Wild Bill) created and wrote the series. The duo will exec produce alongside Kari Skogland (Falcon and the Winter Soldier), who will direct the pilot.
The series is a co-production between Anonymous Content and Skydance Television. Mackie, Dornan...
The tech giant and streamer has landed 12 12 12, a scripted thriller described as a “contemporary international heist” series. The streamer is nearing a formal series greenlight for the project that will reunite stars Mackie and Dornan after the 2019 feature Synchronic.
12 12 12 takes place over three timelines in a heist — the 12 months of planning to raid a bank vault beneath the streets of Zurich, the 12 hours of the actual heist and the 12 days after it. The drama revolves around an FBI agent (Mackie) and a career criminal (Dornan), who play a cat-and-mouse game across Europe.
Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble (Silent Witness, Wild Bill) created and wrote the series. The duo will exec produce alongside Kari Skogland (Falcon and the Winter Soldier), who will direct the pilot.
The series is a co-production between Anonymous Content and Skydance Television. Mackie, Dornan...
- 5/15/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan heist series “12 12 12” has landed at Apple TV+ and is nearing a series order, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series was first reported to be on the market back in January. Mackie and Dornan will both star in the series in addition to executive producing.
The official logline for the series states that it follows “a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) and an American career criminal (Dornan) who play a zero-sum game of cat and mouse across Europe. At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.” The series will take place across three timelines — the 12 months prior to the heist, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days after.
The series is created by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, who will also executive produce. Kari Skogland will direct the pilot and executive produce.
The series was first reported to be on the market back in January. Mackie and Dornan will both star in the series in addition to executive producing.
The official logline for the series states that it follows “a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) and an American career criminal (Dornan) who play a zero-sum game of cat and mouse across Europe. At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.” The series will take place across three timelines — the 12 months prior to the heist, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days after.
The series is created by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, who will also executive produce. Kari Skogland will direct the pilot and executive produce.
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After multiple attempts at kick-starting new trilogies of films have failed, the live-action Terminator film series is, understandably, taking a bit of a break… but the franchise is set to continue with an eight-episode anime series called Terminator Zero, which is coming our way from Japanese animation studio Production Ig and the Netflix streaming service. Terminator Zero is set to start streaming on August 29th – and to start building the hype, a batch of first look images have arrived online today. You can check them out right here in this article.
August 29th was chosen for the release date because the Terminator films told us that the Judgment Day event occurred on August 29, 1997. Coincidentally, that was also the day Marc Randolph and Reed Hasting launched Netflix as an online DVD rental service.
Mattson Tomlin, who worked on the screenplays for The Batman and its upcoming sequel, is writer and showrunner on this series,...
August 29th was chosen for the release date because the Terminator films told us that the Judgment Day event occurred on August 29, 1997. Coincidentally, that was also the day Marc Randolph and Reed Hasting launched Netflix as an online DVD rental service.
Mattson Tomlin, who worked on the screenplays for The Batman and its upcoming sequel, is writer and showrunner on this series,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
As another M&a opportunity is potentially headed to the scrap heap, Paramount may be left to go it alone.
There’s very little about Paramount Global’s recent ownership question that has gone the way that company officials would want. The special committee designated to consider merger and acquisition opportunities is now working through its second major offer for the company, a $26 billion bid by Sony and its private equity firm partner Apollo Global Management. But a new report from CNBC is casting doubt on whether Sony really wants to follow through with its attempt to purchase Paramount Global, and it appears increasingly likely that the company won’t be sold at all.
Key Details: CNBC’s David Faber reports that Sony is “rethinking” its bid for Paramount Global. Due diligence has not begun, so while deal talks could still heat up, the two sides are not progressing as they would have hoped.
There’s very little about Paramount Global’s recent ownership question that has gone the way that company officials would want. The special committee designated to consider merger and acquisition opportunities is now working through its second major offer for the company, a $26 billion bid by Sony and its private equity firm partner Apollo Global Management. But a new report from CNBC is casting doubt on whether Sony really wants to follow through with its attempt to purchase Paramount Global, and it appears increasingly likely that the company won’t be sold at all.
Key Details: CNBC’s David Faber reports that Sony is “rethinking” its bid for Paramount Global. Due diligence has not begun, so while deal talks could still heat up, the two sides are not progressing as they would have hoped.
- 5/15/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Today, Netflix released the first images from Terminator Zero, which will premiere globally on the streaming service on August 29, 2024. The anime hails from Japanese animation studio Production Ig (Ghost in the Shell).
The eight-episode series will be part of the Terminator universe but will center around new characters. It will be the first-ever iteration of the franchise to be animated.
2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.
Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change humanity’s fate. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee, who is working to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.
As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation,...
The eight-episode series will be part of the Terminator universe but will center around new characters. It will be the first-ever iteration of the franchise to be animated.
2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.
Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change humanity’s fate. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee, who is working to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.
As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
“Terminator Zero” has set its premiere date at Netflix.
The eight-episode animated series, which revolves around new characters in the “Terminator” universe, will premiere globally on Aug. 29.
The official synopsis reads, “2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.”
“Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.”
“Terminator Zero” is created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin,...
The eight-episode animated series, which revolves around new characters in the “Terminator” universe, will premiere globally on Aug. 29.
The official synopsis reads, “2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.”
“Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.”
“Terminator Zero” is created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has debuted a teaser trailer for the Aldis Hodge-led series ‘Cross,’ based on the detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross from the James Patterson novels.
The twisted thriller series follows the character who is uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify – and ultimately capture – the murderers.
Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold co-star.
Jim Dunn, Sam Ernst, Craig Siebels, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell all executive produce.
Also in trailers – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 teaser trailer
The post Aldis Hodge stars in teaser trailer for series ‘Cross’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The twisted thriller series follows the character who is uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify – and ultimately capture – the murderers.
Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold co-star.
Jim Dunn, Sam Ernst, Craig Siebels, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell all executive produce.
Also in trailers – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 teaser trailer
The post Aldis Hodge stars in teaser trailer for series ‘Cross’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 5/15/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Here is the complete list of streaming services with more subscribers than Paramount+: Netflix, Disney+, and maybe Max. (Warner Bros. Discovery does not break out linear HBO from its Max/Discovery+ number.) That’s it.
Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, and yet the prevailing theory is that whomever buys Paramount (or control of Paramount) — if anyone does — will shutter the SVOD/AVOD service.
Why’s that? Well, for starters, Paramount+ has yet to make money. It’s on the clock, though: Paramount management has the streamer pegged to turn a profit in the U.S. in 2025. It’d be a shame to close something that has lost billions of dollars right before it starts to make money — unless you’d make more money licensing the content currently on the platform, that is.
And that is almost surely what Sony would do if it ended up as the owner of Paramount’s assets,...
Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, and yet the prevailing theory is that whomever buys Paramount (or control of Paramount) — if anyone does — will shutter the SVOD/AVOD service.
Why’s that? Well, for starters, Paramount+ has yet to make money. It’s on the clock, though: Paramount management has the streamer pegged to turn a profit in the U.S. in 2025. It’d be a shame to close something that has lost billions of dollars right before it starts to make money — unless you’d make more money licensing the content currently on the platform, that is.
And that is almost surely what Sony would do if it ended up as the owner of Paramount’s assets,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Shares of Paramount Global dipped in afternoon trading on a CNBC report that Sony may be “rethinking” a joint bid with Apollo for the company.
A person familiar with the situation said there’s no indication Sony is pulling out of a deal. And the CNBC report noted that the “rethinking” may mean a restructuring of what would be a very complex transaction.
The studio and private equity fund made a formal, but preliminary, $26 billion offer for the company controlled by Shari Redstone just as Par’s monthlong exclusive negotiating window with Skydance expired early this month. It wasn’t extended, but the David Ellison-led studio backed by Larry Ellison and RedBird Capital still has an offer on the table.
A special committee of the Paramount Global board met then to consider the Sony-led deal, which is preferred by Paramount stockholders.
Sony and Apollo would need to conduct due diligence,...
A person familiar with the situation said there’s no indication Sony is pulling out of a deal. And the CNBC report noted that the “rethinking” may mean a restructuring of what would be a very complex transaction.
The studio and private equity fund made a formal, but preliminary, $26 billion offer for the company controlled by Shari Redstone just as Par’s monthlong exclusive negotiating window with Skydance expired early this month. It wasn’t extended, but the David Ellison-led studio backed by Larry Ellison and RedBird Capital still has an offer on the table.
A special committee of the Paramount Global board met then to consider the Sony-led deal, which is preferred by Paramount stockholders.
Sony and Apollo would need to conduct due diligence,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video has revealed the teaser trailer for the Amazon Original Cross and announced that the series will return for a second season. From Paramount Television Studios and Skydance Television, Cross is a complex, twisted, pulse-pounding thriller created by Ben Watkins, based upon the characters from James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series.
The first season of Cross will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the season two cast are Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy’s), and Jeanine Mason (Grey’s Anatomy); Johnny Ray Gill (Underground) will be upped to a series regular role.
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. Aldis Hodge stars as the titular character and also serves as a producer on the series.
Cross also stars Isaiah Mustafa,...
The first season of Cross will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the season two cast are Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy’s), and Jeanine Mason (Grey’s Anatomy); Johnny Ray Gill (Underground) will be upped to a series regular role.
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. Aldis Hodge stars as the titular character and also serves as a producer on the series.
Cross also stars Isaiah Mustafa,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
It’s been over four years since Variety exclusively reported the news that a TV series based on James Patterson’s “Alex Cross” books was in the works. Finally, fans have a first look at Aldis Hodge in the title role.
Amazon released a trailer for “Cross” at its 2024 upfront presentation, during which the company also confirmed previous reports that the series had already scored a Season 2 renewal.
“Cross,” which will premiere on Prime Video later this year, stars Aldis Hodge as a detective and forensic psychologist known for his ability to dig into the psyches of criminals and their victims. The cast also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill. Season 2 will see the addition of Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason, with Gill being upped to a series regular.
“Who are you?...
Amazon released a trailer for “Cross” at its 2024 upfront presentation, during which the company also confirmed previous reports that the series had already scored a Season 2 renewal.
“Cross,” which will premiere on Prime Video later this year, stars Aldis Hodge as a detective and forensic psychologist known for his ability to dig into the psyches of criminals and their victims. The cast also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill. Season 2 will see the addition of Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason, with Gill being upped to a series regular.
“Who are you?...
- 5/14/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of the series premiere of Cross, Prime Video officially gave the thriller an early Season 2 renewal. Deadline recently revealed exclusively the new Aldis Hodge-led series was prepping its sophomore season.
A first-look teaser starring Aldis Hodge as the titular Alex Cross can be found above. The streamer has yet to set a premiere date for Season 1 but viewers can expect to see it later this year.
From creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins and based on characters from James Patterson’s best-selling book series, Cross is a twisted thriller about Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify — and ultimately capture — the murderers.
