Fri Jul 18 05:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The upcoming season 27 premiere of “South Park” is in jeopardy due to a major disagreement between creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s company, Park County, Paramount Global, and incoming studio owner Skydance. The dispute centers on a proposed 10-year, $3 billion overall deal for Parker and Stone. Park County believes they had an agreement with Paramount Global before the Skydance merger became imminent. Skydance is hesitant to agree to such a long and expensive deal, particularly given the changing media landscape and their desire to conserve cash. The parties are at odds over contract approval rights during the merger process. A legal battle seems increasingly likely, with Parker and Stone hiring a prominent lawyer to potentially sue Skydance for interference. Delays in the Paramount-Skydance merger approval and streaming rights issues are exacerbating the situation.

**News Article:**

**’South Park’ Season 27 Premiere in Doubt Amid Billion-Dollar Deal Dispute**

**HOLLYWOOD, CA** – The highly anticipated 27th season of “South Park” is facing a potential delay as a major conflict erupts between series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Park County, Paramount Global, and incoming studio owner Skydance Media. The dispute centers around a proposed 10-year, $3 billion overall deal for the iconic comedy duo, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Park County believes it had reached an agreement on a framework for the deal with Paramount Global before the impending merger with Skydance. However, Skydance, which claims approval rights on contracts during the merger process, is reportedly balking at the terms, particularly the length of the deal. They are prioritizing cash reserves amidst a rapidly evolving media environment.

The disagreement has escalated to the point where Parker and Stone have hired prominent attorney Bryan Freedman, known for his aggressive legal tactics, signaling a potential lawsuit against Skydance. The suit would accuse the incoming Skydance leadership, including CEO David Ellison, of interfering in contract negotiations.

“There is no resolution at this time, but all involved recognize the need for a quick, positive resolution,” a spokesperson for Park County said.

The potential premiere delay, already pushed back to July 23, highlights the instability created by the stalled Paramount-Skydance merger. Furthermore, issues surrounding streaming rights for the show, including the expiration of international licenses on Paramount+, have further complicated matters.

Parker and Stone issued a statement on social media earlier this month saying that, “This merger is a shitshow and it’s fucking up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow,”.

The outcome of this dispute will not only determine the immediate future of “South Park” but also carries broader implications for the Paramount-Skydance merger and the overall landscape of Hollywood entertainment deals.

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