NEWS

Viacom CBS to change name to Paramount Global

Published on: 16th February 2022

The new name will take effect from 16th February, after which time the company will be referred to as Paramount, while a raft of new content has also been confirmed for the next few years.

ViacomCBS has announced that the global media company change its name to Paramount Global (to be referred to as “Paramount”). The name change will be effective from 16th February, bringing together the company’s leading portfolio of premium entertainment properties under a new parent company name.

In addition to the name change, the company has outlined plans to accelerate the global momentum behind Paramount+, unveiling new content, enhanced product offerings and continued international expansion at its investor event. Bob Bakish, president and chief executive officer, said: “We see a huge global opportunity in streaming, a much larger potential market than can be captured by linear TV and film alone. We’re excited about our ability to not just compete, but thrive, creating significant value for both consumers and shareholders. How? Because we’re broader in four key areas: our diverse content, streaming model, mix of platforms and global reach.”

The company also announced that starting with 2024 film releases, Paramount+ will become the streaming home for all new Paramount Pictures movies in the U.S. following their theatrical runs. New blockbuster franchise expansions include:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog – the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, featuring the character Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is in development to debut on Paramount+, setting up the third film instalment in the flagship franchise.
  • Spongebob Squarepants Universe– a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to Paramount+ with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
  • Star Trek – the next theatrical film, with Matt Shakman directing and J.J. Abrams producing, will feature the original cast and new characters.
  • Teen Wolf – the first-ever original production from MTV Entertainment Studios and MGM’s Orion Television, Paramount+ will reunite the original Teen Wolf cast for an exclusive full-length movie.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – 2023 will see a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theatres. Nickelodeon Animation will fast follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centring on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
  • Transformers – the next chapter begins with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023, where director Steven Caple Jr. and star Anthony Ramos, will lead the first of three film instalments of the iconic Hasbro property. Additionally, the previously announced Untitled Animated Transformers film will debut in theatres on July 19, 2024.

Other Kids and Family content announcements included updates to animated pre-school favourites:

  • Blue’s Big City Adventure – the animation/live-action hybrid Blue’s Clues & You! movie is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical.
  • Dora the Explorer – the pre-school return of the ground-breaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series, featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023. In addition to the character’s animated return, the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series is now in development, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demographic.

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