The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold. Season 2 cast includes Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and...
A first-look teaser starring Aldis Hodge as the titular Alex Cross can be found above. The streamer has yet to set a premiere date for Season 1 but viewers can expect to see it later this year.
From creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins and based on characters from James Patterson’s best-selling book series, Cross is a twisted thriller about Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify — and ultimately capture — the murderers.
The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold. Season 2 cast includes Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and...
- 5/14/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Shari Redstone strolled onto the red carpet in New York City tonight for the premiere of Paramount Pictures If, John Krasinski’ star-studded PG adventure that opens this weekend. She was there to support studio chief Brian Robbins.
As of April, the executive (who also oversees Nickelodeon) is also one of three members of a new Office of the CEO. The premiere hits as Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder and non-executive board chair, is in the midst of trying to sell the company but finding a deal complicated. She did no interviews outside the Sva Theatre in Chelsea, but chatted and stood for photographs with Robbins, Krasinski (who also stars) and talent from Ryan Reynolds to Matt Damon.
Redstone also attended the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick two years agoi in May of 2022 aboard the USS Midway in San Diego.
A special committee of Paramount’s board talked exclusively...
As of April, the executive (who also oversees Nickelodeon) is also one of three members of a new Office of the CEO. The premiere hits as Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder and non-executive board chair, is in the midst of trying to sell the company but finding a deal complicated. She did no interviews outside the Sva Theatre in Chelsea, but chatted and stood for photographs with Robbins, Krasinski (who also stars) and talent from Ryan Reynolds to Matt Damon.
Redstone also attended the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick two years agoi in May of 2022 aboard the USS Midway in San Diego.
A special committee of Paramount’s board talked exclusively...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Seth Meyers had a relatively short set at Monday’s NBCUniversal upfront, but he still got his shots in. Like this one on NBCU competitor Paramount: “I found $20 on the street this morning,” Meyers said. “Long story short, I’m one of the two finalists [to buy] Paramount.”
We’re not sure the Paramount Global special committee is going to take that offer seriously — kind of like Byron Allen’s. See? We’ve got jokes too.
For real though, the two entities playing tug-of-war with Paramount are 1) David Ellison’s Skydance and 2) a Sony/Apollo Global Management contingent.
Meyers had a few punchlines chambered for his employer. Like this one, on NBCU streaming service Peacock: “Peacock continues to prove that the easiest way to make a billion dollars is to spend eight [billion].”
Peacock is not only (still) losing a ton of money, it has yet to reveal a profitable-by date; even Paramount+ has one of those.
We’re not sure the Paramount Global special committee is going to take that offer seriously — kind of like Byron Allen’s. See? We’ve got jokes too.
For real though, the two entities playing tug-of-war with Paramount are 1) David Ellison’s Skydance and 2) a Sony/Apollo Global Management contingent.
Meyers had a few punchlines chambered for his employer. Like this one, on NBCU streaming service Peacock: “Peacock continues to prove that the easiest way to make a billion dollars is to spend eight [billion].”
Peacock is not only (still) losing a ton of money, it has yet to reveal a profitable-by date; even Paramount+ has one of those.
- 5/13/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Although reactions to the series have been mixed, Fubar has been renewed for a second season on Netflix, as the streaming service obviously sees some potential in the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led action comedy series. Now, we know that Arnie will be back for the second season, as well as many familiar faces from Season 1, but we have just received news that a Hollywood legend is joining the second season of the series as one of its female leads. The actress in question is Carrie-Anne Moss, best known for her work in The Matrix franchise, and it seems that she will be another new challenge for Arnie’s character.
The second season of Fubar is currently being worked on, but Netflix hasn’t confirmed a release date for the season. The first season of the series consists of a total of eight episodes.
As for Moss’ entry into the world of Fubar,...
The second season of Fubar is currently being worked on, but Netflix hasn’t confirmed a release date for the season. The first season of the series consists of a total of eight episodes.
As for Moss’ entry into the world of Fubar,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Carrie-Anne Moss is set to join Arnold Schwarzenegger in Season 2 of Netflix’s spy adventure series Fubar.
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German spy who has a passionate history with Luke Brunner (Schwarzenegger). After his last mission in saving another operative – who just so happened to be his daughter – he’s back and face to face with new villains. This one is an old flame from Luke’s past who threatens to destroy the world…if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
In addition to Schwarzenegger, Moss joins returning cast Monica Barbaro, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Milan Carter, Fabiana Udenio and Barbara Eve Harris.
Nick Santora serves as creator, showrunner and executive producer. Schwarzenegger executive produces alongside Adam Higgs, Scott Sullivan, Phil Abraham, Amy Pocha, Seth Cohen with Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell. The series is produced by Skydance Television.
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German spy who has a passionate history with Luke Brunner (Schwarzenegger). After his last mission in saving another operative – who just so happened to be his daughter – he’s back and face to face with new villains. This one is an old flame from Luke’s past who threatens to destroy the world…if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
In addition to Schwarzenegger, Moss joins returning cast Monica Barbaro, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Milan Carter, Fabiana Udenio and Barbara Eve Harris.
Nick Santora serves as creator, showrunner and executive producer. Schwarzenegger executive produces alongside Adam Higgs, Scott Sullivan, Phil Abraham, Amy Pocha, Seth Cohen with Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell. The series is produced by Skydance Television.
- 5/13/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Matrix and Jessica Jones actress Carrie-Anne Moss has joined Season 2 of Netflix’s Arnold Schwarzenegger-led Fubar, the streamer announced Monday.
