David Ellison Unveils His Powerful New Throne at Paramount: Exciting Plans for Top Gun 3, Star Trek, and World War Z

David Ellison has always had a passion for film. Growing up, Sundays meant going to the movies with his mother and sister, Megan Ellison, who founded Annapurna Pictures. Now, after over 15 years of dreaming, he’s at the helm of a major Hollywood studio. But his challenge is significant: revitalizing a studio that has seen better days.

Recently, Ellison hosted a gathering for journalists at the historic Melrose Lot in Hollywood, home to Paramount Pictures. This event came shortly after the $8 billion merger he was involved in wrapped up. Unlike the previous New York event, the focus here was on movies and television.

Ellison highlighted Top Gun 3 as a priority. He expressed his commitment to working with Tom Cruise, showing he values their collaboration that dates back to his days at Skydance, where they made ten films together. “We want Paramount to be the go-to place for the best filmmakers,” he said. “Great filmmakers make great movies.”

Now, with control over several dormant franchises like Star Trek, G.I. Joe, and others, Ellison aims to bring these back into the spotlight. His team plans to release 15 films a year, with aspirations to expand that number to 20. Co-film chief Josh Greenstein mentioned that both established franchises and original ideas will be priorities. For example, they are excited about the project featuring Timothée Chalamet, High Side.

Star Trek, last seen in theaters in 2016, will be carefully managed to unify film and TV under one strategy. Dana Goldberg, co-chief of film, noted that they would ensure a collective effort to enhance the brand across platforms.

Ellison also spoke about the importance of Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan to Paramount+, recognizing his talent and success. “He’s a genius,” Ellison said. “We want to support his storytelling as long as we can.”

Ellison has surrounded himself with seasoned industry veterans rather than outsiders. His leadership team includes names like Jeff Shell, former CEO of NBCUniversal, and Cindy Holland, who previously led scripted content for Netflix. They bring a wealth of experience, having worked across various studios, which is crucial for rebuilding Paramount’s legacy.

Ellison’s approach is practical. “Legacy media is like a boat in the middle of the lake,” he remarked. “Some don’t know how to reach the shore.” He is focused on leveraging technology and efficient practices to guide Paramount to the future.

As the entertainment landscape shifts, Ellison’s commitment to theatrical releases, along with an emphasis on family films reminiscent of classics like Goonies and Night at the Museum, is noteworthy. The success of films in theaters versus streaming services is still a topic of debate; a 2023 survey showed that 65% of audiences still prefer watching blockbusters on the big screen.

With excitement and a clear vision, David Ellison’s journey at Paramount is just beginning. Will he succeed in his mission to breathe new life into the storied studio? Time will tell.

For more insights on the current state of entertainment, check out recent discussions on industry trends from Variety and Hollywood Reporter.

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David Ellison,Paramount