Tyler Perry, John Krasinski, Mark Wahlberg, and More Celebrate Paramount-Skydance Deal: “I’m Thrilled”
Major Hollywood figures have expressed their excitement over the Paramount-Skydance deal, describing it as a significant boost for the industry.
This deal, pending regulatory approval, will see David Ellison’s Skydance acquiring Shari Redstone’s majority stake in National Amusements, thereby gaining control of Paramount. Paramount owns the Paramount film and TV studios, Paramount+, CBS, and cable channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central. The news of the sale, following months of speculation, broke on Sunday.
Tyler Perry reflected on his experience working with Shari Redstone, saying, “I have so enjoyed working with Shari Redstone every step of the way all through the Viacom to the Paramount days. She has been a pillar for me, so this is a bit bittersweet because I am equally as excited to be working with Skydance. It is so fantastic to have someone who loves this business at the helm of one of the most storied studios. It is particularly exciting given David Ellison’s expertise in both the creative and the technological advances needed to bring us into this next chapter.”
John Krasinski also praised the merger, stating, “For nearly the past decade I have had the good fortune to work with both of these companies on some of the most exciting work of my career. The fact that they are now joining forces ensures that I get to continue the collaboration with an incredibly talented and enthusiastic film family.”
Mark Wahlberg echoed these sentiments, calling the deal “a win for the industry.” He added, “I’ve been lucky enough to work with David and his team on The Family Plan and am looking forward to beginning Balls Up, my second film with Skydance. David is an extraordinary filmmaker and executive, and I’m confident he’ll bring the same creative leadership to Paramount, one of the most historic studios in Hollywood.”
Jane Fonda expressed her support, noting, “David deeply believes in the power of creative storytelling and creative storytellers and has the essential expertise and understanding of how technology can enhance the creative experience. This is a match made in movie heaven.”
James Patterson shared his positive experiences working with Ellison and Skydance, stating, “David and his team are the right people to help fortify Paramount’s future.”
Alan Ritchson also expressed enthusiasm, highlighting his close working relationship with Skydance. “I couldn’t be more excited about this merger with Paramount and what it means for storytellers and audiences alike. I’ve seen firsthand how friendly Skydance is to creatives. This is a win for an industry finding its way through peak coming-of-age years,” he said.
Reacher author Lee Child added, “My inflexible rule is to partner only with people I like, trust, and admire. David Ellison fit that bill when we teamed up many years ago, and he has proved me right many times since — he has made great decisions and has always put the needs of the show ahead of everything else. I have had a great time with both Paramount and Skydance, and to have them combined under David’s leadership makes me very happy. Onward and upward, as we both like to say!”
On X, formerly Twitter, Scott Derrickson shared his thoughts, writing, “I just completed a movie with Skydance, and here’s what I can tell you about David Ellison and his top executives: They are all smart, decent people who truly love movies.”