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German spy who has a passionate history with Luke Brunner, Schwarzenegger’s veteran CIA operative who, before the series began, was on the verge of retirement.
More from TVLineGrey's Anatomy: Jake Borelli Leaving After 7 Years as LeviTVLine Items: MTV Movie & TV Awards on Hiatus, Lacey Chabert's Netflix Rom-Com and MoreEllen DeGeneres' 'Last' Comedy Special Sets Netflix Release, Promises to Address Tarnished Public Image
“After his last mission in saving...
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German spy who has a passionate history with Luke Brunner, Schwarzenegger’s veteran CIA operative who, before the series began, was on the verge of retirement.
More from TVLineGrey's Anatomy: Jake Borelli Leaving After 7 Years as LeviTVLine Items: MTV Movie & TV Awards on Hiatus, Lacey Chabert's Netflix Rom-Com and MoreEllen DeGeneres' 'Last' Comedy Special Sets Netflix Release, Promises to Address Tarnished Public Image
“After his last mission in saving...
- 5/13/2024
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Arnold Schwarzenegger will face a new foe in the second season of his Netflix series Fubar.
Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix series) has joined the action comedy as a former adversary — and former flame — of Schwarzenegger’s not-quite-retired CIA spy Luke Brunner. Production on Fubar‘s second season began in late April; a premiere date hasn’t been scheduled.
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German operative who shares a passionate history with Luke. He’s tasked with stopping her threat to destroy the world — if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
Fubar is Schwarzenegger’s first starring role in a TV series. The show premiered in May 2023 and was renewed for season two a few weeks later. The first season revolved around Luke, on the verge of retirement, being pulled into a mission to save a fellow CIA officer, who turns out to be his daughter (Monica Barbaro). Milan Carter,...
Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix series) has joined the action comedy as a former adversary — and former flame — of Schwarzenegger’s not-quite-retired CIA spy Luke Brunner. Production on Fubar‘s second season began in late April; a premiere date hasn’t been scheduled.
Moss will play Greta Nelso, a former East German operative who shares a passionate history with Luke. He’s tasked with stopping her threat to destroy the world — if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
Fubar is Schwarzenegger’s first starring role in a TV series. The show premiered in May 2023 and was renewed for season two a few weeks later. The first season revolved around Luke, on the verge of retirement, being pulled into a mission to save a fellow CIA officer, who turns out to be his daughter (Monica Barbaro). Milan Carter,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carrie-Anne Moss is joining Arnold Schwarzenegger in action comedy series “Fubar” Season 2 as a former East German spy — who has a passionate history with Schwarzenegger’s CIA operative.
Moss joins the returning cast of “Fubar,” which includes Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Milan Carter, Fabiana Udenio and Barbara Eve Harris.
In Season 2 of “Fubar,” Schwarzenegger reprises his role as Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA operative who, until recently, was on the verge of retirement. After his last mission in saving another operative — who just so happened to be his daughter — he’s back and face-to-face with new villains. This one is an old flame from Luke’s past who threatens to destroy the world… if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
Schwarzenegger, 76, after undergoing open-heart surgery said on social media in March that he was ready to start shooting Season 2 of “Fubar” on schedule.
Moss joins the returning cast of “Fubar,” which includes Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Milan Carter, Fabiana Udenio and Barbara Eve Harris.
In Season 2 of “Fubar,” Schwarzenegger reprises his role as Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA operative who, until recently, was on the verge of retirement. After his last mission in saving another operative — who just so happened to be his daughter — he’s back and face-to-face with new villains. This one is an old flame from Luke’s past who threatens to destroy the world… if she doesn’t destroy his life first.
Schwarzenegger, 76, after undergoing open-heart surgery said on social media in March that he was ready to start shooting Season 2 of “Fubar” on schedule.
- 5/13/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and one of Hollywood’s most outspoken voices in the fight against antisemitism, will be honored at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala.
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Should Sony and Apollo get their hooks into Paramount Global their strategy would be to keep theatrical release output steady between both studios –not reduced– while cutting the more burdensome parts of the conglom, read auctioning off CBS, the linear channels like MTV and Paramount Plus streaming service.
The news about theatrical output is per Deadline tonight, while the New York Times reported earlier that Sony and Apollo have plans to cut Paramount’s TV assets in their $26 billion bid for the entertainment company. Per the Nyt, Sony hasn’t shared their plan with Paramount and its consiglieres who decided on May 4 to hold separate talks with Sony/Apollo and continued negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance/Red Bird. Talks have eased between Paramount and Skydance, though the latter remains interested.
Many have pointed out that a Sony merger with Paramount would put the former under scrutiny with the FCC...
The news about theatrical output is per Deadline tonight, while the New York Times reported earlier that Sony and Apollo have plans to cut Paramount’s TV assets in their $26 billion bid for the entertainment company. Per the Nyt, Sony hasn’t shared their plan with Paramount and its consiglieres who decided on May 4 to hold separate talks with Sony/Apollo and continued negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance/Red Bird. Talks have eased between Paramount and Skydance, though the latter remains interested.
Many have pointed out that a Sony merger with Paramount would put the former under scrutiny with the FCC...
- 5/9/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Getting ahold of Paramount-owned franchises could be a dream for Sony, but big regulatory issues stand in its way.
Sony has spent the last decade doing things a little differently than Hollywood-based entertainment companies. That makes plenty of sense, considering that so much of Sony’s revenue comes from other sources than its TV and movie productions; video game sales and hardware manufacturing are the company’s true bread and butter. But the company could be about to undergo a big shift, as it has joined private equity company Apollo Global Management to make a $26 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global. There are plenty of obstacles to clear before a deal can be made, but if the transaction does eventually go through, Sony will be able to evolve to a new level of content arms dealing that has made the company so successful in recent years.
