Kathmandu— Billionaire David Ellison, the owner of Skydance and Paramount, announced he intends to move his entire company out of California should his bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery be halted, revealing what critics describe as an ego-driven pursuit of power rather than a genuine effort to bolster the film industry. The proposed $110 billion acquisition, initially expected to finalize this summer or fall, is now facing legal challenges that have cast doubt on its completion.

Deal Faces Legal Roadblocks

In February, Paramount agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for over $110 billion; however, the deal hit a snag in July when twelve state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Paramount, effectively freezing the sale pending a hearing scheduled for next March. This legal challenge has significantly complicated the acquisition process and raised concerns about its ultimate success.

Ellison's Motives Questioned

The threat to relocate Skydance out of California is being viewed by some as a demonstration of Ellison’s priorities, with critics suggesting his actions are motivated more by personal prestige than industry preservation. The announcement has been described as a “mask-off moment,” exposing what many have long suspected: that the acquisition bid is fueled by ego rather than genuine concern for the future of the film industry.

The outcome of the lawsuit filed by state attorneys general remains uncertain, and it will likely determine whether Ellison follows through with his threat to move Skydance out of California.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.