Paramount+ and HBO Max to merge into one streaming service after WBD deal closes | TechCrunch

"Our combined company will be home to many of the greatest, most recognizable and beloved franchises in the world, from 'Harry Potter' to 'Top Gun,' 'Star Trek' to 'Looney Tunes,' 'Game of Thrones' to 'Yellowstone.' This represents a tremendous opportunity, and we fully intend to invest in the creative engines of both studios, making them the most sought-after destination for the industry's leading creative talent."

"Our viewpoint is HBO should stay HBO. He also committed to maintaining a robust theatrical slate, pledging 15 films per year, per studio, for a total of at least 30 annual theatrical releases."

"With a projected subscriber base of over 200 million, the new streaming service will be positioned as a serious contender among the top streaming giants. However, the merger also invites close scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over concerns about media concentration and market competition."

Following Netflix's withdrawal from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Skydance completed the purchase and announced plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming platform. CEO David Ellison emphasized the combined company will house major franchises including Harry Potter, Top Gun, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, and Yellowstone. HBO will maintain its creative identity and independence as a studio. The company commits to releasing at least 30 theatrical films annually across both studios. The merger creates a streaming service with over 200 million projected subscribers, positioning it among top industry competitors. However, the deal faces regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and California Attorney General regarding media concentration and market competition concerns.

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