Business
Paramount-WBD 2027 movie slate could dominate. Can it sustain?
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison speaks during the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles on October 9, 2025.
Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images
Hollywood could soon have a new king of the box office.
With Paramount Skydance set to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, the combined film studios could dominate the theatrical slate.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has repeatedly promised not to pull back on production from either studio, with the goal of making 30 movies a year — 15 from Paramount and 15 from Warner Bros. The pending transaction, with an enterprise value of $111 billion, must still win regulatory approval both in the U.S. and in Europe.
As the current 2027 slate stands, the combination of WBD and Paramount would result in 26 theatrical releases. However, additions to that calendar could come as soon as April at the annual CinemaCon conference in Las Vegas.
This behemoth of a slate is dominated by Warner Bros. titles, and it’s likely that those films would account for the bulk of ticket sales.
The studio is set to release films from major franchises including Godzilla-Kong, Superman, Batman, Minecraft, The Conjuring universe, Gremlins and Lord of the Rings.
Meanwhile, Paramount will have new entries for Sonic the Hedgehog, Paranormal Activity, A Quiet Place and its animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchises.
Still from Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
Paramount
While Paramount’s franchises are popular and have generated solid ticket sales at the box office, its major releases in 2027 are smaller budget features. In fact, no film in any of those four franchises has generated more than $350 million globally, according to data from Comscore. But with smaller budgets, they don’t have to in order to be profitable.
Warner Bros.’ part of the slate, on the other hand, has bigger budget features that in the past have generated bigger box office returns. The most recent Godzilla-Kong film generated $572 million globally, 2025’s “The Conjuring: Last Rites” tallied nearly $500 million, “The Batman” took in $772 million and “A Minecraft Movie” nearly hit $1 billion.
“When you look at the films on the horizon from the PAR/WBD combo it is most impressive,” Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore, told CNBC. “And it may not be an overstatement to say that that slate could indeed have the potential to generate the biggest single studio box office in 2027.”
The Warner Bros. movie studio is a big part of why Ellison was so committed to winning over WBD’s board and its shareholders in a bidding war against Comcast and Netflix. Last year, Warner Bros. was the second-highest grossing studio at the domestic and global box office. Paramount was fifth.
Disney has long held the box office heavyweight title, although it was briefly overthrown in 2023 by Universal. Warner and Universal have jockeyed between second and third position, with Sony, Lionsgate and Paramount falling in line behind them.
A tricky feat
“Doubling up two major slates adds to the potential for a very strong 2027, but nothing is ever certain when it comes to assuming a potential annual box office winner among studios,” said Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory. “That’s especially true when the likes of Disney and Universal will each bring out their own heavy-hitters next year.”
Disney, in particular, has franchises like Ice Age, Star Wars, Frozen and Avengers on the docket for 2027.
Of course, franchise tentpoles are not always guaranteed to succeed at the box office, but the combined efforts of Paramount and Warner Bros. is a compelling offering for an industry that has been shrinking dramatically over the last decade.
“The notion of two major studio slates under one large umbrella in 2027 makes for an intriguing prospect while raising some fair speculation,” said Robbins. “We’ve seen the decline in theatrical output in the years following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, although caveats such as the pandemic and streaming explosion somewhat skew that comparison.”
A combined Paramount and Warner Bros. slate also faces some logistic issues. There are only 52 weekends on the calendar, and with 30 movies, the studio would need to strategically place its releases as not to cannibalize its own ticket sales.
David Corenswet stars are Superman in Warner Bros.’ “Superman.”
Warner Bros. Discovery
Robbins noted that rival studios typically only go head-to-head on the same weekend or on back-to-back weekends if they are certain there isn’t a major overlap in audience demographics. It’s why there is often a horror movie set for release at the same time as a family-friendly animated feature, for example.
In contrast, Robbins noted, Paramount is scheduled to release “Sonic the Hedgehog 4” just one week ahead of Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla X Kong: Supernova.”
“It wouldn’t be a shock to see one of those shifted earlier or later on the calendar since the parent studio will want to minimize risk and do what’s best for the financial bottom line while remaining competitive,” he said.
And while Ellison has touted a 30-movie slate in the years after 2027, it’s unclear if that future is feasible.
Traditionally, when two major studios merge, the number of films released declines and there is a major wave of layoffs as consolidation weeds out redundancies. Not to mention, the marketing costs of big-budget films can be prohibitive.
“What will actually become normal for the newly unified house of Paramount and Warner remains to be seen,” Robbins said. “The longevity of such a slate in the years after 2027 will be challenging to produce, but never say never.”
Disclosure: Versant is the parent company of CNBC and Fandango.
