Warner Bros film chiefs De Luca and Abdy out as Paramount merger closes

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy are on their way out. Variety reports, citing multiple sources, that the duo will not have roles in David Ellison's leadership structure after the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger finalizes on October 6.

Their departure comes despite a contract renewal just last year, a period that saw Warner Bros. achieve major box office success and win Best Picture at the Oscars for a Paul Thomas Anderson film.

According to the report, Paramount film executives Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein are expected to take charge of both studios. Each label is slated to release 30 films annually under the merger's terms. Puck first broke the news of their impending exit.

TheWrap also covered the story, noting that an individual close to De Luca and Abdy said they had not yet been formally notified by Paramount leadership. The outlet could not independently confirm the report.

TheWrap's article suggests the move could be a cost-cutting measure as the merged entity seeks billions in savings. However, it notes the executives' relationships with top talent are valuable assets for a studio with a hefty production slate.

While Warner Bros. had a strong 2025, 2026 has been tougher with several underperforming releases. The studio's upcoming schedule includes several high-profile franchise projects.