Key Details: Paramount owns some highly popular franchises,...
Sony has spent the last decade doing things a little differently than Hollywood-based entertainment companies. That makes plenty of sense, considering that so much of Sony’s revenue comes from other sources than its TV and movie productions; video game sales and hardware manufacturing are the company’s true bread and butter. But the company could be about to undergo a big shift, as it has joined private equity company Apollo Global Management to make a $26 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global. There are plenty of obstacles to clear before a deal can be made, but if the transaction does eventually go through, Sony will be able to evolve to a new level of content arms dealing that has made the company so successful in recent years.
Key Details: Paramount owns some highly popular franchises,...
- 5/8/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
There’s a new, scary reality sinking in for both Paramount shareholders and its board of directors: What if nobody buys Paramount?
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Mattel's next "big" movie may have found its director, as Deadline reports today that Sam Hargrave has closed a deal with Skydance and Mattel Films to helm the toy company's upcoming film "Matchbox." Hargrave is best known as the director of the Netflix film "Extraction" and its sequel; Netflix has said the first film in the franchise is one of the most-watched original movies it's ever released.
Mattel, the company that brought fans a billion-dollar "Barbie" movie, is clearly looking for another huge hit, and based on his track record at Netflix, Hargrave is able to get audiences seated. The first "Extraction" film dropped in 2020, starred Chris Hemsworth, and was reportedly watched by 99 million households during its first month on the streamer. While Netflix's data and viewership measurements are notoriously opaque, that's still a hell of a number, and it's one that could translate to success when it comes to "Matchbox.
Mattel, the company that brought fans a billion-dollar "Barbie" movie, is clearly looking for another huge hit, and based on his track record at Netflix, Hargrave is able to get audiences seated. The first "Extraction" film dropped in 2020, starred Chris Hemsworth, and was reportedly watched by 99 million households during its first month on the streamer. While Netflix's data and viewership measurements are notoriously opaque, that's still a hell of a number, and it's one that could translate to success when it comes to "Matchbox.
- 5/7/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: After successfully launching the Extraction film franchise at Netflix, director Sam Hargrave has his eyes set on another potential franchise with a piece of IP that is revving its engines to get out the gate. Sources tell Deadline that Skydance and Mattel Films have closed a deal with Hargrave to direct a live-action movie based on Matchbox, Mattel’s iconic real-world die-cast toy vehicle line. David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper are penning the script.
Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films. The project will be shepherded by Aimee Rivera for Skydance and Elizabeth Bassin and Andrew Scannell for Mattel Films.
The iconic Matchbox brand was invented in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell to solve a challenge for his daughter, who was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox.
Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films. The project will be shepherded by Aimee Rivera for Skydance and Elizabeth Bassin and Andrew Scannell for Mattel Films.
The iconic Matchbox brand was invented in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell to solve a challenge for his daughter, who was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox.
- 5/7/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Whatever fate befalls Paramount Global after the smoke clears, one of the Hollywood Trivial Pursuit questions someday will be which heavy hitters have issued statements of support for Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Paramount’s holding company, National Amusements Inc. — and which didn’t.
Even as the Paramount special committee passed on the offer from David Ellison’s company May 4, sources say the Skydance-RedBird alliance has not given up. The premise, a source with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter, is that the rival Apollo/Sony Pictures offer now up for Paramount’s consideration will fail for multiple reasons, with Skydance still waiting in the wings.
So despite much Wall Street skepticism over a proposed deal that favors controlling shareholder Shari Redstone over other investors, “Skydance has been on an extremely aggressive PR campaign in the last month to convince everyone how legitimate they are,” says a prominent media mogul.
Even as the Paramount special committee passed on the offer from David Ellison’s company May 4, sources say the Skydance-RedBird alliance has not given up. The premise, a source with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter, is that the rival Apollo/Sony Pictures offer now up for Paramount’s consideration will fail for multiple reasons, with Skydance still waiting in the wings.
So despite much Wall Street skepticism over a proposed deal that favors controlling shareholder Shari Redstone over other investors, “Skydance has been on an extremely aggressive PR campaign in the last month to convince everyone how legitimate they are,” says a prominent media mogul.
- 5/6/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If no deal for the sale or merger of Paramount Global comes to fruition, talks of a combination of Paramount+ with Peacock could revive.
The saga of Paramount’s ownership future has had more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster. The narrative took a new direction this weekend, as Paramount’s exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison and his production house Skydance Media ended on May 3 without a deal being struck. Despite initially not initially appearing interested, Paramount is now considering an offer from Sony and Apollo Global Management, and various reports indicate that the media conglomerate hasn’t ruled out doing business with Skydance either. But the probability that Paramount will not find a merger and acquisition partner in the current business environment is rising, and if that happens, the company’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone will have to determine what comes next for the legacy media outlet.
The saga of Paramount’s ownership future has had more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster. The narrative took a new direction this weekend, as Paramount’s exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison and his production house Skydance Media ended on May 3 without a deal being struck. Despite initially not initially appearing interested, Paramount is now considering an offer from Sony and Apollo Global Management, and various reports indicate that the media conglomerate hasn’t ruled out doing business with Skydance either. But the probability that Paramount will not find a merger and acquisition partner in the current business environment is rising, and if that happens, the company’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone will have to determine what comes next for the legacy media outlet.
