Throughout the tumult, Ellison seemingly stuck by his mantra that superior storytelling is the way to drive long-term value. He flew to the home of one of Paramount’s top creators to discuss scripts and spinoff pacing in the spring, mid-Trump melt- down, two sources tell Variety.

George Cheeks, Cindy Holland, Josh Greenstein, Dana Goldberg will all get new roles, joining Jeff Shell and Ellison in the C-suite.

Longtime Ellison lieutenant Dana Goldberg will run Paramount Pictures with former Sony executive, Josh Greenstein. Only one senior Paramount executive, George Cheeks, will remain after this week's Skydance takeover.