How David Zaslav Pulled Off the Sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Paramount

Not long ago, Mr. Zaslav was widely criticized for his management of Warner Bros. Discovery. He overcame the doubters, cementing a blockbuster sale to Paramount.

Three years ago, David Zaslav, the chief executive of Warner Bros. Discovery, had major headaches. The company’s movie studio was in third place, despite a blockbuster performance for “Barbie.” He was slashing costs and shelving projects, turning his once-warm relationship with Hollywood frosty. Shares hit $13, down from nearly $25 when he took control.

One article, in GQ, described Mr. Zaslav as “the most hated man in Hollywood” and compared him to the ruthless tycoon played by Richard Gere in “Pretty Woman.”