Overview
- Naito informed staff in a Wednesday night memo that she is leaving the company after leading Paramount Animation since 2021.
- New CEO David Ellison told employees he is implementing staffing reductions expected to cut about 2,000 U.S. jobs, with further international layoffs planned.
- Deadline reported roughly 1,000 roles were eliminated that day and detailed additional departures across the motion picture group.
- Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein thanked Naito for her creative leadership and lasting impact on the animation slate.
- The animation pipeline continues, with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie dated Aug. 14 next year, The Last Airbender: Legend of Aang on Oct. 9, 2026, The Angry Birds Movie 3 on Dec. 23, 2026, and another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film set for Sept. 17, 2027.