AceShowbiz - David Ellison made a surprising and significant appearance at CinemaCon, the annual event for theater owners, delivering a strong message of confidence about the future of theatrical film releases under his leadership of Paramount and the soon-to-be-acquired Warner Bros.

Addressing exhibitors directly, Ellison sought to reassure the industry that the transition in studio leadership will benefit theaters rather than threaten them. He promised a robust slate of films and a commitment to theatrical exclusivity, stating, "I want to look every single one of you in the eye and promise once we combine with Warner Bros., we are going to make a minimum 30 movies a year. Every film will be released in theaters with minimum 45 day window and SVOD in 90 days."

This appearance came as a surprise following Ellison's absence from a recent U.S. Senate antitrust hearing regarding his merger plans, where he missed testifying due to a family bereavement. Paramount policy executive Ted Lehman informed Senator Cory Booker that Ellison was attending a funeral, with no further details released.

At CinemaCon, Ellison spoke after a video presentation directed by Jon M. Chu, which highlighted the studio’s revitalization and commitment to theatrical cinema. The video showcased notable collaborators, including Tom Cruise, Timothée Chalamet, Sherry Lansing, Gina Prince-Bythewood, James Cameron, Chris Pratt, and Will Smith. It concluded with Cruise perched atop the Paramount water tower, symbolizing a hopeful and ambitious future.

Ellison expressed his passion for cinema with the rallying cry, "Long live the movies," emphasizing his belief in the enduring power of theatrical releases. He praised the theater owners as key partners in the entertainment ecosystem, calling theaters a "smart business," and highlighting their unique ability to launch franchises that resonate for generations.

Since taking control of Paramount in August 2025, Ellison said his company has increased its production pace significantly. He noted that 15 films are already scheduled for release in 2026, up from eight in 2025, underscoring the studio’s renewed vigor and expanded output.

Joining Ellison on stage were Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg, co-heads of the new Paramount movie studio, both seasoned Hollywood executives. They announced exciting upcoming projects, including director Pete Berg’s adaptation of the popular video game Call of Duty, with a screenplay by Taylor Sheridan, slated for theatrical release in 2028.

Greenstein and Goldberg emphasized their commitment to a diverse and varied film slate. Their plans include big tentpole franchises, such as the confirmed Top Gun 3, along with genre films, family movies, R-rated comedies, and original stories. This strategic mix aims to appeal to a broad audience and sustain Paramount’s growth.

Ellison highlighted the longstanding professional relationships that underpin the current leadership team. Goldberg was his second-in-command at Skydance, and Greenstein previously led marketing at Paramount before joining the new regime. Greenstein reflected on their collaboration, citing their initial meeting on the film True Grit as the foundation for their ongoing partnership at Paramount.

This renewed leadership and clear commitment to theatrical windows come amid industry concerns about the future of movie theaters in the streaming age. By guaranteeing a minimum 45-day theatrical window followed by a 90-day window before streaming video-on-demand releases, Ellison aims to preserve and strengthen the traditional moviegoing experience.

With the combined resources of Paramount and Warner Bros., and a projected annual output of at least 30 films, Ellison is positioning the merged studio as a major theatrical powerhouse. His vision promises to revitalize cinemas and offer audiences a diverse range of films on the big screen.

In closing, Ellison expressed gratitude to the theater owners, calling them partners on this journey. He conveyed excitement about the future, reaffirming his personal commitment to the success of theatrical movies and their vital role in the entertainment landscape.