Top News
The “Blade Runner” series in the works at Amazon Prime Video has cast Michelle Yeoh in a lead role, Variety has learned.
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 5/7/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Some breaking news from Westeros: The Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has added a major talent from Black Mirror to serve as its debut season’s lead director, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
- 5/7/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Primates will rule (the box office) again!
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
David Corenswet gets dressed as Superman one boot at a time in the first look at the actor in costume. Superman writer-director James Gunn revealed the image on social media Monday.
The unveiling of an actor in costume as Superman is a rare affair, akin to the first look at a new James Bond. Only three men have starred as the character in its nearly 50-year big screen career: Christopher Reeve (1978-87), Brandon Routh (2006) and Henry Cavill (2013-2022), not counting serials that played in movie theaters in the late 1940s and early ’50s.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)
Corenswet is known in the world of TV, where he has been a Ryan Murphy regular on shows such as The Politician and Hollywood, but Superman is poised to bring him to a whole new level of fame. There is a lot riding on the film,...
The unveiling of an actor in costume as Superman is a rare affair, akin to the first look at a new James Bond. Only three men have starred as the character in its nearly 50-year big screen career: Christopher Reeve (1978-87), Brandon Routh (2006) and Henry Cavill (2013-2022), not counting serials that played in movie theaters in the late 1940s and early ’50s.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)
Corenswet is known in the world of TV, where he has been a Ryan Murphy regular on shows such as The Politician and Hollywood, but Superman is poised to bring him to a whole new level of fame. There is a lot riding on the film,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeannie Epper, the peerless, fearless stunt performer who doubled for Lynda Carter on Wonder Woman and swung on a vine across a 350-foot gorge and propelled down an epic mudslide as Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone, has died. She was 83.
Epper died Sunday night of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, her family told The Hollywood Reporter.
Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the “Flying Wallendas of Film” — starting with her father, John Epper, there have been four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930s — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an astounding 70-year career.
In 2007, Epper received the first lifetime achievement honor given to a woman at the World Taurus Awards and ranks among the greatest stuntwomen of all time.
Known for her agility, horse-riding skills and competitiveness, the 5-foot-9 Epper also stepped in...
Epper died Sunday night of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, her family told The Hollywood Reporter.
Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the “Flying Wallendas of Film” — starting with her father, John Epper, there have been four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930s — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an astounding 70-year career.
In 2007, Epper received the first lifetime achievement honor given to a woman at the World Taurus Awards and ranks among the greatest stuntwomen of all time.
Known for her agility, horse-riding skills and competitiveness, the 5-foot-9 Epper also stepped in...
- 5/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two years ago, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, ventured to Bentonville, Arkansas, with his management team to talk creators — and chocolate. Donaldson, a giant on YouTube (252 million-plus subscribers), was aiming to leverage his audience to build a real-world business: a candy line called Feastables. And Walmart, based in Bentonville, signed on as a launch partner.
Feastables now brings in nine figures annually in revenue, Donaldson told a conference last year, making it a textbook example of how a creator can monetize fandom. “I know for a fact that Walmart and a lot of these retailers are now going, ‘Ok, what Jimmy did in chocolate, what Logan [Paul] did in hydration [with energy drink Prime], are creators building in other categories? And should we be more aggressive?” says Reed Duchscher, CEO of creator management firm Night Media, which had repped MrBeast in all areas until recently but now just reps Donaldson for his Feastables business.
Feastables now brings in nine figures annually in revenue, Donaldson told a conference last year, making it a textbook example of how a creator can monetize fandom. “I know for a fact that Walmart and a lot of these retailers are now going, ‘Ok, what Jimmy did in chocolate, what Logan [Paul] did in hydration [with energy drink Prime], are creators building in other categories? And should we be more aggressive?” says Reed Duchscher, CEO of creator management firm Night Media, which had repped MrBeast in all areas until recently but now just reps Donaldson for his Feastables business.
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal inked a deal with iHeartMedia making it the exclusive audio partner for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Under the agreement, iHeart will provide 24-7 play-by-play audio channels for select NBCU linear coverage of the Olympic Games. In addition, iHeartMedia will create an original iHeartPodcast for the Olympics hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (of the popular “Las Culturistas” podcast) and produce Olympic-themed episodes for some of its top educational podcasts, including “Stuff You Missed in History Class” and “Ridiculous History,” as well as promote tune-in for NBCU’s coverage across TV and Peacock.
The play-by-play Olympics channels carried by...
Under the agreement, iHeart will provide 24-7 play-by-play audio channels for select NBCU linear coverage of the Olympic Games. In addition, iHeartMedia will create an original iHeartPodcast for the Olympics hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (of the popular “Las Culturistas” podcast) and produce Olympic-themed episodes for some of its top educational podcasts, including “Stuff You Missed in History Class” and “Ridiculous History,” as well as promote tune-in for NBCU’s coverage across TV and Peacock.
The play-by-play Olympics channels carried by...
- 5/8/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - TV News
The phrase “we’re our own worst enemies” takes on a literal meaning in Apple TV+’s “Dark Matter,” based on Blake Crouch’s 2016 novel of the same name, and adapted by the author for television. A massive and intricate puzzle, the series is shocking and unsettling, but doesn’t quite satisfy in the end.
“Dark Matter” opens in present-day Chicago. Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a scruffy physics professor, is living an unremarkable but happy middle-class existence with his wife, Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and their teenage son, Charlie (Oakes Fegley). After a night out celebrating his friend Ryan’s (Jimmi Simpson) prestigious science award,...
“Dark Matter” opens in present-day Chicago. Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a scruffy physics professor, is living an unremarkable but happy middle-class existence with his wife, Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and their teenage son, Charlie (Oakes Fegley). After a night out celebrating his friend Ryan’s (Jimmi Simpson) prestigious science award,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Aramide Tinubu
- Variety - TV News
(This article is unintentionally a counterpoint to my colleague Owen Gleiberman’s considerably more-positive take on the Beatles’ “Let It Be” film, restored by Peter Jackson and released today on Disney+.)
