Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy Share Insights at CinemaCon While Keeping Quiet on Paramount’s Future Plans for 2027
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy Address CinemaCon Amid Warner Bros. Merger Talks
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs and co-CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Pictures Group, delivered a keynote address at CinemaCon on Tuesday. Their appearance came at a critical time for the studio, which is navigating a potential sale to Paramount. While the merger was not directly addressed, De Luca and Abdy highlighted their achievements since taking the helm, growing the studio’s slate from six releases in 2022 to eleven in the previous year, including major successes like Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Weapons.
“That is what committing to originality can get you. And that does not happen without all of you," they expressed, thanking theater owners for their support during the annual exhibition conference held in Las Vegas.
De Luca emphasized the studio’s commitment to continued growth, stating, “We have no intention of slowing down. Now, it’s 14. And in 2027 we are hopefully looking at 18.”
Paramount CEO David Ellison has indicated that he anticipates the merger will be finalized in the third quarter. However, the announcement has ignited significant backlash within the creative community over concerns regarding reduced film and television production, as well as potential job loss. More than 1,000 industry professionals have expressed their apprehension by signing an open letter addressing the issue this week, mirroring sentiments of frustration within the CinemaCon audience. The head of the conference’s host organization also warned of the dangers associated with industry consolidation during his remarks.
In response to critics, Ellison has defended the merger, stating that the industry landscape is evolving. He reassured stakeholders that the combined entity would aim to produce approximately 30 films annually, positioning itself as a responsible industry steward.
Speculation surrounded Ellison’s potential appearance at CinemaCon, but he ultimately did not attend, as the merger remains subject to approval by Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders and regulatory bodies abroad.
