Paramount Projects ‘Significantly’ Lower Theatrical Revenue Overall in 2026 Despite More Titles; CEO David Ellison Reiterates Plan for 30-Film Annual Slate With Warner Bros.
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- Paramount will release 30 theatrical films in 2026 (15 from Paramount, 15 from Warner Bros.) as part of its 30‑film annual slate.
- David Ellison warned that 2026 box‑office revenue will be 'significantly lower' year‑over‑year despite the larger slate, citing the 2025 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' as an outlier.
- Warner Bros. Discovery merger is slated to close by September 2026, a $111 billion deal that will give the combined company over 200 million subscribers in more than 200 countries.
- Saudi Arabia and other Gulf sovereign funds (Qatar, Abu Dhabi) have pledged $24 billion, owning 38.5% of the new Paramount‑WBD entity.
- Netflix shares have fallen 9‑10% as the streaming giant faces financial headwinds, contrasting with Paramount’s aggressive expansion.
Why it matters: Paramount and its sovereign investors secure a $111 billion merger and a 30‑film slate, positioning them to compete for >200 million subscribers, while Netflix loses investor confidence as its shares slip 9‑10%, tightening the streaming‑theatrical revenue battle.
