Patty Jenkins calls Paramount-Warner Bros. situation chaos as merger talk swirls

Patty Jenkins has called the Paramount-Warner Bros. situation "such chaos" and said the studio system is in bad shape.

She spoke to Variety at the Tribeca and Chanel Through Her Lens luncheon in New York. The studio system, the group of large Hollywood companies that finance, produce and release films, is under strain from consolidation and cost cuts. Jenkins did not offer a fix. She offered a blunt assessment.

She said she had not looked at news of the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal and was tuning it out, Variety reported on 22 September. It was a short answer. It suggested fatigue with the rumour cycle around a possible merger, which is industry shorthand for two companies combining into one owner.

Asked by Variety whether she would make a film with Warner Bros. under Ellison's leadership, Jenkins replied: "You never know." Three words. She left the door open without making a commitment, and unsigned projects stay in that uncertain space until deals are signed.

The exchange took place at Locanda Verde in downtown Manhattan. Jenkins attended alongside Halle Berry, Regina King and Misty Copeland. The room brought together actors, filmmakers and executives for an annual event focused on women behind the camera.

This year's Through Her Lens programme named Berry, King and Meg Ryan as jury members. They serve alongside cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the craft specialist in charge of camera and lighting, and actor Ella Rubin. A jury in this context selects and guides emerging talent rather than handing out a festival prize.

Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal started the programme with Chanel 11 years ago. Each year it brings together five filmmaking teams for workshops and mentorship. One team receives full financing, meaning the complete production cost, to make its short film with Tribeca Studios. The other four teams receive development grants, smaller sums used to write, plan and prepare future shoots.

Rosenthal also commented on the deal talk. "The business is really kind of a mess," she said. "Who knows what this merger is gonna do." Her words echoed Jenkins. Neither predicted an outcome.

Jenkins knows Warner Bros. from the inside. She directed the Wonder Woman franchise for the studio. Gal Gadot confirmed earlier in September that she had been cut from that franchise under Jenkins, according to the Times of Israel.

What makes this stand out is the caution. Two experienced figures favoured candour over speculation. For audiences, this means the future of the studio, and of filmmakers working with it, is still unwritten.