Saudis Confirmed To Back Paramount-WBD Deal as SnyderVerse Talk Surges

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Variety has confirmed reports that a Gulf sovereign wealth fund is providing financial support for the deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, as sources have indicated from the beginning.

According to Variety, the merger is funded by $24 billion from investment funds linked to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. This significant investment increases the importance of what Paramount plans to do with its valuable collection of films and shows.

Variety: $24B From Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi

A group of investment funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are reportedly combining to invest $24 billion in the potential merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This deal is raising questions about who controls the media, and whether this foreign investment could affect the independence of outlets like CNN and HBO.

According to Variety, Paramount has informed the Securities and Exchange Commission that the Saudi investors won’t have any control over the company, like seats on the board or voting power. This simplifies the regulatory process.

However, Variety notes that analysts believe even investments made without actively trying to influence a company—often called “passive” money—can still have an impact over the long term, given their size.

Our Sources: Saudis Want Big, Testosterone-Driven Event Movies

This is exactly where our reporting has been headed.

We keep hearing that investors from the Gulf region are primarily interested in funding large-scale, blockbuster movies designed to appeal to a wide audience—think action-packed films with well-known characters and established franchises.

This also involves the possible return of the cinematic universe created by Zack Snyder, which sources indicate is still being considered as part of larger film plans.

This isn’t just about making money. Reportedly, the Saudi investors are big comic book enthusiasts, especially fans of Zack Snyder’s work, and they’re aiming to make a significant impact with these franchises.

If You Doubt the Spending Power, Look at the EA Deal

As Variety notes, Saudi Arabia is already making big investments in entertainment. A recent example is their agreement to acquire Electronic Arts – the company behind popular video game franchises like Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims – for $55 billion.

If you’re wondering how much they’ll spend to get what they want, look no further than the large sum they recently paid to acquire a property they considered important.

Why This Boosts SnyderVerse Talk

Now that Variety has confirmed financial support from Gulf countries, it makes sense why insiders are describing the future of the project as a big, cinematic push. This also explains why recent hints from Snyder, posts about Deathstroke from Manganiello, and Josh Horowitz’s renewed focus on Snyder have been significant.

If Hollywood is looking for large-scale, internationally appealing movies centered around iconic heroes, Zack Snyder’s work in the DC universe is a strong fit.

There’s no official word yet on whether Zack Snyder’s vision for the DC Universe will return. However, a recent report from Variety supports our previous reporting about investment from Saudi Arabia, suggesting the new leadership at DC is considering big-budget, attention-grabbing movies.

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2026-03-04 01:31