According to sources, veteran film executive Toby Emmerich is exiting his role as Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman. Emmerich’s departure comes alongside the Warner Bros. and Discovery merger as CEO David Zaslav has been implementing sweeping changes to the company upon taking the wheel. Emmerich will be given a production deal at Warner Bros upon stepping down. As for DC boss Walter Hamada and other executives, including New Line’s Richard Brener and Warner Bros Motion Pictures Group COO Carolyn Blackwood, their fates remain unknown.
We hear that Zaslav presented options to Emmerich, such as him sticking around and running Warner Bros. – New Line, but Emmerich took the five-year production deal instead. He would have relinquished control of the DC and Warner Bros. animation divisions if he had stayed, which did not suit him.
Sources indicate that three company divisions are being restructured, including Warner Bros/New Line, an animation department, and DC. Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy have reached a deal with the studio and could take over Warner Bros and New Line as soon as their contracts expire at MGM this summer. They also can take over DC for a short time while Zaslav looks for a long-term replacement. MGM is searching tirelessly for new leadership, though we hear that former 20th Century Fox Motion Pictures boss Emma Watts is the most likely candidate.
De Luca is regarded as a solid pick because he has strong relationships with filmmakers. He’s known for making tough deals and going after larger-than-life projects and properties. Knowing that WB needs all the wins it can get these days, De Luca feels like a wise choice.
Emmerich was named chairman in 2018 and has overseen Warner Bros. during a series of rough patches. His departure from the company brings ominous tidings for other executives as Zaslav continues to trim the fat and restructure critical positions at the company.
What do you think about Toby Emmerich leaving his position at Warner Bros? Is the company better off without him? Is Zaslav making a grave mistake? Do you believe Hamada and other executives are also on the chopping block? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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