Skydance boss David Ellison tells Hollywood pals that Paramount merger will close before end of summer: sources

1. David Ellison is optimistic about acquiring Paramount despite regulatory concerns. 2. The $8 billion deal is under threat from Trump's legal actions. 3. Settlement talks might reduce Trump's lawsuit to $35 million. 4. Trump has expressed support for Ellison, predicting cultural changes at Paramount. 5. Ellison's father is financially backing the merger, which affects its feasibility.