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety - Film News
North West, the daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has joined the cast of Disney’s “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl,” a live concert event that will be filmed across two performances and released as a special on Disney+.
West is set to star alongside previously announced cast members Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jennifer Hudson and Bradley GIbson. Broadway actress Heather Headley and Lebo M. round out the cast.
The shows will take place on May 24 and 25 in celebration of “The Lion King’s” 30th anniversary.
Disney Branded Television and Fulwell...
West is set to star alongside previously announced cast members Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jennifer Hudson and Bradley GIbson. Broadway actress Heather Headley and Lebo M. round out the cast.
The shows will take place on May 24 and 25 in celebration of “The Lion King’s” 30th anniversary.
Disney Branded Television and Fulwell...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - TV News
It’s a frigid Sunday afternoon in April, and Andy Cohen is perched on a park bench, ruminating about the ups and downs — but mostly the ups — of his nearly 3-decade-long career in broadcasting. Occasionally, a passerby walks past and smiles, or shyly waves hello. This, it quickly becomes apparent, is a common occurrence for Cohen, 57, who seems to be something of the unofficial mayor of this cobblestoned, townhouse-lined neighborhood in downtown Manhattan, where he — and now his two children, Benjamin, 5, and Lucy, 2 — has been living for 27 years. Everybody, it seems, loves Andy Cohen. Well, not everyone, but we’ll get to that in a moment. He started his career in New York in his early 20s, a precocious, fiercely ambitious network executive with not-so-secret dreams of making it big in front of the camera as a TV host (despite being told by a mentor that he had “no charisma”). Today,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Maer Roshan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mubi has kicked off its 2024 Cannes Film Festival early and in style, acquiring worldwide rights to one of the buzziest films set to premiere in competition.
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner is set to produce feature documentary Fanmade: Enhypen about K-pop group Enhypen and their fandom, Engene.
The new production shingle from Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 filmmakers William Swann and Casey Feldman, Good-People, is set to produce alongside the Candle Media owned Hello Sunshine. Caroline Suh, who was behind K-pop doc Blackpink: Light Up the Sky, will direct.
The description of the film notes that the doc will highlight the band’s fans “putting them at the heart of the concert creation process.”
The synopsis continues: “The documentary highlights the Engene community, following five female fans as they co-create new material alongside the band, ignite the fanbase to collaborate, and revel in the joy of putting their passion out into the world. Dancing between Enhypen fans and the band themselves, the film utilizes unprecedented and intimate access alongside the band members as they travel across the...
The new production shingle from Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 filmmakers William Swann and Casey Feldman, Good-People, is set to produce alongside the Candle Media owned Hello Sunshine. Caroline Suh, who was behind K-pop doc Blackpink: Light Up the Sky, will direct.
The description of the film notes that the doc will highlight the band’s fans “putting them at the heart of the concert creation process.”
The synopsis continues: “The documentary highlights the Engene community, following five female fans as they co-create new material alongside the band, ignite the fanbase to collaborate, and revel in the joy of putting their passion out into the world. Dancing between Enhypen fans and the band themselves, the film utilizes unprecedented and intimate access alongside the band members as they travel across the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Entertainment Squad has acquired worldwide rights to Midas and will release the film, the feature debut of writer/director Tj Noel-Sullivan described as “a fresh and socially relevant take on the classic heist genre,” in theaters in the U.S. on June 28.
“The film follows a charismatic college dropout who recruits his best friends to rob the health insurer that denied his mom’s coverage,” said Entertainment Squad, the boutique distribution company founded by industry veteran Shaked Berenson. “After things take a dark turn, the trio must wrestle with the limits of their greed.”
Starring Laquan Copeland (The Dirty South), Preet Kaur (Finding Tony), Federico Parra (series The Equalizer), Lucy Powers (Voyeur), and Bob Gallagher (Bad Senator), the movie was shot in Hartford, Conn., which is nicknamed the “insurance capital of the world.”
The Hartford Film Company, founded by Noel-Sullivan, produced the film alongside Kristina Cuello and Erik Bloomquist.
“Midas...
“The film follows a charismatic college dropout who recruits his best friends to rob the health insurer that denied his mom’s coverage,” said Entertainment Squad, the boutique distribution company founded by industry veteran Shaked Berenson. “After things take a dark turn, the trio must wrestle with the limits of their greed.”
Starring Laquan Copeland (The Dirty South), Preet Kaur (Finding Tony), Federico Parra (series The Equalizer), Lucy Powers (Voyeur), and Bob Gallagher (Bad Senator), the movie was shot in Hartford, Conn., which is nicknamed the “insurance capital of the world.”
The Hartford Film Company, founded by Noel-Sullivan, produced the film alongside Kristina Cuello and Erik Bloomquist.
“Midas...
- 5/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jerome Levy’s Vuelta Group, a private-equity-backed European studio, has acquired German production and licensing giant Telepool from Westbrook, the U.S. outfit controlled Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Vuelta will merge Telepool with Munich-based SquareOne, the German producer/distributor it acquired last year. SquareOne CEO will take over the running of the merged company, with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
Telepool has one of the largest rights libraries in Europe, with German-language rights to than 1,200 titles, including such features as The Imitation Game, Drive, Olympus Has Fallen, Lone Survivor and French hit Intouchables, as well as Westbrook-produced features like Oscar-winner King Richard. Upcoming features include the Hellboy reboot The Crooked Man and Andrew Niccol’s Lord of War sequel, Lords of War, starring Nicolas Cage and Bill Skarsgård.
Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann, who took over as CEO at Telepool two years ago, will leave the company. Vuelta Group will continue to...
