David Ellis, CEO of Paramount, says Warner will release 15 films per year
Paramount's CEO David Ellison reiterated the commitment to releasing at least 30 films annually post-merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming for 15 films from each studio.
David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, announced the studio's commitment to producing at least 30 films per year following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The plan specifies that each studio is expected to release 15 feature films annually, emphasizing that movies should primarily be experienced in theaters. He also highlighted a recent increase in Paramount's own output, projecting 15 releases for 2026, a significant rise from eight films released in 2025. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. recently released 11 films in the last year, showcasing the competitive landscape in the film industry.
In addition to film production, Ellison discussed the streaming strategy which involves unifying HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single consumer platform anticipated to have over 200 million subscribers. This merger is still pending regulatory approval, but it underscores the studio's intent to enhance its market position against industry leaders like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The consolidation would streamline operations and create a more robust offering for viewers.
Moreover, he indicated that by mid-2026, Paramount plans to integrate its streaming services, including Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+, into one technological infrastructure. This strategy aims to improve operational efficiency and gain a stronger foothold in an increasingly competitive streaming market. The implications of these developments highlight a significant shift in how film production and distribution are evolving in response to changing consumer behaviors towards streaming content and theatrical releases.