Paramount outlines new era under Ellison

David Ellison outlines Paramount's plan to revive key franchises and align film and TV under a new leadership team.

Paramount leadership shift fuels renewed focus on top franchises

David Ellison hosted a journalist meet-and-greet on the Melrose Lot in Hollywood, presenting the new Paramount era after the Skydance merger closing. He named Top Gun 3 a top priority and said he would pursueTom Cruise collaborations for as long as the star wants to tell stories. He also signaled a cinema-first approach, with a slate aimed at 15 films a year, rising to 20, and a focus on reviving dormant franchises like Star Trek, G.I. Joe, Terminator, and Transformers.

The leadership team reflects a mix of veteran studio minds and Skydance alums. Jeff Shell will run Paramount Skydance, while Dana Goldberg and Cindy Holland will lead the film and streaming arms, respectively. Trek will be treated holistically across film and TV, and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan will play a central role on Paramount+. Ellison emphasized that the company would keep a theater-first strategy and noted he would not comment on TikTok or BET. He closed with a lake metaphor about moving to the other side, a line meant to capture the long road ahead.

The pitch is clear: consolidate creative power around a slate built on established franchises and a strong relationship with A-list talent. By tying Star Trek and other franchises to both film and television, Paramount signals a push to unify content across platforms, not just separate channels. The plan relies on a seasoned leadership group rather than outsiders, betting that continuity and experience can steadier finances during a period of industry upheaval. Yet the strategy also concentrates risk: a heavy dependence on big franchises can undercut riskier, original ideas and put pressure on budgets as scheduling and production scale grow. The move comes at a moment when Paramount seeks to prove it can compete with streaming giants while honoring legacy properties built over decades. The real test will be whether the new team can translate this vision into steady box office and subscriber growth without inflating costs.

Highlights

The coming year will show if this pivot can restore Paramount’s standing in a crowded market.