David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, announced that the merged company formed by the acquisitions of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery will adopt the name Skydance, effective upon closing next week. Ellison emphasized that this rebranding represents a strategic fusion, blending the heritage of two iconic studios to create a new powerhouse in entertainment without erasing the distinct identities of Paramount and Warner Bros. The combined entity will trade under the ticker symbol “SKYD.”

The groundwork for this development was laid in August 2025 when Skydance acquired Paramount. Shortly after, Ellison pursued a takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, resulting in a high-profile bidding contest that culminated in a $110 billion agreement struck in February 2026. The deal faced and overcame legal scrutiny from state attorneys general, with final approval expected imminently. Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, the former Mattel CEO, will jointly helm the new company as co-CEOs.

Ellison expressed that the Skydance name was chosen to provide a unified corporate identity that enhances the creative and operational strengths of the merged studios while preserving their individual brand legacies. This approach seeks to ensure that Paramount and Warner Bros. continue to be recognized for their unique contributions to film and television, under the broader protective banner of Skydance.

The newly combined studio powerhouse anticipates significant output, with plans to release 35 films in the upcoming year alone. With blockbuster franchises such as “Mission: Impossible” and “Top Gun” already under its banner, Skydance intends to leverage this expanded portfolio to fuel growth and innovation in global media and entertainment markets. The merger marks a major reshaping of the industry landscape, positioning Skydance as a leading creative force.