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Bryan Sullivan recently spoke to TheWrap regarding the news that MGM Studios’ motion picture group chairman, Michael De Luca, and president, Pam Abdy, are departing their roles. The announcement comes approximately one month after Amazon closed an $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM.

The article details reactions surrounding the departures of De Luca and Abdy, noting that MGM executives were surprised by the news, but Bryan notes that their decisions to leave could have been foreseen due to Amazon’s large number of high-level professionals and the reality that “there’s only so much room at the top.” According to the article, it is rumored that De Luca and Abdy may not have felt comfortable reporting to Jennifer Salke, who is currently Head of Amazon Studios.

The article also examines the uncertainty around what may happen to MGM’s current film projects, including new films from Guy Ritchie and Luca Guadagnino, and a number of Channing Tatum projects. Bryan explains that it’s unlikely that these projects will be pushed aside, even after the news of De Luca and Abdy’s departures.

After leaving a studio, “most C-level executives remain with the project in some capacity,” shares Bryan. “The executives could also form a production company with financing from Amazon rather than bolt to another studio or streamer.”

Read the full article below (subscription required).

What’s Next for Amazon Studios After Top MGM Movie Execs’ Surprise Exit | Analysis