# Skydance formation through Paramount and Warner merger

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/skydance-formation-through-paramount-and-warner-merger
> Updated: 2026-10-08T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have officially completed their US$ 111 billion merger to form a new entertainment conglomerate named Skydance. Led by Chairman and CEO David Ellison and Co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, the entity aims to compete with industry giants like Netflix and Disney by combining massive libraries, including HBO Max, Paramount+, DC Comics, and franchises such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.

The merger integrates major film studios, television networks, and gaming divisions, such as Paramount Games Studio and Warner Bros. Games. It also brings together major news organizations CBS News and CNN under one corporate umbrella. While Ellison has pledged that these news outlets will maintain “full editorial autonomy,” the consolidation has sparked debate regarding media concentration and influence.

To preserve the legacies of the original studios, Skydance serves as a holding company, allowing the Paramount and Warner Bros. brands to maintain distinct identities. Leadership has indicated that the streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+ will continue to operate as separate services for the time being.

Leadership developments include the appointment of Bobby Kotick as an Independent Director and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair as an advisor. Additionally, Skydance has consolidated its publishing and consumer products divisions under Josh Silverman. Other key executive appointments include Jay Askinasi as Chief Revenue Officer of Advertising, David Decker as President of Content Sales, and Ray Hopkins as President of Distribution. The company's board also includes Laurene Powell Jobs.

Internationally, the merger has faced regulatory scrutiny, such as the Polish government’s review of TVN ownership. Amidst these transitions, Gerhard Zeiler, former president of Warner Bros. Discovery International, is departing the company to pursue political ambitions in Austria.

## Claims

- David Ellison is the Chairman and CEO of the newly formed Skydance. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The Skydance board includes Co-CEO Ynon Kreiz and Laurene Powell Jobs. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have merged to form a new company named Skydance. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is valued at US$ 111 billion. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The new company includes news organizations CBS News and CNN. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Skydance name was chosen to preserve the individual identities of the Paramount and Warner Bros. studios. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard, has joined Skydance as an Independent Director. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will serve as an advisor to the Skydance board. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gerhard Zeiler is departing Skydance to pursue political leadership in Austria. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Skydance will maintain HBO Max and Paramount+ as separate streaming services. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Skydance formed through Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger

Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have merged in a $111 billion deal to form Skydance, a new media giant led by CEO David Ellison, encompassing major studios, news networks, and streaming services.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skydance-formed-through-paramount-and-warner-bros-discovery-merger

### 2026-10-06: Skydance confirms Casey Bloys to oversee HBO Max and Paramount+

Casey Bloys has signed a multiyear deal to oversee HBO Max and Paramount+ under Skydance's new leadership structure as the company begins its integration phase.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skydance-confirms-casey-bloys-to-oversee-hbo-max-and-paramount

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Cite as: Skydance formation through Paramount and Warner merger. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/skydance-formation-through-paramount-and-warner-merger