David Ellison

Filmmaker Peter Berg, set to direct the upcoming Call of Duty movie, is facing backlash over his past remarks calling war video games "pathetic" and gaming sessions "weak." These decade-old comments, recently resurfaced, contrast sharply with his current involvement in adapting the popular military shooter franchise. Fans are debating the director's evolving stance.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved an $81 billion sale to Paramount, a deal valued at $111 billion including debt. This mega-merger, if cleared by regulators, could significantly alter Hollywood, combining major studios, streaming services like HBO Max and Paramount+, and news outlets such as CNN and CBS.

Get ready for more high-octane action as "Top Gun 3" is officially in development with Tom Cruise returning as Maverick. Paramount Pictures announced the sequel at CinemaCon, confirming a script is underway and Cruise will reunite with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. This exciting news follows the massive success of the 2022 film, which reignited cinema attendance post-pandemic.

Hollywood heavyweights, including Jane Fonda and Joaquin Phoenix, are protesting Paramount Skydance's proposed $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Over 1,000 signatories fear the mega-merger will reduce competition, leading to fewer creator opportunities, job losses, and less choice for audiences. They argue this consolidation further strains an already struggling industry.

Paramount Skydance is enforcing a strict return-to-office policy, mandating five days a week in-office for employees across all US locations starting September 14. Some remote workers will need to relocate by 2027. Managers are equipped with tools to encourage team bonding, but attendance will be monitored, with non-compliance potentially leading to dismissal.

A new lawsuit alleges Donald Trump promised Oracle founder Larry Ellison he'd secure Warner Bros. Discovery for Paramount Skydance over Netflix. Paramount dismisses the claims as baseless. The suit details Trump's alleged influence, including pushing for 'Rush Hour 4' as part of the deal, amid intense regulatory scrutiny of the acquisition battle.

The Pentagon and White House slammed CNN over its Iran war coverage Friday -- with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying he looked forward to an ally of President Donald Trump taking over the news network. His father, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, one of the world's richest men, largely financed the takeover and is also a longtime ally and financial backer of President Donald Trump.

Netflix has reportedly laid off dozens of employees from its global product team, primarily impacting its creative studio unit responsible for marketing materials. These job cuts are part of an internal reorganisation, not performance-related, with some staff being made redundant and others reassigned.

Paramount's $111 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery faces potential disruption from the US-Iran war, as Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds reconsider investments. China's Tencent has entered a new funding round, despite past US regulatory concerns over its involvement.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos conceded defeat in the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war to Paramount Skydance, warning the debt-heavy acquisition will lead to significant layoffs and reduced production. Despite withdrawing, Netflix plans to expand its theatrical footprint and will reinvest saved funds into its core business, emphasizing growth through building rather than buying.

Paramount Skydance has revised its acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, adding a $2.8 billion payment to Netflix if the deal fails and promising increasing quarterly shareholder payments. Despite these enhancements, WBD's board has not changed its recommendation to shareholders to accept Netflix's competing $82 billion bid.

Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly reconsidering a sale to Paramount Skydance after receiving an amended offer. Paramount's new proposal addresses previous concerns, including covering Netflix termination fees and backstopping debt. This move could reignite a bidding war, with shareholders urging WBD to engage in talks.

According to a portal, Schwarzenegger will also executive produce the yet-to-be-titled project from "Scorpion" creator Nick Santora.

Paramount CEO David Ellison announced a mandatory return to office policy, requiring employees in Los Angeles and New York to work five days a week starting January 2026. Employees unwilling to comply can seek buyouts until September 15.

Paramount Skydance has implemented its return-to-office policy, requiring employees in New York and Los Angeles to work on-site five days a week. This significant shift, announced last September, aims to enhance in-person collaboration, with approximately 600 workers accepting severance packages.

In a landmark shift, UFC has inked a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount Skydance, ending its pay-per-view era starting 2026. Every UFC event in the US will stream on Paramount+, with major shows on CBS. Dana White credits David Ellison for the swift deal, more than doubling the previous ESPN agreement.

Warner Bros. Discovery's board has rejected Paramount's latest $108 billion takeover bid, citing insufficient value and certainty. The board highlighted significant costs for WBD if the Paramount deal fails and expressed doubts about Paramount's ability to secure the massive debt financing required for the leveraged buyout. WBD reaffirmed its commitment to a superior merger with Netflix.

Paramount's Skydance has submitted a revised $31 per share bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, which the board now considers potentially superior to Netflix's $27.75 per share offer. This development comes after weeks of rejections, with Paramount securing financial guarantees.

Paramount's CEO David Ellison made extensive personal overtures, including private dinners and text messages, to WBD's David Zaslav for a potential merger. Despite an improved all-cash offer and even a co-CEO proposal, Paramount's bid was rejected. Ellison expressed deep respect and a desire for partnership, but WBD proceeded with a Netflix deal, prompting Paramount's hostile takeover announcement.

Actor Jennifer Connelly has joined Tom Cruise in 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

Tim Miller and James Cameron have roped in Billy Ray to join the writing team and give the final touches to the latest draft of 'Terminator'.

Paramount Skydance has reportedly increased its bid for Warner Bros Discovery, aiming to outbid Netflix for coveted entertainment franchises. This corporate battle has taken a political turn as former President Trump demanded Netflix remove Susan Rice from its board, citing her past comments about potential accountability for companies that cooperated with his administration.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison bypassed Warner Bros. Discovery's board, taking his $30-per-share hostile bid directly to shareholders. He stated the board couldn't accept the offer without breaching fiduciary duties. Ellison believes his all-cash proposal is superior to Netflix's mixed deal, urging investors to consider it before the January 8 deadline.

'Transformers' filmmaker Michael Bay is working on 'Six Underground' and 'Robopocalypse' as his next two directorial projects.

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is teaming up once again with filmmaker Shawn Levy for a time travel movie.

TV writer Marti Noxon's new drama "Dietland" has got a series order at AMC.

Paramount Pictures' X account was briefly hijacked with a political message. This happened during a chaotic week for the studio and its parent company. Major corporate deals and shifts are shaking up Hollywood. Former President Donald Trump also commented on the industry's evolving landscape. The incident adds another twist to a rapidly changing entertainment era.