Paramount reportedly developing Jeremy Strong-starrer 9/12 despite the merger with Skydance

9/12 continues moving forward at Paramount despite delays owing to the Skydance-Paramount merger. The series, which depicts the experiences of 9/11 first responders, was paused while regulators reviewed the $8 billion deal, but studio leaders say the project remains a priority.

Writers Tobias Lindholm and Frank Pugliese developed the scripts through detailed research, and the project was transferred to Paramount TV Studios after the merger. The studio has identified the show as a thoughtful, sensitive drama and is working to coordinate schedules so that cast members like Jeremy Strong can participate without disrupting other commitments.

Insiders say the production is aiming for a 2026 start if schedules align, and Paramount plans to handle the series carefully while deciding whether it will stream on Paramount+ or be offered elsewhere. Officials say updates will come once approvals, rights, and availability are confirmed, and the team remains cautious but committed.

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How did the merger pause work, and what changed?

The merger review for the $8 billion deal between Skydance and Paramount slowed down new spending on certain projects, and 9/12 was one of the those affected. Since the show was originally budgeted under Skydance's initial plan, the extended review by regulators meant producers had to pause pre-production and delay an expected August start. That pause allowed the teams time to revisit schedules and contracts before the new corporate structure took over.

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Who is behind the scripts, and how was the story built?

Writers Tobias Lindholm and Frank Pugliese wrote and executive-produced the series, drawing on detailed research about first responders on 9/11.

The material was originally developed at another production company before moving to Skydance late in development, and it has since become part of Paramount TV Studios' slate. The creators and studio say they want the drama to honour real experiences, so the team has been careful about it.

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More on the production timeline

Paramount TV Studios now oversees projects that came from Skydance Television, and executives have said 9/12 is earmarked for Paramount+ while the studio keeps other options open.

According to Deadline's report, the production is now aiming for a 2026 start, but that depends on aligning calendars across the creative team and cast. Jeremy Strong is set to play the lead, but the studio needs to work around his other commitments.

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What to watch next and why the studio is cautious?

Dana Goldberg and other leaders have described the show as special for its team and are working to ensure it is made respectfully and practically.

If plans hold, 9/12 will move into active production after key approvals and calendars are aligned, and viewers can expect updates as the studio confirms timing and partners.

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For 9/12, the studio plans to confirm production dates once key people are available and regulatory steps are fully closed. As the project is being handled carefully, the company will continue research, secure rights, and finalize streaming plans. Jeremy Strong’s availability is a major factor in locking any schedule, and executives say they will fit the calendar around his commitments when possible.

If Jeremy Strong can join a mid-2026 shoot, 9/12 could begin filming; otherwise, the timeline will shift to find a workable window. The studio expects to share updates on 9/12 as approvals and contracts are completed.