Core Viewpoint - The Ellison family, led by David Ellison, is preparing to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) through their media company Paramount Skydance, following their recent acquisition of Paramount Global, signaling a significant shift in Hollywood's power dynamics [1][2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Paramount Skydance, backed by the Ellison family, is planning a cash-based acquisition of WBD, which has a market value of approximately $30 billion and a net debt of around $30 billion, leading to a total acquisition cost of about $60 billion [4][14]. - The market reacted strongly to the acquisition news, with WBD's stock price surging by 30% and Paramount's by 15% [4][6]. Group 2: Financial Context - Oracle's stock price soared nearly 36% following a strong earnings report, adding over $100 billion to Larry Ellison's wealth, which now exceeds $400 billion [10][9]. - Oracle's remaining performance obligations (RPO) reached $455 billion, a 359% increase year-over-year, indicating strong future revenue certainty [10]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition aims to create a vertically integrated media giant that can compete with Disney and Netflix, leveraging WBD's extensive IP library, including DC Universe and HBO content [18][21]. - The combined entity is projected to have a market value of approximately $59 billion, positioning it as the third-largest media entertainment group globally [21]. Group 4: Challenges Ahead - Potential antitrust scrutiny from U.S. regulatory bodies could pose significant hurdles for the acquisition, with concerns about subscription price increases and content diversity [14]. - The new entity will face substantial financial pressure due to WBD's existing debt, raising questions about the sustainability of continued financial support from the Ellison family [15].

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, valued at $8 billion, has been approved by the FCC, marking a significant shift in the entertainment landscape with Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison poised to become a powerful duo in Hollywood [2][3]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is set to be completed on August 7, following 383 days since its announcement [2]. - David Ellison will serve as Chairman and CEO of Paramount, holding 50% of the voting rights, overseeing an entertainment empire with over 1,200 films and distribution rights for 2,400 films [2]. - Paramount's key assets include popular channels such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and CBS News [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Adjustments - The merger was approved after Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit related to a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris [3]. - David Ellison's Skydance Media must commit to presenting diverse viewpoints in its programming to gain approval [3]. Group 3: Control and Ownership Structure - Initially, Larry Ellison held all voting rights and shares in Pinnacle Media Ventures, the acquiring entity for Paramount [4]. - A later adjustment granted David Ellison 100% voting rights in Pinnacle, while ownership remains with his father [4]. - As of mid-July, David's voting share in Paramount was reduced to 50%, with Larry holding 27.5%, ensuring David requires his father's support for key decisions [5]. Group 4: Financial Implications - The adjustments in voting rights are believed to be financially motivated rather than power-driven, potentially allowing tax benefits from the merger [6]. - Larry Ellison's wealth and connections, including his relationship with Donald Trump, may have influenced the merger's approval process [7]. Group 5: Historical Context - Larry Ellison founded Sayonara in 2008 for media production investments, and both David and his sister Megan have established their own film companies [9]. - David's Skydance has produced or co-invested in 35 films, with 24 in collaboration with Paramount, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2023 [9].

【环球时报综合报道】美国《综艺》23日称，暑期档大片《F1：狂飙飞车》伦敦首映礼上，两大好莱 坞巨星布拉德·皮特和汤姆·克鲁斯再度聚首，共同为这部将于27日全球上映的动作大片造势。 "汤姆·克鲁斯有些出人意料地出现在《F1：狂飙飞车》伦敦首映式上，和影片主演布拉德·皮特一同走上 红毯，为其助阵（如图）。"《综艺》称，这是二人时隔31年后的再次公开聚首，而皮特和克鲁斯的上 一次合作，还要追溯到1994年的经典恐怖片《夜访吸血鬼》。 首映礼上，皮特和克鲁斯热情地拥抱，克鲁斯还把手搭在皮特肩头，一同在片中的关键道具——黑金色 的F1赛车前合影留念。今年暑期档两人都有重磅级作品上映，也都是档期的票房大热门。其中克鲁斯 主演并监制的《碟中谍8：最终清算》已经在5月上映，目前全球票房达5.4亿美元；而由皮特主演的 《F1：狂飙飞车》则将于本月27日在中美等全球主要电影市场同步上映。 由苹果和华纳兄弟出品的《F1：狂飙飞车》讲述了皮特饰演的赛车老将，30年后重归F1赛场，帮助垫 底车队和新人夺得冠军的传奇故事。该片之所以能让两位好莱坞巨星再聚首，也因为其导演约瑟夫·科 辛斯基、制片人杰瑞·布鲁克海默正是克鲁斯《壮志凌云2： ...