De Luca and Abdy Exit Warner Bros. as Paramount Merger Closes

Key points

• De Luca and Abdy, who led Warner Bros. film since 2022, are exiting as the $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance finalizes.
• Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg will oversee the combined film divisions, replacing the outgoing Warner Bros. chiefs.
• The new studio must release 30 films annually for two years, followed by 32 films for three years, to avoid financial penalties.
• James Gunn and Peter Safran will retain their roles at DC Studios, while Richard Brener is expected to stay at New Line.
• De Luca and Abdy’s tenure included record-breaking Oscar wins but also significant box office failures like 'Digger' and 'The Bride!'

Background

De Luca and Abdy took over Warner Bros. film in 2022, succeeding David Zaslav’s earlier restructuring. Their tenure was marked by a mix of critical acclaim and commercial risk, including the record-setting 11 Academy Awards for Warner Bros. in 2025. The current departure follows a difficult 2026, where high-budget films like 'Digger' and 'The Bride!' underperformed, leading to internal debates about their spending strategies.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the tension between De Luca/Abdy and Paramount’s Greenstein/Goldberg, noting a prior phone call where De Luca confronted Greenstein over rumors of their ouster. Puck highlights the financial strain of the merger, noting David Ellison’s debt load and the need for cost consolidation. Variety focuses on the immediate transition, confirming the exit as the merger closes on October 6. Deadline underscores the continuity of DC Studios under Gunn and Safran, contrasting it with the departure of the film chiefs.

Why it matters

The departure of De Luca and Abdy signals a shift in Warner Bros.’ creative direction under David Ellison’s leadership. The merger’s success hinges on balancing franchise stability with the auteur-driven approach that defined the previous era, while also meeting strict output quotas to avoid financial penalties.

What to watch

The merger is expected to close on October 6, 2026. De Luca and Abdy are exploring next steps, with Netflix cited as a potential destination. The combined studio will focus on integrating its slates and managing the 30-film annual release quota.