Apple News Today The billionaire tech heir trying to buy the movie industry — on his father’s dime
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Feb 14, 2026 Reeves Wiedeman, New York magazine features writer who covered the Ellison family, explains David Ellison’s rise as the Skydance CEO backed by his billionaire father. He breaks down the battle for Warner Bros. Discovery, why Paramount matters, and how consolidation could reshape Hollywood’s studios, newsrooms, and what appears on our screens.
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A Failed Acting Debut Came With Health Scare
- David acted in Flyboys after his father funded the $60 million movie while David was at USC film school.
- The film flopped and stressed David so severely he checked into hospital for heart-rhythm issues.
Skydance Favors Big-Scale, 'Normie' Blockbusters
- Skydance focused on big-budget, franchise-style spectacle films and sequels aimed at broad audiences.
- Many projects were mediocre and the company relied on co-finance and streaming deals to de-risk production.
Paramount Purchase Was Strategic And Personal
- Buying Paramount fulfilled David's longtime ambition to own a studio and addressed Skydance's uncertain future.
- Larry Ellison funded most of the $8 billion purchase, supplying about $6 billion.