Paramount has rejected the states’ antitrust arguments.
Ellison previously told senior executives he was prepared to move the combined studio business out of California if Bonta and the other attorneys general did not reach a settlement, with a possible move beginning as early as Oct. 1, according to reports in August.
Bonta responded at the time by accusing Paramount of attempting to “blackmail” California into allowing the deal to proceed.
The two sides are now scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks Oct. 14 and 15, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. A trial over the states’ antitrust challenge is scheduled for March 2.
A Paramount departure could carry significant economic consequences.