Saudi Oil Bucks Eye $71B Hollywood Media Takeover, Drama Ensues
KEY POINTS
- â˘Larry and David Ellison, owners of Paramount, are eyeing a $71 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery with rumored Middle Eastern backing.
- â˘Variety reported Saudi, Qatari, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds may help finance the bid, then quickly issued a PR-driven denial.
- â˘Financial Times and New York Times reported potential Saudi Public Investment Fund interest, with no official Paramount denial.
- â˘President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House amid ongoing ties despite Khashoggi's murder controversy.
In a saga that feels part Hollywood blockbuster, part geopolitical soap opera, Larry and David Ellisonâtwo Oracle billionaire bros casually flipping Paramountâare reportedly flirting with a $71 billion offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. The twist? Potential Saudi, Qatari, and Abu Dhabi petrodollar princes might bankroll this media royal wedding, mercifully denied by Paramount PR who slammed Variety's 'categorically inaccurate' tale mere hours after it ran. Meanwhile, the Financial Times and NYT calmly spilled Saudi involvement rumors, prompting the Saudi Public Investment Fund to go full silent mode. Meanwhile, Trump's White House threw a posh party for Mohammed bin Salman, who 'knew nothing' about Khashoggi according to Trumpâs classic 'things happen' shrug. Petrostates have already splurged on golf leagues, Newcastle United soccer, and a $55 billion Electronic Arts flanking, so why resist a TV and movie takeover? Because nothing says American entertainment quite like a wad of oil money and whispers of subtle editorial blackouts.
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When giant oil wallets meet Hollywood studios, the only thing more dramatic than the CEOsâ denial is Trumpâs âthings happenâ alibi for a murder plot. Welcome to 2025, where money doesnât talk, it just gaslights.
Watching billionaires wink at Saudi money for a $71 billion media deal is like seeing your vegan friend hoard chicken nuggetsâutterly confusing but oddly fascinating.
Paramount says 'categorically inaccurate' to Saudi cash whispers, while Saudi funds play silent poker. It's the quiet game where the stakes are $71 billion and a dead journalist.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 11/20/2025 | Author: Peter Kafka
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