Hollywood has been struggling for some time, almost as if it’s working against itself. The push towards streaming a few years ago, combined with traditional box office revenue, has created a confusing financial situation. Even successful years for studios like Warner Bros. don’t feel secure. It seems like the main issue is simply that those with money want even more. We’re seeing this play out now with Warner Bros. Discovery, where Netflix wants to buy them, but Paramount and Skydance are competing to acquire the company, regardless of what Warner Bros. Discovery wants. It’s a complicated and draining situation.
Following Paramount’s lawsuit challenging Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) attempts to block its takeover bid, WBD has dismissed the legal action as without merit. In a statement reported by Variety, WBD argues that Paramount’s claim its $30-per-share offer is better is a tactic to influence the board. WBD also points out that Paramount, under CEO David Ellison, hasn’t increased its offer to buy the company.
Warner Bros. Discovery stated on Monday that Paramount Skydance hasn’t improved its offer in six weeks, despite numerous public statements, and continues to fall short in addressing key issues. WBD believes Paramount Skydance is trying to divert attention with a baseless lawsuit and criticism of the Warner Bros. Discovery board, which has significantly benefited shareholders. The board has unanimously determined that the proposed deal remains less favorable than the existing merger agreement with Netflix, even after multiple opportunities for Paramount Skydance to present a better offer.
The Variety article focuses heavily on the financial aspects of this situation, if you’re interested in that side of things. We see this as further proof that extremely wealthy individuals, driven by a desire for even more wealth or media control, will go to any lengths, even if it means harming the entertainment industry. It raises the question of why Warner Bros. Discovery is potentially up for sale so soon after David Zaslav’s acquisition and before the planned separation of Warner and Discovery is even complete.
2025 was a very successful year for Warner Bros. at the domestic box office, with seven of their films ranking among the top twenty highest earners. Their biggest hit was A Minecraft Movie, which took the number one spot. Paramount, however, didn’t fare as well, with only two films in the top 25: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Unfortunately, both of those movies didn’t meet expectations.
It feels like this is just a pointless rivalry between Zaslav and Ellison, and they should both enjoy their incredible wealth privately. Please stop letting your conflict negatively impact others.
Kyle Anderson is a Senior Editor at TopMob and the host of the weekly podcast, Laser Focus, where he dives deep into pop culture. He also writes film and TV reviews, and you can find him on Letterboxd.
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2026-01-13 02:33