Regal CEO Endorses Paramount-Skydance Warner Deal, Cites Antitrust Trial Distraction

Regal Cinemas chief Eduardo Acuna issued a Wednesday evening statement backing the proposed Paramount-Skydance purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing the sector’s recent gains in attendance and younger viewers. He highlighted commitments from Paramount-Skydance leader David Ellison, including a minimum of 30 theatrical films each year, a guaranteed theatrical window of 45 days for TV-on-Demand and 90 days for subscription streaming for at least three years, plus a $30 billion annual investment in media content.

Acuna warned that an extended antitrust battle, scheduled for March 2-19, 2027, would generate uncertainty that could damage studios, filmmakers, moviegoers and theater operators. The endorsement comes a week after AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron voiced similar support, giving the merger two of the nation’s biggest exhibitor chains. Their backing challenges the lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other states, which alleges the $111 billion deal violates the Clayton Act. With Regal and AMC aligned, the states’ case may face heightened difficulty proving post-merger harm to exhibitors and consumers.