In a significant development within the Hollywood landscape, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global have initiated discussions over a potential merger. As per Axios, CEOs David Zaslav and Bob Bakish discussed the merger during a recent lunch meeting in New York. Reports also claimed that the talks are at the initial stages, but both production companies have not disclosed much about it.
The merger reportedly aims to consolidate assets spanning television, film, sports, and streaming services to compete against streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. However, people have expressed concerns, particularly regarding the fate of cinematic classics like The Godfather, amid the potential merger.
The Potential Merger Could Grant Warner Bros. Access to a Range of Movies
While Paramount is reported to have a significantly lower long-term debt than Warner Bros., the latter holds a larger market value with a market capitalization of $28.4 billion as of the close of trading on December 20. Paramount, however, has a market capitalization of $10.3 billion.
As Axios revealed that Warner Bros. and Paramount are in talks for a potential merger, there has been anticipation over the cinematic gems that could change hands in the transaction. The merger, if realized, would give Warne Bros. Discovery access to Paramount Pictures’ impressive portfolio of film franchises.
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The production company, led by David Zaslav, could potentially acquire top-tier properties, including franchises like Terminator, Transformers, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, A Quiet Place, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Godfather, Paranormal Activity, Scream, GI Joe, PAW Patrol, SpongeBob and Star Trek.
Warner Bros., which is already home to established franchises like DC Universe, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings, could see a notable expansion with these new additions and help solidify its presence in the industry. However, people have expressed their concern over the merger.
Fans Share Their Concern About the Potential Merger
The potential merger between Warner Bros. and Paramount would likely extend beyond movies, with the media giants potentially pooling their assets in TV, sports, and streaming as well. Their respective cable lineups, featuring ‘CNN, HBO, Cartoon Network’ and Paramount’s CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon, could also join forces to enhance scale.
They’re gonna remake the godfather aren’t they
— MJ (@MJ__Hernandez) December 20, 2023
GREAT, MORE FRANCHISES TO RUIN 😭🤣
— Aryan Gupta (@SavageAryan007) December 21, 2023
Oh god they will remake the godfather 1000000%
— Craig (@CS11__) December 20, 2023
I hope not bec Warner would ruin all these franchises
— muhammad hassan (@mhassan_32) December 20, 2023
I can’t think of anything worse than Warner Bros Discovery taking over nickelodeon. I mean no that’s just pure evil what will happen if that takes place
— Podio Commentary (@PodioCommentary) December 20, 2023
Please don’t. They will start remaking everything and then send our favorite shows to Tubi instead of making their own platform 😭
— Grateful🕷️ (@0x6Grateful) December 20, 2023
Please keep Avatar The last Airbender and Transformers far away from David Zaslav.
— Cell (@DekuFinalFlash) December 20, 2023
However, both possibilities have caused fans to worry, as many shared that Warner Bros. would likely start developing remakes of the already hit shows and movies under Paramount. One Twitter user shared their concern, saying, “They’re gonna remake the Godfather, aren’t they.”
Others also raised concern, claiming that the studio could ruin great franchises, including The Godfather and Transformers. And many are sure that if the merger happens, there certainly would be a remake of one of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather.
