David Ellison has started the Skydance shuffle, announcing the new company name, parting ways with Warner Bros. film chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, and setting the stage for a potential ‘Barbie 2’.
Ellison addressed employees ahead of the expected closing of Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery next week. He confirmed that the combined company will use the Skydance name.
“As we bring Paramount and Warner Bros. together, we wanted to preserve what has made each of these studios iconic. Both have distinct identities, extraordinary legacies and brands that have resonated with audiences for generations,” Ellison wrote in a memo obtained by Variety.
“We never wanted a new corporate identity to diminish, alter or overshadow either one. Instead, we wanted a name that would give the combined company an identity of its own while allowing Paramount and Warner Bros. and all our extraordinary brands to remain in the spotlight.”
The reshuffle has already claimed two major Warner Bros. executives. Variety confirmed that De Luca and Abdy are leaving the company.
Paramount Pictures leaders Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein are also set to take on wider creative roles. They will oversee film labels across both companies.
Casey Bloys is expected to lead streaming after Cindy Holland departs from Paramount+.
The changes have also sparked fresh activity around major Warner Bros. projects. Goldberg and Greenstein have contacted key talent, including Margot Robbie and her LuckyChap partners.
Sources also say plans are moving again for a sequel to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. The project had stalled over costs.
Ellison closed his memo by welcoming employees to the new era: “Welcome to Skydance. I couldn’t be more excited about what we’re going to build together.
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