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(VIDEO) 10 Things to Expect from Apple’s Foldable iPhone in 2026: Latest Rumors and Features
Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market is widely expected in fall 2026, with supply-chain analysts and insiders converging on a September launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Dubbed the “iPhone Fold” or potentially “iPhone Ultra,” the device promises a premium book-style design that blends phone and tablet functionality. While Apple has not confirmed details, consistent leaks from Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, Jeff Pu and others outline key expectations. Here are 10 things the industry anticipates from Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

- Book-Style Design with Dual Displays The foldable will adopt a book-style mechanism similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, unfolding into a tablet-like screen. When closed, it features a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display for standard phone use. Unfolded, the inner screen measures approximately 7.7 to 7.8 inches — close to an iPad mini — enabling enhanced multitasking and productivity.
- Virtually Crease-Free Inner Screen A major selling point is the near-elimination of the visible crease that plagues most foldables. Apple reportedly uses advanced display tech, including a metal plate to distribute bending stress, liquid metal hinges for durability, and a tougher protective film layer. Sources claim the inner panel will appear almost seamless even after repeated folding.
- Ultra-Thin Profile Thickness remains a priority, with the device expected to measure 9 to 9.5 mm folded and 4.5 to 4.8 mm unfolded — rivaling or beating current iPhone thinness. This slim build, combined with a titanium-aluminum hybrid frame for strength and heat dissipation, aims to deliver premium feel without bulk.
- Massive Battery Capacity Rumors point to a 5,500 mAh battery — the largest ever in an iPhone — far surpassing the 5,088 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The extra power supports the larger unfolded screen, multitasking demands and always-on features without sacrificing battery life.
- Touch ID Instead of Face ID To save internal space in the slim chassis, Apple is expected to ditch Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID button, similar to recent iPads. This shift prioritizes reliability in varied lighting and folded/unfolded states.
- Enhanced Multitasking and Adaptive iOS The larger inner display will enable iPad-like app layouts, side-by-side multitasking, split-view windows and adaptive interfaces. iOS 27 (expected fall 2026) is rumored to optimize apps for the foldable form factor, with seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes.
- Premium Camera Setup Expect a dual-lens rear camera array, a front-facing selfie camera on the inner screen, and possibly an additional external selfie lens. The rear module may resemble the iPhone Air’s plateau design, with high-resolution sensors and advanced computational photography.
- Powerful A20-Series Chip and Connectivity The device will likely feature Apple’s A20 or A20 Pro chip, optimized for AI tasks, efficiency and multitasking. It may include the second-generation C2 modem for improved cellular performance, plus eSIM-only support (no physical SIM tray).
- High-End Pricing Positioned as a premium “Ultra” product, the foldable iPhone is rumored to start at $2,000 to $2,500 — significantly above current Pro Max models. Analysts believe Apple’s brand loyalty and perceived superior quality could justify the cost in a market where foldables already command high prices.
- Fall 2026 Launch Window Consensus from Kuo, Gurman, Pu and supply-chain reports targets mass production in mid-to-late 2026, with a September unveiling at Apple’s fall event. Initial volumes may be limited (3-10 million units), with broader availability and refinements expected in 2027.
Apple’s foldable arrives after years of patents, prototypes and delays, aiming to redefine the category with premium execution rather than rushing to compete. While challenges like display yields and hinge durability persist, the rumored specs suggest a device focused on refinement, battery life and seamless usability.
As leaks intensify ahead of production, the iPhone Fold could mark Apple’s boldest form-factor shift since the original iPhone, blending portability with productivity in a high-end package.
Business
Constitutional Court Upholds Limits on Jure Sanguinis
ROME — Italy’s Constitutional Court on March 12, 2026, rejected major constitutional challenges to the 2025 citizenship reform, confirming that strict generational limits on citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) remain in force. The decision, issued in a press release after a March 11 public hearing, found the objections partly unfounded and partly inadmissible, leaving Law 74/2025 — originally the Tajani Decree — largely intact.

The ruling has major implications for millions worldwide with Italian ancestry, particularly in the Americas, who hoped the court would strike down or soften retroactive restrictions. Below are 10 essential facts about the decision, its background and what comes next.
- The Court Upheld the Core Restrictions The judges reviewed Article 3-bis of Law 74/2025, which caps jure sanguinis eligibility at descendants with an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy (or meeting specific residency/exclusive-citizenship conditions). The court deemed the generational limit constitutional, rejecting arguments that it violated equality, acquired rights or retroactivity principles.
- Retroactivity Remains in Effect The law, effective from March 28, 2025 (decree date), applies to those born abroad even before the change. The court found no unconstitutional retroactive deprivation of a pre-existing right, viewing citizenship recognition as administrative rather than automatic for distant descendants.
- Pending Applications Protected Roughly 60,000 cases filed before the March 27, 2025, cutoff continue under old unlimited-generation rules. The decision does not affect these, preserving pathways for many already in process at consulates or courts.
- The Hearing Focused on Turin Referral The challenge originated from Turin’s tribunal, which questioned whether the law complied with constitutional equality (Art. 3), legitimate expectations and reasonableness. After a three-hour March 11 session, the court issued its summary rejection the next day. The full written judgment (sentenza) is pending, likely in coming weeks or months.
