Now that David Ellison's Skydance has secured the keys to Paramount Global, what toys await him inside the company's intellectual property chest? After a nail-biting federal approval process that inspired backlash,

Federal regulators on Thursday approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, clearing the way to close a deal that combined Hollywood glitz with political intrigue.

Upon closing of Paramount Global and Skydance Media's $8 billion merger, Oracle co-founder and chairman Larry Ellison will hold a minority voting interest of approximately 35.5% in the combined company.

Upon the deal’s closing, Skydance and its financial partners are set inject $1.5 billion in cash into Paramount. However, that’s intended to go toward reducing Paramount’s long-term debt ($14.16 billion as of Q1 of 2025) to help stabilize its balance sheet.

McCarthy became co-CEO of Paramount, alongside George Cheeks and Brian Robbins, in April 2024. The trio took on the role after the ouster of Bob Bakish as the company was in its first round of negotiations with Skydance. McCarthy is also president of Showtime/MTV Entertainment and oversees the company’s streaming platforms Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Plus, Hulk Hogan, the pro wrestler who brought the sport to new heights of mainstream popularity, died at the age of 71.

Paramount’s cable business has cratered. The news division is in turmoil. A.I. is coming for movies. And those are just the obvious challenges facing David Ellison as he takes control.

"[Brendan] Carr can't justify his actions ... because the FCC meddling in broadcasters' content is illegal too," the foundation's director of advocacy says