The mega merger is now official.
The wait is finally over as the Paramount Skydance Corporation and Warner Bros. Discovery mega merger has officially been finalized. And under the company’s new name, simply Skydance, Star Trek boldly sets course into the future along with some of the most storied brands ever assembled under one umbrella.
The Chairman and CEO of Skydance, David Ellison, addressed the iconic venture in a statement released this morning (Tuesday, Oct. 6), which reads as follows, courtesy of Skydance:
“Today is a historic day, not just for Skydance but for our entire industry. From the start, our ambition was to bring these two storied studios together and create a stronger competitor, with the talent, resources, and reach to tell great stories in every genre, on every platform, for audiences everywhere. Now that ambition is a reality.”
Ellison, who touted the Star Trek brand as one “of the most beloved franchises of all time” while promoting Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery back in May, continued by saying:
“We're grateful to everyone who made this possible – the employees, creative talent, and production teams of both companies, who worked tirelessly to get us here and inspire audiences around the world every day, as well as the advisors and partners who guided this transaction to completion."
Ellison added: "Our focus now turns to the future: building a company that empowers creatives, entertains audiences and rewards shareholders. We couldn't be more excited to get to work.”
Star Trek executives can now Skydance their way forward by producing new films and streaming series with the power of a company that generates "almost $70 billion in revenue" (per the same press release) and is “targeting $6 billion-plus in run-rate synergies over the next three years.”
I think Paramount and Warner Bros. joining forces is just what Star Trek needs at a time when there are currently no live-action streaming or television shows in production.
Skydance’s power and financial and creative clout should also allow John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein to mold their Trek film into a big-budget extravaganza, which will draw in plenty of new fans while also appeasing Trekkies and Trekkers alike.
Unfortunately, not everyone is keen on the idea of the new Skydance. In fact, Star Trek celebrities, including J.J. Abrams, Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, Michelle Hurd, and Wil Wheaton, all signed a petition to try and block Paramount Skydance from merging with Warner Bros.
Personally, I’m stoked that three of my favorite all-time fiction titles, Star Trek, Superman, and Batman, are now all under one roof, which should give future Skydance San Diego Comic-Con panels in Hall H the ability to finally compete with Marvel Studios and their incredible MCU.
Are you excited about Star Trek flying its flag under the newly formed Skydance? Or do you have reservations about the Paramount and Warner Bros. mega merger? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
And more more information about the finalized Skydance deal, fans can read the official press release in its entirety by clicking this link.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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