Meet the High-Stakes Gambler Waging Total War on David Ellison’s Paramount

Exclusive Meet the High-Stakes Gambler Waging Total War on David Ellison’s Paramount In his first sit-down interview, provocateur R.J. Cipriani lays out his $150 million case against studio president Jeff Shell, the Ellisons and a Hollywood establishment he claims is running scared: "I'm a master of cognitive warfare." By Gary Baum Plus Icon Gary Baum Senior Writer garymbaum Follow Sign Up View All April 2, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Gambler R.J. Cipriani has made a calculated bet in agreeing to sit for his first in-depth profile. He thinks revealing himself more fully will sharpen his position in his fight with Paramount president Jeff Shell , whom he may soon dislodge from a second major studio job in three years, having helped precipitate Shell’s fall as NBCUniversal CEO in 2023. Cipriani also believes that an unvarnished close-up on his improbable biography and outsized personality may finally deliver the Hollywood green light he’s convinced he deserves. At his favorite corner table at the Venice restaurant Gjelina, Cipriani refers to himself as “a kamikaze,” “a lone wolf,” “a wild card” and “a fucking cowboy.” He drops names, cracks jokes, issues threats. On several occasions, he breaks into song. An observant Catholic, he says he’s recently been visiting his local church in Santa Monica multiple times a day to pray as he contends with “forces of evil,” adding, “I’m a soldier of God.” Related Stories Movies 'Scream 8' in the Works With 'Poker Face' Writers Lilla and Nora Zuckerman Movies Box Office: 'Hail Mary' Rockets to $164M in U.S., $300M Globally to Become Year's Top Hollywood Pic The 6-foot-5, blue-eyed Cipriani — an under-the-radar figure around the entertainment industry who’s now at the center of one of its biggest stories — radiates main character...