David Ferris Ellison (born January 9, 1983) is an American media leader, movie producer, and ex-actor. Since August 2025, he has held the position of chairman and CEO of the combined Paramount Skydance Corporation. He is the offspring of Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation.
He established Skydance Media in 2006 and served as its CEO until 2025. David produced numerous films, including Terminator Genisys (2015), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Life (2017), and Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Top Gun: Maverick received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Ellison, a supporter of President Donald Trump, implemented changes at CBS News that resonated with conservatives after the second Trump administration sanctioned the 2025 merger of Skydance and Paramount Global.[1] Later that same year, he attempted to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and informed President Trump that he would institute significant changes at CNN if the agreement proceeded.[2] The merger finalized by February 2026, forming a substantial media conglomerate that includes Warner Bros. studios, CNN, and HBO, with Ellison at the helm. He has continued to restructure news operations, appointing Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News and vowing similar updates at CNN to mirror conservative perspectives.
David Ellison Age
David Ellison was welcomed into the world on January 9, 1983. He will turn 43 years old in February 2026.
Update
Following the merger of Skydance Media with Paramount Global in August 2025, David Ellison stepped into the role of chairman and CEO of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation. In February 2026, he spearheaded a $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix withdrew its offer. The agreement, backed by his father Larry Ellison, Jared Kushner, and Middle Eastern investors, positioned the company among the largest media entities globally. Ellison has initiated conservative reforms at CBS News and intends to implement similar measures at CNN, reflecting his collaboration with President Donald Trump. Trump played a role in the merger, and Ellison was present at the 2026 State of the Union as Trump’s guest. The consolidation of Warner Bros. is still in progress, with Ellison concentrating on streaming, studios, and news amidst regulatory scrutiny.
Children
David Ellison and his spouse, Sandra Lynn Modic, are parents to two children. They maintain privacy regarding their children’s names and ages, but it is known that they have a son and a daughter, both under 10 in 2026. Ellison prefers to keep his family life from the limelight.
Religion
David Ellison has not disclosed his religion publicly. His father, Larry Ellison, has Italian and Jewish ancestry, but David has not elaborated on his personal beliefs or spiritual practices in interviews or public forums.
Net Worth
As of 2026, David Ellison’s net worth is estimated to range between $8 and $10 billion. His wealth derives from various sources:
- Ownership and leadership of Skydance Media (pre-merger valuation ~$4 billion).
- The 2025 Paramount merger and 2026 Warner Bros. acquisition have increased his stake in the enlarged Paramount Skydance Corporation.
- Investments from his father’s, Larry Ellison’s fortune.
- Producing credits on blockbusters such as Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and ongoing franchises (Mission: Impossible, Transformers).
Career
David Ellison commenced his career as an actor in minor roles (Little Fish, Strange Pond, Hole in One) before transitioning to production. His father, Larry, substantially financed his initial major film, Flyboys (2006), which was unsuccessful but sparked his business ambitions. He launched Skydance Media in 2006 with seed funding from Larry, producing successful films like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), World War Z (2013), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Terminator Genisys (2015), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Life (2017), Annihilation (2018), Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Top Gun: Maverick (2022, Best Picture nominee), among others. Skydance diversified into television (Altered Carbon, Grace and Frankie, Foundation, Reacher) and animation (partnering with Ilion Studios in 2017, hiring John Lasseter in 2019).
Ellison was featured in Variety’s Dealmakers list in 2010 and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2011. He launched the LANAI men’s clothing line in 2014. In January 2024, he initiated efforts for a merger between Skydance and Paramount Global, culminating in August 2025. He ascended to the role of chairman and CEO of the new Paramount Skydance. Later in 2025, he successfully secured a $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery with backing from the Trump administration. In 2026, Ellison is overseeing the integration, prioritizing studios, streaming, and implementing conservative changes at CBS News and CNN. He is also an active member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | David Ferris Ellison |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1983 |
| Age (Feb 2026) | 43 |
| Children | 2 (son and daughter, names private) |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed (father has Italian/Jewish heritage) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $8–10 billion |
| Career Highlights | Founded Skydance Media (2006); produced Top Gun: Maverick; CEO of Paramount Skydance (2025–present); acquired Warner Bros. Discovery (2026) |
