How merger between Paramount–Skydance could shake up the franchise's future.
On August 7, 2025, Hollywood saw a big shift as the $8 billion Paramount–Skydance merger officially closed, creating the new Paramount Skydance Corporation. The deal saw Skydance Media acquire and merge with Paramount Global, bringing an end to the Redstone family’s decades-long reign over the iconic studio.
The merger’s goal? To breathe new life into Paramount’s film, TV, and streaming divisions through fresh leadership, deeper financial resources, and a more agile business structure.
Why This Merger Happened
In recent years, Paramount Global had been facing an uphill battle, big streaming competition, and executive turnover. Skydance, best known for blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible films, wanted more than just hit movies. The company saw an opportunity to take over a major Hollywood legacy brand, gaining its massive content library, TV production infrastructure, and streaming services, including Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
For fans of Dexter, there’s an extra twist: departing executive Chris McCarthy who was instrumental in developing Dexter spinoff projects is leaving as part of the leadership shake-up. Shari Redstone, who had been the ultimate decision-maker at Paramount for decades, is also stepping away entirely.
The New Game Plan
Industry insiders expect Skydance’s leadership to focus heavily on franchise-building and high-impact storytelling, especially in action, thrillers, and event TV. Under Cindy Holland (a key Netflix veteran now overseeing Paramount+ and Pluto TV), we could see a more curated, binge-worthy programming, a sharper competitive strategy for Paramount+ and better integration of Paramount’s content library with Skydance’s fast-paced, modern production style.
What This Could Mean for Dexter
For Dexter fans, this merger could be a pivotal moment. With new executives steering the ship, the future of all the Dexter-related projects—including the Trinity Killer prequel—is in their hands. While McCarthy’s departure may cause some uncertainty, Skydance’s franchise-first approach could work in Dexter’s favor, potentially leading to more ambitious spin-offs and deeper explorations of the Dexter universe.
Source: Deadline