Warner Bros.-Paramount merger moves toward Skydance

The planned merger between Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures appears to be moving forward again, possibly as soon as this week. The new company would be called Skydance, after the studio founded by David Ellison.

The deal had run into problems from state-level challenges, especially in California, along with concern about the political climate. But those issues now seem to have eased after behind-the-scenes negotiations. Ellison had also agreed to produce 30 studio films a year, which helped settle the dispute.

The merger would bring a long list of major media brands under one company, including CNN, CBS, MTV, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Batman, and SpongeBob SquarePants. It would also mean major changes inside Warner Bros. itself.

Pam Abdy and Mike DeLuca are reportedly on the way out, while James Gunn and DC producer Peter Safran are expected to stay. Gunn even shared a video backing the new merger after his job security was reported.