Warner Bros. Discovery executives Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy expected to leave amid studio merger
Warner Bros. Discovery is preparing for a leadership change in its film division as the studio plans to merge with Paramount, and executives Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy are likely to step down.
Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav hosted a small gathering at his Beverly Hills residence on Friday, attended by senior producers and members of the company's executive team. Among those present were film division heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, along with HBO Max executive Casey Bloys, streaming chief JB Perrette, and other senior staff.
Sources familiar with the situation said the studio, which is over a century old, is moving toward a merger with Paramount Pictures. The consolidation is expected to prompt a restructuring of the film unit, and De Luca and Abdy are not expected to retain their leadership roles after the deal is completed.
The meeting was described as a low-key event, with no high-profile celebrity guests. Attendees included notable producers such as Greg Berlanti, John Wells and Chuck Lorre, as well as representatives from the studio's animation and DC franchises.
The upcoming merger also involves addressing the debt obligations of David Ellison’s investment vehicle, which is part of the broader financial considerations surrounding the deal.