Streaming service Paramount Plus is looking to add 1,000 films to its catalogue by this summer, says The Hollywood Reporter. This news was revealed by Bob Bakish, CEO of ViacomCBS, during the first-quarter earnings conference call. The service will continue adding films throughout June and July, until it reaches around 2,500 movies. While these numbers are undeniably impressive, it’s worth remembering Paramount enjoys an access to an extensive film catalogue with titles going back for at least eight decades.
Possibly even more interesting is an ambitious plan – outlined by Bakish – that would see Paramount Plus delivering one new original movie per week, beginning in 2022. According to him, these will include blockbusters as well as films made for Paramount Plus and projects by other ViacomCBS studios like Nickelodeon.
While Paramount Plus seems to remain committed to 45 days long theatrical window, there are brand-new films that will premiere on Paramount Plus. Case in point: Infinite, a sci-fi thriller featuring Mark Wahlberg (Patriots Day) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Doctor Strange), directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Magnificent Seven remake). Paramount initially aimed to release the film last year but had to postpone it due to the pandemic. Now, the film will premiere on Paramount Plus in late June.
