So, our next guest is going to be weighing in on Disney's billion-dollar deal with Open AI, dueling bids for Warner Brothers, and so much more this morning. Walter Isacson is here. Great to see you.Of course, Walter's Carella Weinberg advisory partner, Twolane University, history professor, CNBC contributor, uh, amazing writer and allaround great friend of ours. >> Help us understand. Let's go AI first.>> Obviously, >> you saw the the Disney story. Were you surprised. And what do you think it portrays.I was ...

Core Viewpoint - The release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed to November 2026, with expectations that it will be one of the best-selling games of all time [1][3]. Development and Production - Rockstar Games has stated that the delay is to ensure the game meets the high production standards and polish expected by consumers [2][12]. - The budget for GTA VI is reportedly over £1 billion, reflecting the high stakes involved in its development [4]. - The company has faced criticism in the past for intense working conditions, leading to reforms that may extend production timelines [13]. Industry Impact - The delay of GTA VI is expected to affect the release schedules of other games, allowing titles like Resident Evil Requiem and First Light to have a clearer run into the market [17]. - The entire gaming industry tends to adjust its timelines around the release of major titles like GTA VI, indicating its significant influence [19]. Internal Issues - Recent accusations of union-busting at Rockstar, including the firing of around 30 employees involved in trade union activities, have raised concerns about internal dynamics [7][8]. - Despite these internal issues, industry commentators believe they will not significantly impact the release of GTA VI [8]. Consumer Expectations - There is a strong sentiment among gamers that a delayed release may ultimately lead to a better product, with calls for more trailers as a form of engagement during the wait [10]. - The previous iteration, GTA V, remains the second-best-selling game of all time, setting high expectations for the upcoming release [14].

Core Insights - The Hollywood industry is highly competitive, with traditional studios struggling against well-funded tech companies like Amazon and Netflix [1] - Paramount Skydance, formed from the acquisition of Paramount by Skydance Media for $8 billion, is positioned for potential growth due to new financial backing and technological access [2][4] Company Overview - Paramount, one of the original "Big Five" studios, has a rich history of producing iconic films and television shows, including franchises like Mission: Impossible and Star Trek [5] - The company has faced challenges in adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape, leading to a decline in stock performance prior to the merger [8] Recent Developments - The acquisition by Larry Ellison's family provides Paramount with significant financial resources and a connection to Oracle, which may enhance its competitive edge in the evolving entertainment sector [10] - Berkshire Hathaway's previous investment in Paramount resulted in substantial losses, highlighting the difficulties the company faced before the merger [9]