- 5/6/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Another big Hollywood name rooting for a Paramount-Skydance deal is Jeffrey Katzenberg, who says that outcome would be “a great win for Paramount and for people in the industry.”
Speaking a the Axios Bfd Talks: LA this evening, the DreamWorks co-founder and former Walt Disney Studios head acknowledged that the situation is complicated. “There’s a reason why the David Ellison deal did not fly, which I think is unfortunate. Because I think David is a phenomenal entrepreneur, and he is super ambitious, and loves the movie business, the studio business. I think that would have been a great win for Paramount and for people in the industry.”
“The economic complexity of how this has sort of played out, over decades, by the way, makes it really hard to get to a successful outcome. But not impossible. And I would say don’t count Ellison out,” said Katzenberg whose...
Speaking a the Axios Bfd Talks: LA this evening, the DreamWorks co-founder and former Walt Disney Studios head acknowledged that the situation is complicated. “There’s a reason why the David Ellison deal did not fly, which I think is unfortunate. Because I think David is a phenomenal entrepreneur, and he is super ambitious, and loves the movie business, the studio business. I think that would have been a great win for Paramount and for people in the industry.”
“The economic complexity of how this has sort of played out, over decades, by the way, makes it really hard to get to a successful outcome. But not impossible. And I would say don’t count Ellison out,” said Katzenberg whose...
- 5/6/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global has reportedly begun talks with Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo after the exclusive 30-day negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired on Friday.
Sony and Apollo are said to have put a $26bn cash offer on the table for the consideration of Shari Redstone, whose family owns Paramount Global controlling shareholder National Amusements, and a special committee.
Redstone has the power to veto any deal and was said to favour Skydance, whose CEO Ellison has long been a co-financing partner for Paramount on hits like the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick and...
Sony and Apollo are said to have put a $26bn cash offer on the table for the consideration of Shari Redstone, whose family owns Paramount Global controlling shareholder National Amusements, and a special committee.
Redstone has the power to veto any deal and was said to favour Skydance, whose CEO Ellison has long been a co-financing partner for Paramount on hits like the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick and...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Global goes back to playing the field this week with two suitors still pursuing the company that has been surrounded by a highly public M&a drama for months. And it’s unlikely to end any time soon.
The company reached the end of its 30-day exclusive negotiating window with Skydance Media on May 3 without coming to an agreement. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, meanwhile, are moving forward with a $26 billion all-cash offer that raises regulatory and political concerns in this election-year environment. The special committee of Paramount Global’s board of directors that has been handling the M&a negotiations now intends to proceed with discussions with both the Skydance and Sony/Apollo groups, as reported Sunday by the New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources.
That decision leaves Skydance CEO David Ellison and his backers, which include Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, with a...
The company reached the end of its 30-day exclusive negotiating window with Skydance Media on May 3 without coming to an agreement. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, meanwhile, are moving forward with a $26 billion all-cash offer that raises regulatory and political concerns in this election-year environment. The special committee of Paramount Global’s board of directors that has been handling the M&a negotiations now intends to proceed with discussions with both the Skydance and Sony/Apollo groups, as reported Sunday by the New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources.
That decision leaves Skydance CEO David Ellison and his backers, which include Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, with a...
- 5/5/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
A special committee of Paramount’s board of directors decided over the weekend to formally open negotiations with Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity group Apollo Global Management, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. The decision follows an exclusive negotiation period between Paramount and Skydance ending Friday with no deal made.
A spokesperson for the special committee declined to comment.
Sony Pictures stepped into the race by making a joint informal offer with private equity firm Apollo Global Management of $26 billion, all cash, for Paramount. When it comes to Skydance, it received the public backing Sunday of two big names: director James Cameron and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, who voiced their support for David Ellison’s Skydance acquiring Paramount in an interview with the Financial Times.
The committee also pushed for further negotiations with Skydance. The exclusive negotiating window closing with no deal and not being extended doesn’t mean...
A spokesperson for the special committee declined to comment.
Sony Pictures stepped into the race by making a joint informal offer with private equity firm Apollo Global Management of $26 billion, all cash, for Paramount. When it comes to Skydance, it received the public backing Sunday of two big names: director James Cameron and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, who voiced their support for David Ellison’s Skydance acquiring Paramount in an interview with the Financial Times.
The committee also pushed for further negotiations with Skydance. The exclusive negotiating window closing with no deal and not being extended doesn’t mean...
- 5/5/2024
- by Mike Roe, Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Updated with Paramount’s board decision to begin new negotiations: A special committee of the Paramount Global board decided at a meeting yesterday to begin talking with Sony and Apollo following the expiration of a month-long negotiating window with Skydance on Friday night.
The committee met over the weekend to consider its approach to the preliminary $26 billion cash bid, including the assumption of debt, made jointly by the entertainment giant and global private equity film.
But the David Ellison studio is still in the mix as Paramount seeks to continue those talks – just non-exclusive, obviously, Deadline has learned.
That’s a deal that won’t have any regulatory issues in closing, and is the one that Par’s controlling shareholder Shari Restone prefers.
Paramount shareholders hate the Skydance deal, just as much of Hollywood detests the idea of Paramount and Sony merging – a combination that would need to pass regulatory scrutiny.
The committee met over the weekend to consider its approach to the preliminary $26 billion cash bid, including the assumption of debt, made jointly by the entertainment giant and global private equity film.
But the David Ellison studio is still in the mix as Paramount seeks to continue those talks – just non-exclusive, obviously, Deadline has learned.
