Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer expressed backing for the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery during the company’s quarterly earnings presentation Thursday. The transaction, which faces legal challenges from multiple state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, is scheduled for an antitrust trial beginning in March 2027. Feltheimer emphasized that prolonged uncertainty surrounding the deal creates negative conditions for the industry.
While Lionsgate competes with both Paramount and Warner Bros. in theatrical film releases, Feltheimer noted that a combined entity could become a valuable business partner. He highlighted that merging the companies under David Ellison’s leadership would likely result in increased content investment and a strengthened streaming platform. According to Feltheimer, these developments would benefit Lionsgate’s opportunities in library sales and original programming collaborations.
Feltheimer revealed that Lionsgate has already concluded one television deal with Paramount and is exploring potential co-financing arrangements for feature films. He argued that greater industry competition and more films in the marketplace ultimately benefits all studios. The executive stressed his primary concern is resolution rather than the specific outcome, stating that eliminating delays and uncertainty remains paramount.
The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority recently cleared the merger, removing a major regulatory hurdle. However, the deal remains blocked pending resolution of the pending litigation, with completion unlikely before mid-2027.
Originally reported by Variety →
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