The acquisition talks between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery seem far from over. Despite three previous bid rejections, Paramount CEO David Ellison remains committed to his ambition of merging the two media companies. New information from Bloomberg now sheds more light on how this merger could unfold.

According to sources involved in the plans, Ellison primarily wants to retain the creative departments of both studios as they currently are. The biggest changes are expected to occur in the areas of marketing and distribution. In this scenario, the streaming service HBO Max will completely merge into the existing Paramount+, which would then continue as an umbrella platform.

One Streaming Service For All Major Titles

Ellison believes that merging the catalogs would be a significant step towards enhancing the visibility of films and series. By bringing all the content together, Paramount+ would become a much more attractive option for subscribers. Popular titles like Star Trek, NCIS, and Taylor Sheridan’s series would be available alongside HBO hits like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and The White Lotus.

There are currently no plans to shed the cable channels of both companies. This means that networks like MTV, Turner Broadcasting, and CNN will remain within the combined entity. Even collaboration between CBS News and CNN is reportedly being explored.

Focus On Theatrical Releases

Ellison emphasizes that theatrical releases will continue to play a significant role in the strategy. The goal is to release thirty films annually in theaters, alongside producing new series for the extensive streaming platform. This way, the CEO aims to combine the strength of the big screen with that of streaming.

Wicked: For Good has already had its first screening. The sequel to last year's biggest fantasy film is guaranteed to make a lot of money at the box office, but is it also good?

Last night, reactions appeared online. These are not full reviews yet, as it is unfortunately too early for that. However, viewers were allowed to post brief messages on social media, and here we have compiled them for you.

Reactions

"There is a lot to love," writes Destiny Jackson from Deadline on X. "[Wicked: For Good] is an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships [in] pop culture."

Her reaction is one of many. Entertainment writer David Gordon describes the film as "super emotional" and writes: "It’s a thrill ride and heartbreaking, and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be."

Actors

Much praise is directed at the performances of Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda). "[They] elevate their performances to a higher level with breathtaking acts," says Chris Murphy from Vanity Fair.



"[Director] Jon M. Chu is a genius," writes Jazz Tangcay from Variety. "Cynthia Erivo is amazing, but get ready for Ariana Grande, as she takes this performance to the next level and delivers a tour de force."

Next Month

Check out the reactions below. Wicked: For Good features additional roles for Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and more. From November 21, we can judge for ourselves.

#WickedForGood

All Good Deeds Go Rewarded in Wicked: For Good. It’s an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history. There’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store. pic.twitter.com/lTVqbZfawH

Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025

If Wicked part one was faithful to the blueprint of the stage, Wicked: For Good builds out the world to create a full and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of act 2.

It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.

David Gordon (@MrDavidGordon) October 28, 2025

Saw wicked for good last month and believe me when I say that it expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways. Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing

Chris Murphy (@christress) October 28, 2025

Get ready because #WickedForGood exceeds all expectations. Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end. Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande… pic.twitter.com/rozw66JyEo

Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) October 28, 2025

Starting yesterday, a new horror series has begun streaming on HBO Max. The production takes viewers back to one of the most well-known and frightening places in the work of Stephen King. The series, titled Welcome to Derry, is a prequel to the successful IT films and explores the origins of the notorious clown Pennywise. But does the series deliver?

Set in 1962, the series delves into the dark history of the town of Derry, where fear and evil seem to be deeply embedded in the ground. According to Rotten Tomatoes[/url], the Tomatometer currently stands at 76%, based on 69 recorded reviews.

Racial Tensions And Americana

Kelly Lawler of USA Today describes Welcome to Derry as a carefully constructed series that "combines its terrifying moments with thoughtful reflections on race and Americana." The reviewer particularly praises the authentic 1960s atmosphere and how the story intertwines societal themes with supernatural horror.

Aramide Tinubu from Variety describes the series as "a masterfully woven and chilling tale about the origins of Pennywise." She notes that while the series is historically situated, the themes remain "horrifyingly relevant."

Scary, But Uneven

Justin Clark of Slant Magazine finds the return to King's cursed town "bumpy yet engrossing." He sees in Welcome to Derry a mix of strong moments and uneven storylines, but values the ambition with which the creators expand the universe of IT.



Ben Travers from IndieWire is more critical, writing that "a story primarily about filling in gaps isn't destined for longevity." He grades the series with a meager C- and calls the execution "sticky and unconvincing."

Sharp Criticism

Nick Schager of The Daily Beast does not hold back, labeling Welcome to Derry "the worst Stephen King adaptation in years." According to him, the series lacks both tension and the emotional depth of the earlier films.