Tom Cruise says that he is confident that the David Ellison-owned Paramount Pictures will follow through on its promise to deliver 30 theatrical release movies per year if it closes its deal for Warner Bros. Discovery.
The actor/producer was being interviewed by Pat McAfee on his show Tuesday afternoon (via THR), where they discussed the newly announced “Days of Thunder” sequel, which will begin production soon.
McAfee asked about Ellison’s promise to make 30 movies per year, a pledge that cannot be enforced. Cruise argues that Hollywood needs to create a LOT of opportunity to ensure film survives:
“I think it’s awesome. You know, here’s the thing: they’re going to deliver 30 movies. It’s a community to me. It’s not an industry. The people in these studios are not just people in the studios, they’re my family. I know we’re going to get those 30 movies. I want us all to come together as a community to make help those 30 movies.
It’s not just going to be Paramount doing it. Everyone’s going to need all the help of every artist to be able to do it. [If] we do well with those, those 30 movies are going to turn into 40 movies. It’s not good enough that I just get to make this movie for me.
I see so many talented people that I want them to have that opportunity, to make the films that they want and be able to … these artists, all these greats, they got to cut their teeth and learn in the same way that you get to act and you’re learning. You take it, and the next one, and the next one.
Every single one of them, the Iñárritus, the Spielbergs, the Nolans, me, all the opportunities that I’ve had, I want that for every writer, every director, every producer, every artist. And the only way you do it is we have to create an abundance. It’s production begets production.”
The comments come as The Wrap reports that the group of twelve state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America are asking the Judge to deny Paramount’s request that they post the $1.9 billion bond to cover the company’s ticking fees and other financing costs associated with its pending Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
