Throughout the tumult, Ellison seemingly stuck by his mantra that superior storytelling is the way to drive long-term value. He flew to the home of one of Paramount’s top creators to discuss scripts and spinoff pacing in the spring, mid-Trump melt- down, two sources tell Variety.

Skydance Media CEO David Ellison will lead the new company as chief executive after its merger with Paramount Global is completed by August 7, the independent studio said on Monday.

Longtime Ellison lieutenant Dana Goldberg will run Paramount Pictures with former Sony executive, Josh Greenstein. Only one senior Paramount executive, George Cheeks, will remain after this week's Skydance takeover.