The biggest question for Judge McCormick, according to University of Pennsylvania Business Law School Professor Jill Fisch, is whether the largely unknown Prospect Rise Partners is a legitimate

McCormick granted a motion to expedite the proceedings, even though it’s unclear when the Skydance-Paramount will get the regulatory greenlight. It is currently before the FCC, on day 111 of a 180-day “shot clock” for agency review, although that timeline is not set in stone.

A judge on Thursday declined to issue a restraining order to block the Paramount-Skydance merger, but agreed to accelerate an investor lawsuit.