Paramount Skydance ( PSKY ) CEO David Ellison sought to steady nerves in Hollywood on Thursday as regulatory scrutiny intensifies over the studio’s proposed buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) , using a high-profile appearance at CinemaCon to double down on his theatrical-first strategy.

Ellison pledged that the combined studio would release at least 30 films annually with a minimum 45-day exclusive theatrical window, positioning cinemas as central to long-term franchise building even as streaming economics remain under pressure.

The remarks come as lawmakers and industry groups raise concerns about consolidation in the roughly $110 billion deal.

Skipping Washington, Scrutiny Still Intensifies

Ellison’s CinemaCon appearance followed his absence from a U.S. Senate antitrust hearing led by Sen. Cory Booker, where lawmakers examined the competitive impact of the merger. His company said he could not attend due to a death in the family, though the hearing proceeded with witnesses warning about reduced competition, job losses and weaker bargaining power for creatives.

The proposed deal has sparked industry-wide debate. Critics, including filmmakers and labor groups, argue that combining two major studios could reduce the number of films produced and limit opportunities across the ecosystem. Supporters, however, say scale is necessary to compete with deep-pocketed streaming platforms.

Theatrical Pledge Aimed At Regulators And Exhibitors

Against that backdrop, Ellison's messaging in Las Vegas appeared calibrated to address both regulators and theater owners. By committing to a robust theatrical slate and exclusive windows, he sought to counter a key criticism of media mergers—that consolidation leads to fewer films reaching cinemas.

This comes as studios that once prioritized streaming growth are now refocusing on profitability, with theatrical releases seen as critical to generating returns and building durable intellectual property.

Ellison emphasized that cinemas remain the most effective launchpad for franchises that can later expand across streaming, licensing and merchandising.

"Long live the movies," Ellison said.

Image via Shutterstock