Chris Aronson, the President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Paramount Pictures, has announced his resignation after a successful six-year tenure. His departure follows a notable period during which the studio saw significant box office triumphs, including the $1.49 billion earnings from “Top Gun: Maverick” and over $1.2 billion from the “Sonic the Hedgehog” franchise.
Key Contributions and Achievements
During his time at Paramount, Aronson played a crucial role in the studio’s distribution strategy. He is responsible for overseeing the theatrical release of major titles, including:
- “Top Gun: Maverick”
- “Sonic the Hedgehog” series
- “Smile,” the top original horror film of 2022
- “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”
Transitioning Leadership
Aronson’s exit is amicable, and he will remain with the studio until December 1, focusing on the upcoming release of “The Running Man,” set for November 14. No successors have been identified at this time, leaving the future leadership dynamics at Paramount uncertain.
This transition coincides with broader changes within the company. Recently, Marc Weinstock, the global marketing and distribution head, departed as well. His replacement, Josh Goldstine, has a history with Warner Bros and Universal Pictures.
Future Projects at Paramount
Looking ahead, Paramount aims to increase its production significantly, moving towards 15 films annually and eventually reaching 20 theatrical releases per year. Upcoming titles include:
- “SpongeBob: The Search for Squarepants,” debuting on December 19
- A reboot of the “Scary Movie” franchise
- Next installment in the “Scream” series, “Scream 7”
- A collaborative project featuring Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Kendrick Lamar
- “Street Fighter”
Aronson’s Career Overview
Before joining Paramount, Aronson served as the President of Domestic Distribution at 20th Century Fox, where he contributed to the success of major franchises such as “Avatar,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the “Deadpool” films. His extensive career in distribution spans over 40 years, beginning with his early roles at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Rentrak Corporation.
Aronson has been actively involved in various industry organizations, including the Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneer Foundation and the Academy’s Executive Branch. He is also recognized for his long-standing commitment to the Variety SoCal Advisory Board.
In his farewell note to staff, Aronson expressed pride in his accomplishments at Paramount and gratitude for his team’s contributions, stating, “Everyone knows that Domestic Distribution is the locomotive that drives the theatrical train.” He encouraged continued collaboration in promoting the cinematic experience.
