Paramount Unveils New Movie Slate and Theatrical Strategy at CinemaCon

Paramount Pictures has outlined an ambitious expansion of its theatrical output following its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, committing to release a minimum of 30 films annually across the combined studios and reinforcing a 45-day exclusive theatrical window before moving titles to home entertainment platforms.

The announcement came during a surprise appearance by David Ellison, CEO of Skydance and Paramount Pictures, at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas. Speaking directly to theater owners, Ellison emphasized that despite ongoing industry shifts toward streaming, the combined entity would prioritize theatrical releases as a core strategy. “We want to go to the movies,” Ellison stated, framing the commitment as a response to both artistic and exhibition community priorities.

Under the new framework, Paramount Pictures will maintain a 45-day exclusive window for its films in theaters, after which titles will move to transactional video-on-demand platforms for a three-month period before becoming available on Paramount+. This model aligns with similar pledges from other major studios, including Universal Pictures, which plans to adopt a 45-day window starting in 2027.

Ellison confirmed that the projected output of at least 30 films per year would be achieved only after regulatory approval of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger is finalized. The combined studio plans to draw from an extensive library of franchises, including upcoming installments in the Transformers, Star Trek, G.I. Joe, World War Z, Sonic the Hedgehog, Paranormal Activity, Possession, Longlegs, and Jackass series. Specific titles highlighted during the presentation included Street Fighter, which recently released its first trailer, Scary Movie, and Jackass 5.

In addition to franchise continuations, Ellison pointed to several high-profile projects already in development. These include the James Mangold-directed The High Side, starring Timothée Chalamet, and the long-anticipated Call of Duty film adaptation, which remains without a confirmed release window but is actively being prepared for production. The sequel A Quiet Place Part III was also referenced as part of the studio’s near-term slate.

The strategy reflects a broader effort to reestablish Paramount’s presence in theatrical exhibition following years of fluctuating output. According to internal assessments cited in trade reporting, the studio aims to nearly double its 2025 release count in 2026, targeting 15 theatrical films for the year as a foundation for future growth. This increase would be sustained and expanded upon once the Warner Bros. Discovery integration is complete.

Industry analysts have noted that the commitment to a 45-day window represents a significant shift in studio strategy, particularly as streaming-first models have gained traction in recent years. By guaranteeing a substantial exclusive theatrical period, Paramount aims to strengthen relationships with exhibitors while maintaining flexibility for post-theatrical monetization. The three-month PVOD window before streaming transition is designed to capture premium home viewing revenue without delaying access to the subscription platform.

While the merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery remains subject to regulatory review, Ellison’s remarks at CinemaCon signal a clear intent to leverage the combined scale of the two studios to increase content output without reducing investment in theatrical exclusivity. The emphasis on established franchises, alongside new genre entries and auteur-driven projects, suggests a balanced approach aimed at both broad audience appeal and critical recognition.