Ellison offers theater chains guaranteed 30-film slate with exclusive windows to ease merger concerns

David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, has put forward three-year, contractually enforceable deals with AMC Entertainment and Regal Cinemas that would require the merged Paramount-Warner operation to release at least 30 movies each year. The contracts guarantee a 45-day exclusive theatrical window and impose a 90-day prohibition on streaming the titles, with financial penalties if the studio fails to meet the commitments.

This concession aims to counter an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 state attorneys general, which alleges the merger would give the combined company excessive control over theatrical releases and basic cable markets. While the theater CEOs have expressed support, analysts note that a higher volume of releases has not translated into stronger box-office performance, referencing Paramount’s 45% drop in Q2 2026 theatrical revenue and a slate dominated by sub-$10 million films.

Ellison acknowledged in one outlet's op-ed that he cannot guarantee the success of any individual movie, only a greater number of releases. The case is set for trial in March 2027, leaving the merger’s outcome uncertain.