New name for Paramount-WBD merger unveiled

(CNN, KYMA) - Paramount CEO David Ellison has announced the new name for the combined Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

According to his post on X, the company will be named "Skydance," which is the name of Ellison's original production company, founded in 2006.

"We chose this name for a few important reasons. First and foremost, as we bring Paramount and Warner Bros. together, we wanted to preserve what has made each of these studios iconic. Both have distinct identities, extraordinary legacies and brands that have resonated with audiences for generations. We never wanted a new corporate identity to diminish, alter or overshadow either one. Instead, we wanted a name that would give the combined company an identity of its own while allowing Paramount and Warner Bros. — and all our extraordinary brands — to remain in the spotlight."

David Ellison, Paramount CEO

When Ellison took control of Paramount in 2025, he renamed that company Paramount Skydance.

Ellison said Skydance will be a "creative-first home for bold, quality storytelling."

The announcement comes a couple of days after a federal judge signed off on settlement between Paramount and the 12 state attorneys general.

The merger is expected to take effect Tuesday, and Ellison could name the combined company's leaders as soon as Monday.