Paramount Skydance is taking another major step to strengthen support for its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, offering major theater chains AMC Entertainment and Regal Cinemas contracts guaranteeing a slate of 30 movies per year.
The proposed agreements are designed to address concerns about the future of theatrical movie releases following a potential Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The commitments could also become an important factor as Paramount faces opposition from government officials and industry groups over the proposed transaction.
According to reports, Paramount has offered three-year agreements to AMC and Regal that would require the combined company to release at least 30 movies in theaters each year if the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition is completed.
Paramount Offers Written Theater Commitment
Paramount CEO David Ellison has previously pledged that a combined Paramount and Warner Bros. operation would maintain a strong theatrical release strategy.
The latest move would put that promise into formal agreements with two of the largest movie theater chains in the United States.
Under the reported terms, the contracts would require Paramount to release 30 films annually through theaters. The movies would receive an exclusive theatrical window of at least 45 days before becoming available through other distribution channels.
The agreements would also require the films to remain off streaming services for at least 90 days, reinforcing Paramount’s commitment to the traditional theatrical business.
AMC and Regal Could Play a Key Role
AMC Entertainment and Regal Cinemas are among the most influential theater operators in the U.S. Their support could be particularly important as Paramount attempts to complete its Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
AMC CEO Adam Aron has publicly backed the proposed merger, arguing that Paramount should be held to its commitments regarding theatrical releases.
Regal CEO Eduardo Acuna has also expressed support for the Paramount-Warner Bros. transaction. Acuna previously warned that a prolonged antitrust trial could create uncertainty and potentially damage the movie theater industry.
With both major theater chains potentially receiving formal contractual guarantees, Paramount appears to be making a direct effort to demonstrate that the merger would not undermine theatrical movie distribution.
Why the 30-Movie Promise Matters
The number of theatrical releases has become a central issue in the debate surrounding the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
Opponents of the merger have questioned whether Paramount would actually maintain a large theatrical slate after acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. Concerns have also been raised over whether promises made during the merger process would be enforceable.
A written agreement with major theater operators would provide a stronger mechanism for enforcing Paramount’s theatrical commitments.
The reported contracts could include consequences if Paramount fails to meet its obligations, giving AMC and Regal greater protection than a simple public statement or corporate pledge.
Paramount-WBD Merger Faces Antitrust Pressure
The proposed acquisition remains under significant regulatory scrutiny.
The U.S. government and several states have challenged the transaction, arguing that the merger could create problems for competition in the entertainment industry. Theater distribution has become one of the important areas of debate.
Paramount’s latest agreements appear intended to demonstrate that the company is willing to make concrete commitments to theater owners rather than relying solely on verbal assurances.
The strategy could also strengthen Paramount’s argument that the merger can be completed while preserving a substantial theatrical business.
Regal and AMC Support Adds Pressure to the Debate
The public support from AMC and Regal has created an interesting dynamic in the merger battle.
Cinema United, which represents theater operators, has opposed the proposed transaction, while executives from two of the industry’s biggest theater companies have expressed support for Paramount’s plans.
Regal’s Acuna has argued that continued uncertainty surrounding the merger could be harmful to the exhibition industry. AMC’s leadership has similarly emphasized the importance of ensuring that studios maintain a consistent supply of movies for theaters.
What Happens Next?
The proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger still faces regulatory and legal hurdles before it can be completed.
Paramount’s agreements with AMC and Regal could become part of a broader effort to address concerns about theatrical distribution and competition.
If the deal ultimately receives approval, the commitments could require the combined company to maintain a 30-film annual theatrical slate, with minimum theatrical and streaming windows.
For movie theaters, the agreement could provide greater certainty over the supply of major studio releases. For Paramount, it offers a way to demonstrate that Warner Bros. Discovery’s theatrical business would remain an important part of its strategy after the merger.
The outcome of the regulatory process will determine whether these commitments become part of the future Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery business.