Vuelta will merge Telepool with Munich-based SquareOne, the German producer/distributor it acquired last year. SquareOne CEO will take over the running of the merged company, with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
Telepool has one of the largest rights libraries in Europe, with German-language rights to than 1,200 titles, including such features as The Imitation Game, Drive, Olympus Has Fallen, Lone Survivor and French hit Intouchables, as well as Westbrook-produced features like Oscar-winner King Richard. Upcoming features include the Hellboy reboot The Crooked Man and Andrew Niccol’s Lord of War sequel, Lords of War, starring Nicolas Cage and Bill Skarsgård.
Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann, who took over as CEO at Telepool two years ago, will leave the company. Vuelta Group will continue to...
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
German distributor-producer SquareOne Entertainment, part of rising European film studio Vuelta Group, has acquired German film and TV production, distribution and licensing company Telepool, which was owned by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,...
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and Leo Barraclough
- Variety - TV News
German distributor-producer SquareOne Entertainment, part of rising European film studio Vuelta Group, has acquired German film and TV production, distribution and licensing company Telepool, which was owned by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook.
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,” “Lone Survivor,” “Book Club,” “Transporter 3,” “King Richard,” “Maurice the Tomcat” and the recently released “One Life” among others.
“For over 60 years, Telepool has been one of the leading global content houses and we are proud of the work we did with the company,” said Westbrook CEO Kosaku Yada.
The news was announced Wednesday by Vuelta Group chairman Jerome Levy and CEO of SquareOne and Vuelta Group Germany Al Munteanu.
Munteanu will spearhead the newly combined entity under the SquareOne banner with Michael Heyd serving as CFO/COO.
The newly combined SquareOne entity will boast a library consisting of over 1,200 titles such as “Drive,” “Intouchables,” “The Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Imitation Game,” “Lone Survivor,” “Book Club,” “Transporter 3,” “King Richard,” “Maurice the Tomcat” and the recently released “One Life” among others.
“For over 60 years, Telepool has been one of the leading global content houses and we are proud of the work we did with the company,” said Westbrook CEO Kosaku Yada.
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
Fox Corp. beat Wall Street estimates with its fiscal third-quarter earnings report Wednesday, with revenue hitting $3.4 billion and net income growing to $704 million. The gain in profits was due to last year’s settlement at Fox News, combined with a gain on the value of its Usfl assets, which it merged with the XFL to create the Ufl.
Advertising revenue was down sharply in the quarter though to $1.2 billion from $1.9 billion a year ago, but that was because last year’s quarter included the Super Bowl.
In a call with Wall Street analysts, Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch said that the company’s ad business was moving in the right direction.
“Overall advertising trends of Fox are clearly moving in the right direction, both in the scatter market and in early upfront discussions,” Murdoch said. “Demand for sports remains robust, trends at Fox News are improving across the board, including the...
Advertising revenue was down sharply in the quarter though to $1.2 billion from $1.9 billion a year ago, but that was because last year’s quarter included the Super Bowl.
In a call with Wall Street analysts, Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch said that the company’s ad business was moving in the right direction.
“Overall advertising trends of Fox are clearly moving in the right direction, both in the scatter market and in early upfront discussions,” Murdoch said. “Demand for sports remains robust, trends at Fox News are improving across the board, including the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox Corp. said it swung to a profit in its fiscal third quarter despite slumps in advertising revenue, largely due to the absence of charges associated with a massive legal setback tied to Fox News Channel and a boost in affiliate fees.
The owner of Fox News Channel and the Fox broadcasting network said overall revenue fell to about $3.45 billion, compared to approximately $4.08 billion in the year-earlier period.
Fox was crimped by comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, which featured a Super Bowl broadcast, but it was also boosted by the lack of charges associated with a settlement of more than...
The owner of Fox News Channel and the Fox broadcasting network said overall revenue fell to about $3.45 billion, compared to approximately $4.08 billion in the year-earlier period.
Fox was crimped by comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, which featured a Super Bowl broadcast, but it was also boosted by the lack of charges associated with a settlement of more than...
- 5/8/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett is set to star as the leader of the “Alpha Gang,” an alien invasion comedy by “Sasquatch Sunset” filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner.
The hot package will be launched at Cannes by MK2 Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) handling international sales and CAA Media Finance handling North American distribution rights. “Alpha Gang” is set to start filming in the Fall.
“Alpha Gang” marks the Zellner brothers’ anticipated follow-up to “Sasquatch Sunset,” the buzzy absurdist comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough which was the talk of this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is currently on release in the U.S. via Bleecker Street.
The Zellner brothers are producing “Alpha Gang” with Blanchett and Coco Francini for Dirty Films, as well as Ryan Zacarias for Fat City, and Gina Gammell for Felix Culpa.
“Alpha Gang” follows alien invaders sent on a mission to conquer Earth. “Disguised in...
The hot package will be launched at Cannes by MK2 Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) handling international sales and CAA Media Finance handling North American distribution rights. “Alpha Gang” is set to start filming in the Fall.
“Alpha Gang” marks the Zellner brothers’ anticipated follow-up to “Sasquatch Sunset,” the buzzy absurdist comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough which was the talk of this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is currently on release in the U.S. via Bleecker Street.
The Zellner brothers are producing “Alpha Gang” with Blanchett and Coco Francini for Dirty Films, as well as Ryan Zacarias for Fat City, and Gina Gammell for Felix Culpa.
“Alpha Gang” follows alien invaders sent on a mission to conquer Earth. “Disguised in...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
New transmedia company Iconic Arts launched Tuesday with $3.1 million in financing at a $20 million pre-seed valuation. The entertainment studio boasts support from screenwriter Eric Roth, Grammy winning artist Will.i.am and exec vets of Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Jp Morgan.
Iconic Arts, which has opened offices in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, is founded by Steven Haddadian, Alec Roth, Matthew Medney, Mo Yazdani and Jack Sheehan.
Per Iconic Arts, “For the last year, the team has been developing an original slate of IP by using a unique workflow which combines talented creators with emerging technologies such as a set of...
