Paramount-WBD Unveils 61 Films for 2027-2028 as Merger Nears Close in 2 Weeks
Updated
Updated · Deadline · Sep 22
Paramount-WBD Unveils 61 Films for 2027-2028 as Merger Nears Close in 2 Weeks
1 articles · Updated · Deadline · Sep 22
Summary
The combined studio has 36 theatrical releases lined up for 2027 and 25 for 2028, already clearing California’s first-year merger quota and leaving five more titles needed for year two.
Those release targets are central to the settlement: the merged company must deliver 30 films in each of its first two years, then 32 annually for the next three, or risk losing Paramount’s 49% Miramax stake and paying $30 million per missed film.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the deal also requires separate negotiations with cable distributors and theaters, bars bundling basic cable assets, and keeps exhibitor fees flat for three years to limit competitive harm.
The slate shows immediate operational strain, with both labels currently dated against each other on several weekends, including Call of Duty versus DC’s Dynamic Duo on June 30, 2028.
Larry Ellison told Paramount staff the merger is tentatively set to close in about two weeks, with one or two executives expected to oversee overall film strategy while the company works through overlapping marketing and distribution teams.
If theatrical shortfalls trigger the forced sale of Miramax, how will this high-stakes government gamble reshape Hollywood's delicate balance of power?
Will the strict mandate to produce 32 films annually force the new mega-studio to release low-quality movies just to avoid massive fines?
Could the unprecedented requirement to establish an independent news board for CBS and CNN actually hinder the merged company's digital media strategy?