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Paramount\u2019s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. remains on shaky ground, but both Paramount and California attorney general Rob Bonta are digging in their heels. After new Paramount CEO David Ellison made commitments that would benefit movie theaters, Cinemark joined AMC and Regal in recommending the merger go through. \u201cThe enduring success of our industry requires a healthy theatrical ecosystem supported by financially sound studios and exhibitors that can effectively create, distribute and exhibit high-quality films to consumers around the world,\u201d Cinemark said in a press release. \u201cWe join those who have recently called for an expedited resolution of the proposed Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger as prolonged uncertainty runs the risk of diverting time and resources away from achieving these priorities.\u201d In order to get the chains on his side, Ellison reportedly committed to releasing 30 films per year with his new combined studio and to keep them exclusive to theaters for 45 days.<\/p>\n
On the other end of the spectrum, Bonta is continuing to lead 12 states suing Paramount to block the merger with the trial slated to begin on March 2, 2027. Ellison has threatened to move Paramount out of California if Bonta doesn\u2019t agree to a settlement, but Bonta still says he sees no threat. \u201cIf their goal is to apply pressure,\u00a0no pressure felt, no pressure applied,\u201d he told The Hollywood Reporter. \u201cHonestly it reveals more than it tries to impose. What it reveals is that they\u2019re on the back foot, they\u2019re reeling. They\u2019re losing in court.\u00a0And David Ellison has to explain why he\u2019s talking out of two sides of his mouth.\u201d Regarding the groups that have now come out in support of the deal, Bonta just attributed those opinions to strategy. \u201cI think what some of these stakeholders are interested in is a resolution as soon as possible,\u201d he said. \u201cCertainty is something they\u2019re looking for. To me it\u2019s important to know that they value it and why they value it.\u00a0But I don\u2019t see that as pressure.\u201d Guess this isn\u2019t coming to an end anytime soon.<\/p>\n
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