Iconic Arts, which has opened offices in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, is founded by Steven Haddadian, Alec Roth, Matthew Medney, Mo Yazdani and Jack Sheehan.
Per Iconic Arts, “For the last year, the team has been developing an original slate of IP by using a unique workflow which combines talented creators with emerging technologies such as a set of...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - TV News
Tilda Swinton‘s feature directorial debut is up for an award at Sheffield DocFest where it will get its world premiere as part of a lineup of 48 world premieres from 56 different countries.
The U.K. documentary festival, taking place June 12-17, revealed its full program on Wednesday. Its theme for the 31st edition this year will be “Reflections on Realities.”
Swinton’s debut alongside filmmaker Bartek Dziadosz, The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze, will have its world premiere at the event in England, following them as “they travel the world to understand what it means to learn, and along the way uncover playful food for thought.”
Stand-out music documentaries at Sheffield DocFest 2024 include the world premiere of the documentary on English rock band Blur, titled blur: To the End, and the European premiere of Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound.
The event’s film program totals...
The U.K. documentary festival, taking place June 12-17, revealed its full program on Wednesday. Its theme for the 31st edition this year will be “Reflections on Realities.”
Swinton’s debut alongside filmmaker Bartek Dziadosz, The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze, will have its world premiere at the event in England, following them as “they travel the world to understand what it means to learn, and along the way uncover playful food for thought.”
Stand-out music documentaries at Sheffield DocFest 2024 include the world premiere of the documentary on English rock band Blur, titled blur: To the End, and the European premiere of Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound.
The event’s film program totals...
- 5/8/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director and producer Tom Tykwer has become managing director of Berlin-based production company X Filme Creative Pool, best known for “Babylon Berlin,” alongside Uwe Schott. Tykwer succeeds Stefan Arndt, one of Germany’s leading producers.
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors...
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - TV News
Director and producer Tom Tykwer has become managing director of Berlin-based production company X Filme Creative Pool, best known for “Babylon Berlin,” alongside Uwe Schott. Tykwer succeeds Stefan Arndt, one of Germany’s leading producers.
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors Wolfgang Becker and Dani Levy as well as Arndt. The four founders, who remain shareholders together with Beta Film and Bogey, based themselves on United Artists with the aim of producing sophisticated films with an audience appeal – or, as Variety put it, “intelligent films that audiences want to see.”
Tykwer...
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors Wolfgang Becker and Dani Levy as well as Arndt. The four founders, who remain shareholders together with Beta Film and Bogey, based themselves on United Artists with the aim of producing sophisticated films with an audience appeal – or, as Variety put it, “intelligent films that audiences want to see.”
Tykwer...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
The Jeonju International Film Festival, South Korea’s second most important generalist film festival, on Tuesday announced “The Major Tones” and “Time to Be Strong” as the Grand Prix winners of its two competition sections. The festival continues until Friday.
Directed by Argentina’s Ingrid Pokropek, “The Major Tones” is a mystery film about a youngster with a metal plate in her arm which begins to receive peculiar messages in Morse Code. It premiered at the Mar del Plata festival and also played in Berlin’s Generation KPlus section. In Jeonju it won the international section.
The Korean section was dominated by “Time to Be Strong,” the sophomore effort of director Namkoong Sun. In addition to the Korean competition’s Grand Prix, it also shared the best actor award and picked up the Watch award from a local streamer.
The film follows three former K-pop idol singers whose careers have...
Directed by Argentina’s Ingrid Pokropek, “The Major Tones” is a mystery film about a youngster with a metal plate in her arm which begins to receive peculiar messages in Morse Code. It premiered at the Mar del Plata festival and also played in Berlin’s Generation KPlus section. In Jeonju it won the international section.
The Korean section was dominated by “Time to Be Strong,” the sophomore effort of director Namkoong Sun. In addition to the Korean competition’s Grand Prix, it also shared the best actor award and picked up the Watch award from a local streamer.
The film follows three former K-pop idol singers whose careers have...
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
EchoStar lost about 348,000 net pay TV subscribers in the first quarter, compared with a drop of 552,000 in the year-ago period, the company said on Wednesday.
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing early on Wednesday that it lost around 135,000 net Sling TV subscribers in the latest quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of 234,000. It ended March with 1.92 million Sling TV subs.
“The decrease in net Sling TV subscriber losses was primarily related to lower Sling TV subscriber disconnects in 2024 due to our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers, partially offset by lower Sling TV subscriber activations,” the company said in a regulatory filing. “We continue to experience increased competition, including competition from other subscription video-on-demand and live-linear Ott service providers, many of which are providers of our content and offer football and other seasonal sports programming direct to subscribers on an a la carte basis.”
EchoStar also recorded a net...
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing early on Wednesday that it lost around 135,000 net Sling TV subscribers in the latest quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of 234,000. It ended March with 1.92 million Sling TV subs.
“The decrease in net Sling TV subscriber losses was primarily related to lower Sling TV subscriber disconnects in 2024 due to our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers, partially offset by lower Sling TV subscriber activations,” the company said in a regulatory filing. “We continue to experience increased competition, including competition from other subscription video-on-demand and live-linear Ott service providers, many of which are providers of our content and offer football and other seasonal sports programming direct to subscribers on an a la carte basis.”
EchoStar also recorded a net...
- 5/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
German filmmaker Tom Tykwer is taking over as managing director of X Filme Creative Pool, the company he co-founded 30 years ago, replacing partner Stefan Arndt, who is stepping down from the post on his own accord.
Tykwer will head up X Filme together with Uwe Schott, a producer who has been at the Berlin-based outfit since 2009 and has worked on many of the company’s biggest productions, from Cloud Atlas to the TV series Babylon Berlin.
