Paramount and HBO Max will merge, but the HBO brand will remain independent

Paramount has announced plans to merge HBO Max with its streaming platform Paramount+, highlighting its intention to keep the HBO brand operating independently. This merger aims to reach a combined audience of over 200 million Direct to Consumer subscribers, which could position the company to compete more effectively with the giants of the streaming industry.

Equitable commitments

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, stated that although the two services will be integrated, HBO will continue to develop and program its content without the direct oversight of Paramount executives. Our view is that HBO should remain HBO. They built a phenomenal brand and are leaders in the industry, Ellison explained. The focus is that by unifying the platforms, high-quality content can reach a broader audience.

Regarding its film commitments, Paramount has committed to releasing a total of 30 movies a year, splitting the load between 15 movies from Warner Bros. and 15 from Paramount. Ellison emphasized the importance of theatrical releases, stating that we truly believe that movies should be seen in theaters. However, the recent track record of theatrical releases raises questions about the viability of maintaining this commitment, especially considering that in 2025, Paramount only released eight movies and Warner Bros. eleven.

The recent acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, for an impressive amount of 110 billion dollars, adds another layer of complexity in an acquisition environment in the entertainment industry that has seen significant moves, such as Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox. Director Christopher Nolan, president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), warned that, although there are encouraging signs, firm commitments are still needed to ensure a robust future for theatrical releases.