Paramount Pictures, the legendary studio known for producing iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” has been under various ownership over the past century. It was co-founded by Adolph Zukor and later acquired by industrial conglomerate Gulf+Western. But for the last 30 years, the Redstone family has controlled its fate.

Now, Shari Redstone, the daughter of the late Sumner Redstone, is considering selling her family’s controlling interest in Paramount’s parent company. Several companies, including Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance, have shown interest in acquiring the stake.

Shari Redstone, despite facing financial pressures at National Amusements, has played a pivotal role in her family’s media empire. She has successfully asserted herself during crucial moments, such as thwarting a sale of a stake in Paramount Pictures in 2016 and appointing Bob Bakish as the chief executive.

The company itself has struggled financially, with pressure mounting from streaming giants like Netflix and Disney. Paramount’s movie studio has made efforts to revive aging franchises and maintain its relevance in the industry. Despite some progress, the company is facing financial challenges.

Now, Shari Redstone is exploring options for the future of Paramount. National Amusements’ stake in Paramount is seen as a prized asset, and potential buyers would have to navigate a complex deal-making process. Various financial and nonfinancial considerations could potentially stand in the way of a successful sale.

At the end of the day, Shari Redstone’s willingness to sell her controlling stake in the company may come down to the increasingly bleak outlook for Paramount’s future. Talks with various interested parties, including Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, are currently ongoing.