Arndt, whose cinematic resume includes Run Lola Run, The White Ribbon, and Oscar winner Amour, will continue to produce for X Filme and, as a co-founder, remains a shareholder in the company.
In a statement, he said he wanted to withdraw from the daily business of managing X Filme “so that I can concentrate more on producing again. Some exciting projects are already in the making and I’m looking forward to realizing them...
Tykwer will head up X Filme together with Uwe Schott, a producer who has been at the Berlin-based outfit since 2009 and has worked on many of the company’s biggest productions, from Cloud Atlas to the TV series Babylon Berlin.
Arndt, whose cinematic resume includes Run Lola Run, The White Ribbon, and Oscar winner Amour, will continue to produce for X Filme and, as a co-founder, remains a shareholder in the company.
In a statement, he said he wanted to withdraw from the daily business of managing X Filme “so that I can concentrate more on producing again. Some exciting projects are already in the making and I’m looking forward to realizing them...
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
French actress Isabelle Huppert (Michael Haneke’s Elle, The Piano Teacher, La Cérémonie) will serve as the president of the international jury of the competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which takes place Aug. 28-Sept. 7.
The jury will decide on the Golden Lion for best film, as well as other official awards.
The decision on the jury head was made by the board of directors of the Biennale di Venezia based on the recommendation of the director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera.
“There is a long and beautiful history between the festival and I,” Huppert said. “Becoming a privileged spectator is an honor. More than ever, cinema is a promise. The promise to escape, to disrupt, to surprise, to take a good look at the world, united in the differences of our tastes and ideas.”
Barbera lauded Huppert as “an immense actress, demanding, curious and of great generosity.
The jury will decide on the Golden Lion for best film, as well as other official awards.
The decision on the jury head was made by the board of directors of the Biennale di Venezia based on the recommendation of the director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera.
“There is a long and beautiful history between the festival and I,” Huppert said. “Becoming a privileged spectator is an honor. More than ever, cinema is a promise. The promise to escape, to disrupt, to surprise, to take a good look at the world, united in the differences of our tastes and ideas.”
Barbera lauded Huppert as “an immense actress, demanding, curious and of great generosity.
- 5/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Isabelle Huppert will preside over the main jury of the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Indie Sales is re-teaming with rising Belgian filmmaker Laura Wandel on her sophomore feature “In Adam’s Interest,” having previously sold around the world her critically acclaimed feature debut “Playground” which premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Concert documentary, “Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus,” directed by Neo Sora, will open in mainland Chinese cinemas on May 31.
The film had its world premiere in official selection at the Venice festival last year. That was followed by an acclaimed run at the New York, London and Camerimage festivals.
Japanese composer Sakamoto, who was awarded an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes, had a four-decade career that stretched from techno-pop to Oscar winning scores on films including “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “The Last Emperor,” and “The Revenant.”
Sakamoto died in March last year after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Before his demise, he curated and performed piano at a final concert, comprising 20 pieces of music that he chose and ordered himself.
The concert film includes his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period to his iconic “Emperor” film score and meditative final album, “12.” Variety‘s review of the film called it a “glorious final performance.
The film had its world premiere in official selection at the Venice festival last year. That was followed by an acclaimed run at the New York, London and Camerimage festivals.
Japanese composer Sakamoto, who was awarded an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes, had a four-decade career that stretched from techno-pop to Oscar winning scores on films including “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “The Last Emperor,” and “The Revenant.”
Sakamoto died in March last year after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Before his demise, he curated and performed piano at a final concert, comprising 20 pieces of music that he chose and ordered himself.
The concert film includes his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period to his iconic “Emperor” film score and meditative final album, “12.” Variety‘s review of the film called it a “glorious final performance.
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
British boxing champion and “Love Island” runner-up Tommy Fury will make his acting debut with Oceana Studios’ “The Debt Inherited.”
The film also marks the directorial debut of Oceana CEO Danny Sawaf. Dubai-based distribution and production outfit Oceana, whose credits include “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend,” starring Gabriel Byrne and Mira Sorvino, “Monstrous,” starring Christina Ricci, and “Terrifier 2,” will launch sales on “The Debt Inherited” at the Cannes Film Market.
The black comedy crime film is written by Niki Sheldrake and tells the story of Colin and Stanley, two good-for-nothing brothers who are faced with the repayment of their dead father’s debt to a notorious loan shark named Maggie. Soon enough, they unwittingly become involved in a criminal underworld and entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit with a host of insalubrious characters.
While the parts of Colin and Stanley are yet to be cast, the...
The film also marks the directorial debut of Oceana CEO Danny Sawaf. Dubai-based distribution and production outfit Oceana, whose credits include “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend,” starring Gabriel Byrne and Mira Sorvino, “Monstrous,” starring Christina Ricci, and “Terrifier 2,” will launch sales on “The Debt Inherited” at the Cannes Film Market.
The black comedy crime film is written by Niki Sheldrake and tells the story of Colin and Stanley, two good-for-nothing brothers who are faced with the repayment of their dead father’s debt to a notorious loan shark named Maggie. Soon enough, they unwittingly become involved in a criminal underworld and entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit with a host of insalubrious characters.
While the parts of Colin and Stanley are yet to be cast, the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Ian Gelder, the British actor who played Kevan Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones and the villain Zellin in Doctor Who, has died. He was 74.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” the actor Ben Daniels announced on Instagram. Daniels revealed that Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months ago and that “neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday,” Daniels wrote on Instagram. “He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” the actor Ben Daniels announced on Instagram. Daniels revealed that Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months ago and that “neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday,” Daniels wrote on Instagram. “He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light.
- 5/8/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Locarno Film Festival is partnering with movie-fan social media site Letterboxd on a new award for this year’s edition.
The Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award will honor a film screening at the legendary Piazza Grande, the Swiss festival’s 8,000-seat outdoor cinema at the heart of Locarno, that “combines both the values and artistic qualities of the cinephile landscape of today and commercial potential on the international festival circuit.” The winning title will receive extensive editorial coverage on Letterboxd and on Locarno’s film festival’s channels to help “build global awareness.”