- Broader Impact on Diaspora Communities An estimated 80 million people globally claim Italian descent, with large populations in Brazil (32 million), Argentina (25 million) and the U.S. (20 million). The reform effectively excludes most beyond grandparents, closing a path long used for EU passports offering free movement, work and travel rights.
- Motivation Behind the 2025 Reform Sponsored by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the decree aimed to curb consular backlogs (some decades long), prevent passport “commercialization” and manage administrative overload. Supporters argue it restores order; critics say it severs cultural ties formed during 19th-20th century emigration waves.
- Other Ongoing Legal Battles The ruling does not resolve everything. The Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) hears arguments April 11, 2026, on retroactivity for pre-law births. The “minor issue” — whether naturalization abroad while a child was minor breaks transmission under 1912 rules — may see unified resolution later in 2026.
- Palermo Court Offers Narrow Relief In February 2026, Palermo ruled in favor of Italo-Argentinian applicants blocked by consulate delays, allowing recognition under old rules if pre-decree appointment attempts were proven. Such cases provide limited hope for those with evidence of prior good-faith efforts.
- Future Processing Changes Bill 1683, passed January 2026, shifts adult jure sanguinis cases to a centralized Rome office from 2029, with annual quotas and fixed timelines. Consulates handle applications through 2028, but the ruling reinforces the narrower eligibility framework.
- Alternatives and Next Steps Those now ineligible can pursue residency-based naturalization (10 years, sometimes reduced), marriage (two years) or reacquisition (until Dec. 31, 2027, for certain pre-1992 losses). Diaspora groups express disappointment but plan further appeals. Lawyers advise reviewing documents for qualifying links or pre-cutoff filings.
The decision solidifies Italy’s shift toward stricter citizenship criteria amid EU migration debates. While disappointing for many distant descendants, it preserves options for closer ties and pending cases. As the full judgment emerges and related cases advance, the jure sanguinis landscape continues evolving.
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T-Mobile Offers Free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with No Trade-In Required on Premium Plans
T-Mobile is making the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra available at no upfront cost to customers who add a new line on its top-tier Experience Beyond plan, waiving the usual trade-in requirement in a promotion that launched with the device’s March 11, 2026, release and remains active as of March 14.

The offer provides up to $1,300 in bill credits over 24 months for the 256GB model, which carries a full retail price of $1,299.99. Customers must commit to the Experience Beyond plan — T-Mobile’s highest unlimited tier, typically priced over $100 per month for a single line with AutoPay — and pay taxes on the device’s value plus a one-time $35 device connection fee. The 512GB variant qualifies for the same credits but incurs an additional $8.33 monthly fee to cover the storage upgrade.
T-Mobile announced the promotion February 25, 2026, alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, positioning it as one of the carrier’s strongest Android incentives of the year. Pre-orders began that day, with in-store availability starting March 11. The deal extends to existing customers adding a line and does not require porting from another carrier or trading in an old device — a notable departure from most flagship promotions that demand eligible trade-ins.
Similar “on us” offers apply to the rest of the S26 lineup. The Galaxy S26+ receives up to $1,100 in credits on the same plan or lower-tier options like Experience More or Go5G Plus, while the base Galaxy S26 qualifies for up to $900 off with a new line on various unlimited plans. Bundling with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet can add extra perks, including up to $300 via virtual prepaid card or a $350 Samsung eCertificate.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s latest advancements, including a 200MP main camera with enhanced Nightography for low-light performance, 100x AI-powered zoom, a built-in S Pen, a 5,000mAh battery, and expanded Galaxy AI tools for productivity and creativity. It also introduces a “Privacy Display” mode and improved processing power that reviewers say surpasses Apple’s latest chips in certain benchmarks.
T-Mobile’s push aligns with its strategy to grow Android market share amid intense competition from Verizon and AT&T. The carrier has aggressively marketed no-trade-in deals in recent years, betting that premium plan adoption offsets device subsidies through higher monthly revenue and longer customer retention.
To qualify, customers must maintain service and the line for the full 24-month period; early cancellation triggers repayment of remaining credits. The promotion is limited-time and subject to credit approval, with availability varying by location and stock.
Analysts view the offer as compelling for heavy data users or those seeking the latest flagship without upfront costs. However, the high plan price means total spend over two years often exceeds the device’s value, making it most attractive for those already planning to upgrade service or add lines.
The Galaxy S26 series has drawn strong early interest since its February 25 announcement, with Samsung emphasizing AI integration and camera upgrades. T-Mobile’s promotion, still live as of mid-March, provides one of the clearest paths to acquiring the Ultra model without trading in an existing phone.
Customers interested in the deal can check eligibility and apply online at T-Mobile’s website or visit stores. Availability of in-store stock and promotional terms may vary.
Business
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