Paramount Launches Hostile Takeover Of WBD Backed By Saudis & Kushner (Scoop Confirmed)

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Sources close to me previously indicated that the plans for Zack Snyder’s DC universe were being revived and that James Gunn might leave when Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is sold. Now, it appears Paramount is attempting to buy WBD, and they have financial support from both Saudi investors and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Following my first report on James Gunn, he publicly discussed his future with Warner Bros. Discovery, wondering if he’d still be there after the company was sold.

After Netflix secured the deal, James Gunn and Peter Safran gave an interview to Bloomberg, revealing they only received a six-month contract extension and their positions aren’t secure.

Just yesterday, Zack Snyder teased more stories with Superman Henry Cavill.

After Netflix secured the deal, Paramount has launched a takeover attempt of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Okay, so Paramount’s acquisition is now official – it’s really happening! And the reactions are starting to pour in. I’ve already seen statements from Trump, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Here’s the breakdown of what everyone’s saying…

Paramount Drops $108 Billion Bid To Block Netflix Takeover

Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are now in a full-blown corporate conflict after Netflix successfully outbid Warner for a valuable asset. This marks the biggest power struggle in Hollywood in decades, and signals a major shift in the industry – a challenging period many have predicted.

On Monday, Paramount made an offer to buy all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock for $30 per share, totaling $108.4 billion. This move is a direct attempt to prevent Warner Bros. from reaching a final agreement with Netflix.

Paramount argued that its offer included $18 billion more cash than Netflix’s, and criticized Warner Bros. Discovery’s board for supporting what it described as a unrealistic and worse agreement.

Paramount Goes Hostile

Paramount claims Warner Bros. Discovery’s board relied on an inaccurate assessment of Global Networks’ worth and is now attempting to communicate directly with shareholders, bypassing Paramount.

CEO David Ellison strongly criticized Netflix’s proposal, describing it as weak and risky. He argued that his company’s offer is a better, straightforward cash deal that won’t face lengthy regulatory reviews in many different countries.

Ellison announced the company will no longer wait for a response and is instead appealing directly to shareholders, giving them the chance to decide what’s best for themselves.

Larry Ellison, RedBird Capital, and banks including Bank of America, Citi, and Apollo are supporting the bid with a combined total of $54 billion in financing.

I think Paramount has a really good point – they’re worried that if Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery were to merge, it would give them way too much control over the streaming market. They believe regulators would block it because it could create a near-monopoly – almost 43% of all streaming subscriptions worldwide! This is especially concerning in areas where Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery are already the top two players, potentially stifling competition.

Analysts at the company noted that Netflix rarely makes big acquisitions, and view this deal as carrying significant risks in terms of successful implementation.

Saudis, Qatar & Kushner Revealed As Backers

Paramount has now confirmed reports from my sources: the offer is being financed by investment funds from the Middle East and Jared Kushner’s company, Affinity Partners.

Funding sources include:

  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)
  • Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding Company (PJSC)
  • Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)
  • Affinity Partners (Jared Kushner)

As I mentioned before, Hollywood is increasingly partnering with Saudi Arabia, with some deals connected to people close to Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia is looking to invest heavily in entertainment, specifically seeking ownership of popular movies, established brands, and theme park concepts.

Paramount’s disclosure lines up with everything insiders have been telling us for months.

Trump: “None Of Them Are Particularly Great Friends Of Mine”

Notably, Trump has now publicly distanced himself from any connection to Paramount and Netflix.

Following news that Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Paramount had both reached out for his support, Donald Trump told reporters he’s familiar with both companies and aware of their intentions. However, he said he needs to review their market share before making any decisions. He clarified that he doesn’t consider either executive a close friend, and wants to ensure he acts in the best interest of everyone involved.

Trump stated he’ll need to see how the situation affects market share before offering his opinion, suggesting he’s currently remaining neutral and won’t publicly support either side.

This is a shift, as earlier reporting suggested Trump was warming to a Netflix–WBD deal.

Netflix Responds: “Entirely Expected”

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos dismissed the unwanted takeover attempt, stating, “We anticipated this, and we’re very pleased with the agreement we’ve already made.”

Sarandos stated that Netflix is still very optimistic the deal will be finalized, and believes it will benefit investors, content creators, and employment opportunities.

Netflix is acting like nothing has changed — even though everything just did.

WBD Confirms Receipt, Stays With Netflix (For Now)

Warner Bros. Discovery has received the unwanted offer and stated its board will consider it, following the guidelines of their contract with Netflix. They plan to announce their decision within 10 business days.

Until then, WBD told shareholders: Do not take any action.

Warner Bros. Discovery continues to publicly support its deal with Netflix, but is now also considering a new, unsolicited offer from Paramount as they weigh their options.

What This Means

Hollywood now faces the most aggressive corporate clash in its history:

  • Netflix believes it already won WBD.
  • Paramount is trying to rip the studio out of its hands.
  • The Saudis, Qatar, and Kushner are officially major players (exactly as I was told).
  • Trump is publicly neutral — privately, anything can change.
  • WBD’s board is frozen between contracts, regulators, shareholders, and two competing billion-dollar empires.

This isn’t just a straightforward company buyout anymore. It’s a full-blown battle for the direction of Hollywood, and Saudi Arabia’s massive wealth fund has a front-row seat.

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2025-12-09 02:33