That’s a deal that won’t have any regulatory issues in closing, and is the one that Par’s controlling shareholder Shari Restone prefers.
Paramount shareholders hate the Skydance deal, just as much of Hollywood detests the idea of Paramount and Sony merging – a combination that would need to pass regulatory scrutiny.
- 5/5/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Both James Cameron and Ari Emanuel offered their support this weekend of Skydance’s bid to acquire Paramount.
Though reports earlier this week suggested that Paramount’s special board committee was leaning against accepting Skydance’s offer, Cameron and Emanuel told The Financial Times on Sunday that they supported Skydance founder David Ellison’s potential leadership.
The deal, first offered during a 30-day exclusive negotiating window at the beginning of April, would see Skydance, joined by financial partners RedBird Capital and Kkir, acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s stake in the company and then merge Skydance into Paramount, keeping it as a publicly traded company, with new leadership at the helm.
“I love the Ellison idea,” Cameron, whose 1997 film Titanic remains one of Paramount’s most successful movies, said. “If he gets . . . to run Paramount creatively, it could be a huge boon for this business in these ailing times. David’s proven himself.
Though reports earlier this week suggested that Paramount’s special board committee was leaning against accepting Skydance’s offer, Cameron and Emanuel told The Financial Times on Sunday that they supported Skydance founder David Ellison’s potential leadership.
The deal, first offered during a 30-day exclusive negotiating window at the beginning of April, would see Skydance, joined by financial partners RedBird Capital and Kkir, acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s stake in the company and then merge Skydance into Paramount, keeping it as a publicly traded company, with new leadership at the helm.
“I love the Ellison idea,” Cameron, whose 1997 film Titanic remains one of Paramount’s most successful movies, said. “If he gets . . . to run Paramount creatively, it could be a huge boon for this business in these ailing times. David’s proven himself.
- 5/5/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warren Buffett’s two-year dalliance with Paramount Global has come to an end.
The famed investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO says that his company has exited its position in Paramount. Buffett disclosed the news during Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday.
“We sold it all, and we lost quite a bit of money, that happens in this business too,” Buffett told the crowd, adding that he was the one who decided to buy into the company in the first place (there had been speculation that one of Buffett’s deputies may have initiated the trade). “I did it all by myself, folks.”
Berkshire surprised Wall Street when it disclosed a $2.6 billion stake in Paramount in May 2022. Later that year, it added even more shares, ultimately becoming the largest shareholder in the company (or at least its non-voting shares, with Shari Redstone and the Redstone family’s National Amusements...
The famed investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO says that his company has exited its position in Paramount. Buffett disclosed the news during Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday.
“We sold it all, and we lost quite a bit of money, that happens in this business too,” Buffett told the crowd, adding that he was the one who decided to buy into the company in the first place (there had been speculation that one of Buffett’s deputies may have initiated the trade). “I did it all by myself, folks.”
Berkshire surprised Wall Street when it disclosed a $2.6 billion stake in Paramount in May 2022. Later that year, it added even more shares, ultimately becoming the largest shareholder in the company (or at least its non-voting shares, with Shari Redstone and the Redstone family’s National Amusements...
- 5/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Although exclusive talks between Paramount Global and Skydance Media are expected to end without a deal, questions linger about controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s duty to minority investors, some of whom have vocally opposed the merger on grounds that their interests have taken a backseat in negotiations.
A Paramount investor, in a complaint filed on April 30 in Delaware Chancery Court, moved to force the company to turn over records related to talks with David Ellison’s Skydance. The Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island alleged that Redstone has “conflicting interests” undermining the company’s motives to find a better deal than the one offered by Skydance.
The legal move could be a precursor to a lawsuit challenging any potential deal in which common shareholders perceive as enriching Redstone at their expense. It follows several law firms, in the wake of Paramount’s deal talks with Skydance, announcing investigations into whether...
A Paramount investor, in a complaint filed on April 30 in Delaware Chancery Court, moved to force the company to turn over records related to talks with David Ellison’s Skydance. The Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island alleged that Redstone has “conflicting interests” undermining the company’s motives to find a better deal than the one offered by Skydance.
The legal move could be a precursor to a lawsuit challenging any potential deal in which common shareholders perceive as enriching Redstone at their expense. It follows several law firms, in the wake of Paramount’s deal talks with Skydance, announcing investigations into whether...
- 5/3/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Global says Chris McCarthy is the company’s “interim principal executive officer,” a necessity required by the SEC that apparently does not signal he has more decision-making power among a trio of top executives who stepped up to replace Bob Bakish this week in a new Office of the CEO.
Security & Exchange Commission rules require a person, not an office, to conduct with over the normal course of business. It’s not clear why McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, received the designation (maybe he drew the short straw).
The other two in the CEO office are George Cheeks, president and chief executive CBS, and Brian Robbins, president of Paramount Pictures and president-ceo of Nickelodeon.
The filing says that Bakish, who formally exited April 30, will continue as a senior advisor to the company through October 31 “to help ensure a seamless transition of his duties.
Security & Exchange Commission rules require a person, not an office, to conduct with over the normal course of business. It’s not clear why McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, received the designation (maybe he drew the short straw).
The other two in the CEO office are George Cheeks, president and chief executive CBS, and Brian Robbins, president of Paramount Pictures and president-ceo of Nickelodeon.
The filing says that Bakish, who formally exited April 30, will continue as a senior advisor to the company through October 31 “to help ensure a seamless transition of his duties.
- 5/3/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
After weeks of negotiations, Skydance’s proposed merger with Paramount Global appears to be on the ropes.