A jury made up of Letterboxd editorial staff and young accredited critics attending the Festival will vote on the winner.
“Over the past decade, Letterboxd has become one of the essential sites for film fans to share the films they love,” says Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro. “We are proud to be the first international festival...
The Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award will honor a film screening at the legendary Piazza Grande, the Swiss festival’s 8,000-seat outdoor cinema at the heart of Locarno, that “combines both the values and artistic qualities of the cinephile landscape of today and commercial potential on the international festival circuit.” The winning title will receive extensive editorial coverage on Letterboxd and on Locarno’s film festival’s channels to help “build global awareness.”
A jury made up of Letterboxd editorial staff and young accredited critics attending the Festival will vote on the winner.
“Over the past decade, Letterboxd has become one of the essential sites for film fans to share the films they love,” says Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro. “We are proud to be the first international festival...
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jessica Henwick (“Glass Onion”) and Alisha Weir (“Abigail”) have been tapped for new animated feature “The Land of Sometimes.”
They will join “Star Wars” icon Ewan McGregor and “The Crown” star Helena Bonham Carter on the project, which also features one of the final performances from the late “Monty Python” alum Terry Jones.
A first look of the film, which is repped by Kaleidoscope Film Distribution for global sales, is set to be shown to buyers in Cannes next week with director Leon Joosen (“The Little Mermaid”) on hand to introduce the project.
“Be careful what you wish for!” reads the logline. “Twins Alfie and Elise get more than they bargained for when the Wish Collector takes them to an island full of wonder, with ever-changing seasons. They face a mechanical foe, fantastical creatures and a truth that shines brighter than any wish: the power of family.”
The film, from Two Daughters Entertainment,...
They will join “Star Wars” icon Ewan McGregor and “The Crown” star Helena Bonham Carter on the project, which also features one of the final performances from the late “Monty Python” alum Terry Jones.
A first look of the film, which is repped by Kaleidoscope Film Distribution for global sales, is set to be shown to buyers in Cannes next week with director Leon Joosen (“The Little Mermaid”) on hand to introduce the project.
“Be careful what you wish for!” reads the logline. “Twins Alfie and Elise get more than they bargained for when the Wish Collector takes them to an island full of wonder, with ever-changing seasons. They face a mechanical foe, fantastical creatures and a truth that shines brighter than any wish: the power of family.”
The film, from Two Daughters Entertainment,...
- 5/8/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - Film News
Venerable actor Bette Midler says that her partially-autobiographical 2000 sitcom “Bette” represented a series of mistakes.
Among the errors, was her decision not to sue Lindsay Lohan, who appeared as her daughter in the pilot episode, but who did not continue in the following 16 episodes which broadcast on CBS in the U.S.
Midler unpacked her regrets on “Fail Better,” a podcast hosted by fellow star David Duchovny. “’Bette.’ A big, big mistake. I think for several reasons,” Midler said.
She suggested that Lohan’s early exit from “Bette” may have contributed to its failure. “Lindsay Lohan was cast as my daughter in the pilot.
Among the errors, was her decision not to sue Lindsay Lohan, who appeared as her daughter in the pilot episode, but who did not continue in the following 16 episodes which broadcast on CBS in the U.S.
Midler unpacked her regrets on “Fail Better,” a podcast hosted by fellow star David Duchovny. “’Bette.’ A big, big mistake. I think for several reasons,” Midler said.
She suggested that Lohan’s early exit from “Bette” may have contributed to its failure. “Lindsay Lohan was cast as my daughter in the pilot.
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - TV News
Oscar winner Kate Winslet will be honored at this year’s Munich international film festival with the festival’s CineMerit Award for extraordinary achievement.
Winslet will attend the German festival to present the European premiere of her new film, Lee, where she plays war correspondent and photographer Lee Miller. She will receive the CineMerit Award after the Munich screening of Lee and will take part in a sit-down discussion.
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee premiered in Toronto last year. Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor, and Andy Samberg co-star. Winslet is also a producer on the film. StudioCanal is releasing Lee in Germany, bowing in theaters here in September.
“We’re delighted that Kate Winslet will be celebrating the film’s European premiere with us in Munich,” said festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl in a joint statement. “Lee is a wonderfully intense character portrait.
Winslet will attend the German festival to present the European premiere of her new film, Lee, where she plays war correspondent and photographer Lee Miller. She will receive the CineMerit Award after the Munich screening of Lee and will take part in a sit-down discussion.
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee premiered in Toronto last year. Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor, and Andy Samberg co-star. Winslet is also a producer on the film. StudioCanal is releasing Lee in Germany, bowing in theaters here in September.
“We’re delighted that Kate Winslet will be celebrating the film’s European premiere with us in Munich,” said festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl in a joint statement. “Lee is a wonderfully intense character portrait.
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New U.A.E.-based distribution and production studio The Plot Pictures is headed for the Cannes Marche du Film after snapping up Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (Menat) rights to a slew of indie titles across different genres.
They include “Locust,” a first feature film from Taiwanese American multidisciplinary artist Keff that is playing in Critics Week, and Nick Hamm’s epic “William Tell.”
The Plot Pictures CEO Pratixa Shah and head of sales Ozge Conduroglu – who was previously with Starz Play Arabia – are assembling a slate spanning “different genres, regions, and languages,” as Shah put it in statement. “We are agnostic to language and country of origin,” she said, noting that “the hyper local is often what global audiences are looking for, even if it is not local to them.”
The studio, which officially launched in Dubai in March, are co-producers on “Locust.” The film is set in Taiwan where,...
They include “Locust,” a first feature film from Taiwanese American multidisciplinary artist Keff that is playing in Critics Week, and Nick Hamm’s epic “William Tell.”
