Sources: 
Paramount's future is poised for transformation as Shari Redstone, aged 71, eyes handing over control to 42-year-old David Ellison, founder of Skydance, who has already assembled a leadership team.
This potential takeover comes amid a backdrop of industry-wide executive challenges, including fallout from previous leadership missteps and a so-called "gray ceiling" limiting career advancement for many Hollywood executives.
"If the sale of Paramount to Skydance is not derailed by Trump’s vendetta against CBS," the transition could reshape the studio's trajectory.
The move reflects a generational shift in Hollywood's power structure, with younger executives like Ellison stepping into major roles as older leaders like Redstone prepare to pass the torch.
Industry insiders note that previous leadership struggles, such as those under Chapek at Disney, have underscored the importance of effective communication and strategic vision in navigating Hollywood's complex talent landscape.
"As top-level execs have seemed frozen in place, those in their 30s, 40s and even 50s have been lamenting the existence of a ‘gray ceiling’ that they say has cheated them out of their big moment," highlighting the urgency for fresh leadership.
Ellison's takeover could signal a new era for Paramount, potentially revitalizing the studio's creative and business strategies amid a rapidly evolving entertainment industry.
Sources: Shari Redstone, 71, plans to transfer control of Paramount to 42-year-old David Ellison, who has a leadership team ready, pending potential political obstacles. This move marks a significant shift in Hollywood's power dynamics amid ongoing executive challenges and industry stagnation.
