Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, co chairs and co-CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Pictures Group, took the stage Tuesday at CinemaCon at a potential crossroads for the storied studio, whose parent has a deal to sell itself to Paramount. They didn’t mention the pending deal but recalled how they’ve built up the Warners slate from just six releases in 2022 when they arrived to 11 last year with major hits from Sinners to One Battle After Another to Weapons.
Related Stories
“That is what committing to originality can get you. And that does not happen without all of you. We want to thank you for the incredible support that you have shown for our entire slate,” the duo told theater owners from the stage at the big annual exhibition conference in Las Vegas.
RELATED: “We Come To This Place For Magic”: Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman Tease ‘Practical Magic 2’ At CinemaCon
“We have no intention of slowing down” production, De Luca said. “Now, it’s 14. And in 2027 we are hopefully looking at 18.”
Paramount CEO David Ellison has said he expects the merger to close in the third quarter, but it has kicked up an enormous backlash in the creative community, which fears fewer films and TV shows and major job cuts. Over 1,000 creatives signed an open letter to that effect this week. The CinemaCon crowd is unhappy as well with the head of its host organization warning in remarks this morning of a dangerous consolidation of power.
RELATED: ‘Supergirl’ New Footage: Tech Pirates & Spider Droids Make For A Rough Ride On An Interplanetary Space Bus – CinemaCon
Ellison has pushed back on critics, saying the industry has changed, promising a combined 30 movies a year and vowing to be a good steward.
There was speculation as to whether he’d appear in Vegas but it seems not as the deal still needs approval by Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders and regulatory approvals overseas.
RELATED: ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Jamie Dornan And Leo Woodall Join Film – CinemaCon
RELATED: ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Bloody First Footage From Warner Bros., “Family Is The Root Of All Evil” – CinemaCon
RELATED: Warner Bros. Confirms New Specialty Label, Clockwork; Sean Baker’s ‘Ti Amo!’ Is First Pic – CinemaCon
RELATED: RELATED: ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Bloody First Footage From Warner Bros., “Family Is The Root Of All Evil” – CinemaCon
RELATED: Warner Bros. Confirms New Specialty Label, Clockwork; Sean Baker’s ‘Ti Amo!’ Is First Pic – CinemaCon