The Plot Pictures CEO Pratixa Shah and head of sales Ozge Conduroglu – who was previously with Starz Play Arabia – are assembling a slate spanning “different genres, regions, and languages,” as Shah put it in statement. “We are agnostic to language and country of origin,” she said, noting that “the hyper local is often what global audiences are looking for, even if it is not local to them.”
The studio, which officially launched in Dubai in March, are co-producers on “Locust.” The film is set in Taiwan where,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
The Baby Reindeer phenomenon has landed in Los Angeles.
On the heels of Richard Gadd’s limited series becoming a certified sleeper hit by coming in at No. 1 on Netlfix’s English-language TV rankings for a third consecutive week, the streamer welcomed its creator and star to the West Coast. Gadd is making the media rounds this week to discuss the critically acclaimed series inspired by his real-life stalker of six years, and he’s doing so alongside Jessica Gunning, the actress earning raves as the woman who terrorized him.
The pair posted up Tuesday evening on a stage inside the Directors Guild of America with actress Nava Mau and two key members of the Baby Reindeer team — director Weronika Tofilska and editor Peter Oliver — for the show’s first-ever panel discussion. Moderator Tonya Mosley of NPR’s Fresh Air steered the conversation (in front of a capacity crowd of...
On the heels of Richard Gadd’s limited series becoming a certified sleeper hit by coming in at No. 1 on Netlfix’s English-language TV rankings for a third consecutive week, the streamer welcomed its creator and star to the West Coast. Gadd is making the media rounds this week to discuss the critically acclaimed series inspired by his real-life stalker of six years, and he’s doing so alongside Jessica Gunning, the actress earning raves as the woman who terrorized him.
The pair posted up Tuesday evening on a stage inside the Directors Guild of America with actress Nava Mau and two key members of the Baby Reindeer team — director Weronika Tofilska and editor Peter Oliver — for the show’s first-ever panel discussion. Moderator Tonya Mosley of NPR’s Fresh Air steered the conversation (in front of a capacity crowd of...
- 5/8/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Revenues at Bertelsmann’s Luxembourg-based Rtl Group, a media giant which owns Fremantle, rose 2.6% to €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), for the first quarter of 2024, driven by buoyant TV advertising and streaming.
However, this was offset by decreased revenues at the group’s global content business. Fremantle revenues were down 9.2% to €395 million (Q1/2023: €435 million), due to what Rtl describes as “timing effects in the U.K., Italy and Germany.”
“Revenue from Fremantle is recognized when a show or series is delivered to its clients, i.e. the broadcasters and streaming services. One example: The German version of ‘Idols’ (‘Deutschland Sucht den Superstar...
However, this was offset by decreased revenues at the group’s global content business. Fremantle revenues were down 9.2% to €395 million (Q1/2023: €435 million), due to what Rtl describes as “timing effects in the U.K., Italy and Germany.”
“Revenue from Fremantle is recognized when a show or series is delivered to its clients, i.e. the broadcasters and streaming services. One example: The German version of ‘Idols’ (‘Deutschland Sucht den Superstar...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
The Playmaker has signed with Neopol Film to handle international sales for their upcoming creature horror thriller, “Paws.” Featuring polar bear creature animatronics from the renowned studio behind “Star Wars” and “Jurassic World,” the film tells the story of a climate researcher stranded in the Arctic who must forge an unlikely alliance with a polar bear in order to survive. The project will feature a stellar international cast, yet to be announced.
“Paws” is the second feature film from writer-director Lukas Rinker, following his critically acclaimed debut “Holy Shit!,” which premiered at Frightfest London and has been distributed in 48 countries worldwide.
With a blend of horror and environmental themes, “Paws” is a chilling eco-thriller that pits humanity’s greed against the power of nature. The Playmaker team will present “Paws” at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes, offering international buyers an exclusive first look.
In the film, a ship crashes in the Arctic,...
“Paws” is the second feature film from writer-director Lukas Rinker, following his critically acclaimed debut “Holy Shit!,” which premiered at Frightfest London and has been distributed in 48 countries worldwide.
With a blend of horror and environmental themes, “Paws” is a chilling eco-thriller that pits humanity’s greed against the power of nature. The Playmaker team will present “Paws” at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes, offering international buyers an exclusive first look.
In the film, a ship crashes in the Arctic,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
In its second collaboration with the Marché du Film’s Goes to Cannes showcase strand, Australia’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will unveil four projects and a finished film, all looking for global sales, distribution, top-up financing and festival selection.
The five projects to be pitched May 18, will vie for the first €10,000 Goes to Cannes Award.
“We set out to curate a selection that embraces a rich tapestry of stories and identities, while also giving prominence to Australian talent,” says festival director Lisa Rose about her program, which “showcases narratives spanning the spectrum of gay, lesbian, pansexual, bisexual, and transgender experience.”
For instance, “From All Sides” fearlessly tackles queer sexuality, “a rarity in cinema originating from Western Sydney, says Rose, who also cites “Strange Creatures” and its story about two brothers, one of whom identifies as pansexual, as “a perspective rarely centered in film.”
As fresh in its take,...
The five projects to be pitched May 18, will vie for the first €10,000 Goes to Cannes Award.
“We set out to curate a selection that embraces a rich tapestry of stories and identities, while also giving prominence to Australian talent,” says festival director Lisa Rose about her program, which “showcases narratives spanning the spectrum of gay, lesbian, pansexual, bisexual, and transgender experience.”
For instance, “From All Sides” fearlessly tackles queer sexuality, “a rarity in cinema originating from Western Sydney, says Rose, who also cites “Strange Creatures” and its story about two brothers, one of whom identifies as pansexual, as “a perspective rarely centered in film.”
As fresh in its take,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety - Film News
Music and comedy fans can save big during Live Nation’s Concert Week.
