Paramount Plans Bigger Film Slate, Retains Cable Networks After Skydance Merger

Paramount Global will expand feature film production while keeping its cable networks, including Nickelodeon, MTV, and BET, following its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The studio aims to increase annual movie releases from eight to 15, eventually reaching 20 films, featuring franchises like “Star Trek” and “Transformers,” alongside original titles such as Timothée Chalamet’s “High Side.” Paramount executives view legacy cable channels as strategic assets for streaming and plan to leverage emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance storytelling. The approach contrasts with rivals like Warner Bros Discovery and Comcast, which are spinning off their cable networks.