Paramount’s special board committee appears to have cooled on the offer, which would have seen the David Ellison-led studio, joined by financial partners RedBird Capital and Kkr, acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s stake in the company and then merge Skydance into Paramount, keeping it as a publicly traded company, with new leadership at the helm.
Skydance had been in a 30-day exclusive negotiating window, and had proposed a revised offer last weekend that would have offered some sweeteners for Paramount common shareholders, some of whom had been vocally opposed to the deal. That window ends today, and is not likely to be extended.
Another source close to the deal says that talks between the sides continue.
Paramount has another offer on the table: A $26 billion all-cash deal from Apollo and Sony Pictures.
Paramount’s special board committee appears to have cooled on the offer, which would have seen the David Ellison-led studio, joined by financial partners RedBird Capital and Kkr, acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s stake in the company and then merge Skydance into Paramount, keeping it as a publicly traded company, with new leadership at the helm.
Skydance had been in a 30-day exclusive negotiating window, and had proposed a revised offer last weekend that would have offered some sweeteners for Paramount common shareholders, some of whom had been vocally opposed to the deal. That window ends today, and is not likely to be extended.
Another source close to the deal says that talks between the sides continue.
Paramount has another offer on the table: A $26 billion all-cash deal from Apollo and Sony Pictures.
- 5/3/2024
- by Kim Masters and Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Upadted: After months of M&a talks, Paramount Global and controlling shareholder Shari Redstone might be going it alone after all — for now.
Insiders tell Variety that the expectation at the company is that neither of the two offers in play — Skydance Media-RedBird Capital Partners and Sony Pictures Entertainment-Apollo Global Management — will come to fruition. And Redstone is said to have concluded that the deal currently on the table from David Ellison’s Skydance, a longtime partner of Paramount Pictures, will not be possible.
As of Friday morning, the special committee established by Paramount Global’s board to evaluate M&a proposals had not notified Skydance one way or the other about its best and final offer, which would involve Skydance acquiring Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. and merging Skydance and Paramount Global, per a source familiar with the talks. The exclusive 30-day negotiating window between Skydance and...
Insiders tell Variety that the expectation at the company is that neither of the two offers in play — Skydance Media-RedBird Capital Partners and Sony Pictures Entertainment-Apollo Global Management — will come to fruition. And Redstone is said to have concluded that the deal currently on the table from David Ellison’s Skydance, a longtime partner of Paramount Pictures, will not be possible.
As of Friday morning, the special committee established by Paramount Global’s board to evaluate M&a proposals had not notified Skydance one way or the other about its best and final offer, which would involve Skydance acquiring Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. and merging Skydance and Paramount Global, per a source familiar with the talks. The exclusive 30-day negotiating window between Skydance and...
- 5/3/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
As the exclusive window for merger discussions between Paramount Global and David Ellison’s Skydance Media enters its final hours, the future of the company remains uncertain.
There has been no official decision on an extension on the exclusivity window between Skydance and Paramount, which is set to expire Friday night. A spokesperson for Paramount declined to comment. Representatives for Skydance did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Paramount’s board faces three potential options now. It could carry on with negotiations with Skydance, a deal that has proven highly unpopular with shareholders. It could let the exclusivity deadline expire and pivot to consideration of a $26 billion all-cash joint bid by Sony and Apollo Global Management. Or it could go it alone under its new Office of the CEO after the departure last week of CEO Bob Bakish.
The tough decision comes as Paramount shares have fallen 36.8% in the past year.
There has been no official decision on an extension on the exclusivity window between Skydance and Paramount, which is set to expire Friday night. A spokesperson for Paramount declined to comment. Representatives for Skydance did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Paramount’s board faces three potential options now. It could carry on with negotiations with Skydance, a deal that has proven highly unpopular with shareholders. It could let the exclusivity deadline expire and pivot to consideration of a $26 billion all-cash joint bid by Sony and Apollo Global Management. Or it could go it alone under its new Office of the CEO after the departure last week of CEO Bob Bakish.
The tough decision comes as Paramount shares have fallen 36.8% in the past year.
- 5/3/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The fat-trimming of Paramount’s streaming operations comes amidst the company’s efforts to find a buyer or merger partner.
Paramount Global is pulling out of the kids’ streaming game. As first reported in February, the company is shutting down its kid-focused streaming platform Noggin and laying off its entire staff. Few details were available about the move to sunset Noggin at the time, but now Viacom is providing more information about when viewers can expect to see Noggin log off for the final time, allowing Paramount to focus its streaming efforts more on Paramount+.
Key Details: Noggin will shut down on July 2, and all billing will stop by May 30 at the latest. Many Noggin titles will continue to be available on Paramount+. Paramount is still working through merger talks with Skydance Media. 7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month ParamountPlus.com
For a limited time, get 50% off a year of Paramount+ With Showtime with Code: Thechi.
Paramount Global is pulling out of the kids’ streaming game. As first reported in February, the company is shutting down its kid-focused streaming platform Noggin and laying off its entire staff. Few details were available about the move to sunset Noggin at the time, but now Viacom is providing more information about when viewers can expect to see Noggin log off for the final time, allowing Paramount to focus its streaming efforts more on Paramount+.
Key Details: Noggin will shut down on July 2, and all billing will stop by May 30 at the latest. Many Noggin titles will continue to be available on Paramount+. Paramount is still working through merger talks with Skydance Media. 7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month ParamountPlus.com
For a limited time, get 50% off a year of Paramount+ With Showtime with Code: Thechi.
- 5/3/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.