From Wednesday, May 8 to Tuesday, May 14, Live Nation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with discounts of up to 75 percent off concerts Livenation.com/concertweek. Fans can score seats as low as $25 for over 5,000 shows in the U.S. and beyond across rock, pop, R&b, country, rap, indie, metal and many other genres.
Buy Concert Week Tickets at Live Nation
That means you can save big on concert tickets from over 900 artists, including Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, 21 Savage, Vampire Weekend, Missy Elliott, Meghan Trainor, Peso Pluma, Maroon 5, Maggie Rogers, Third Eye Blind, Kings of Leon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Niall Horan, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Iron Maiden, 311, Blink-182, Maren Morris, Avril Lavigne, Zz Top, the National, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and hundreds more. Participating comedians include Whitney Cummings, Celeste Barber, Dane Cook and more.
Related: The...
From Wednesday, May 8 to Tuesday, May 14, Live Nation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with discounts of up to 75 percent off concerts Livenation.com/concertweek. Fans can score seats as low as $25 for over 5,000 shows in the U.S. and beyond across rock, pop, R&b, country, rap, indie, metal and many other genres.
Buy Concert Week Tickets at Live Nation
That means you can save big on concert tickets from over 900 artists, including Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, 21 Savage, Vampire Weekend, Missy Elliott, Meghan Trainor, Peso Pluma, Maroon 5, Maggie Rogers, Third Eye Blind, Kings of Leon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Niall Horan, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Iron Maiden, 311, Blink-182, Maren Morris, Avril Lavigne, Zz Top, the National, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and hundreds more. Participating comedians include Whitney Cummings, Celeste Barber, Dane Cook and more.
Related: The...
- 5/8/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
South by Southwest is heading to London.
The event, which bills itself as “the world’s leading festival celebrating the convergence of creativity, culture and technology,” is expanding with SXSW London in June 2025.
The move gives SXSW, which was founded in 1987 in Austin, a presence in Europe. SXSW previously expanded into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney, in 2023. Organizers said each of these events will feature “their own distinct flavor,” making SXSW “an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.”
“As a lifelong fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the...
The event, which bills itself as “the world’s leading festival celebrating the convergence of creativity, culture and technology,” is expanding with SXSW London in June 2025.
The move gives SXSW, which was founded in 1987 in Austin, a presence in Europe. SXSW previously expanded into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney, in 2023. Organizers said each of these events will feature “their own distinct flavor,” making SXSW “an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.”
“As a lifelong fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The South by Southwest festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, will launch a European edition in London in June 2025.
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why...
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
The South by Southwest festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, will launch a European edition in London in June 2025.
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement,...
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - TV News
Charli Xcx has confirmed past rumors that she was working on writing music for a potential new Britney Spears album at one point.
However, the English singer-songwriter admitted in a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she wasn’t too sure how involved Spears was in the process, as the “Toxic” singer had previously shut down rumors on social media.
“Um, so. Well, yes, but, it leaked to the press,” Charli Xcx said, responding to a caller’s question. “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ I was like, okay, go off! So I don’t know that she was part of the process.”
In January, Spears took to her Instagram to set the record straight, writing, “They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the...
However, the English singer-songwriter admitted in a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she wasn’t too sure how involved Spears was in the process, as the “Toxic” singer had previously shut down rumors on social media.
“Um, so. Well, yes, but, it leaked to the press,” Charli Xcx said, responding to a caller’s question. “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ I was like, okay, go off! So I don’t know that she was part of the process.”
In January, Spears took to her Instagram to set the record straight, writing, “They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Travis Kelce continues his push into Hollywood, scoring a role in Ryan Murphy’s FX horror series Grotesquerie.
Grotesquerie star Niecy Nash-Betts confirmed Kelce’s involvement in the show in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. Although details on the show are scant, Nash-Betts along with Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville are among the announced castmembers.
No details have been revealed on what role Kelce will be playing. In February, Murphy dropped a teaser for a new series titled Grotesquerie in an Instagram post. The cryptic teaser features Nash-Betts’ voice, sounding very disturbed about a crime scene.
Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce, who is having something of a pop culture moment due to his relationship with Taylor Swift and his team winning the most recent Super Bowl, has been increasingly upping his off field entertainment work and even dabbling in the dramatic arts. Aside from his popular podcast New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,...
Grotesquerie star Niecy Nash-Betts confirmed Kelce’s involvement in the show in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. Although details on the show are scant, Nash-Betts along with Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville are among the announced castmembers.
No details have been revealed on what role Kelce will be playing. In February, Murphy dropped a teaser for a new series titled Grotesquerie in an Instagram post. The cryptic teaser features Nash-Betts’ voice, sounding very disturbed about a crime scene.
Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce, who is having something of a pop culture moment due to his relationship with Taylor Swift and his team winning the most recent Super Bowl, has been increasingly upping his off field entertainment work and even dabbling in the dramatic arts. Aside from his popular podcast New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been a busy 2024 already for Bollywood star Kriti Sanon with back-to-back box office hits and her first film as producer due in the fall.
As revealed by Variety, Sanon and fellow A-list actor Kajol headline Netflix’s mystery thriller original film “Do Patti.” The film marks the producing debut of Sanon and writer Kanika Dhillon. One of Sanon’s most acclaimed acting roles is surrogacy comedy-drama “Mimi” (2021). Some of her thoughts and inputs that she discussed with director Laxman Utekar were incorporated into the film.
“I really enjoyed the whole process of how that film was made. And I felt that I want to eventually also get involved in certain films that I feel passionate about, beyond just being an actor, [to] creatively be there in the whole filmmaking process,” Sanon told Variety. “And also, hopefully, in the future, [to] be able to support and tell a lot of stories that come from my heart,...
As revealed by Variety, Sanon and fellow A-list actor Kajol headline Netflix’s mystery thriller original film “Do Patti.” The film marks the producing debut of Sanon and writer Kanika Dhillon. One of Sanon’s most acclaimed acting roles is surrogacy comedy-drama “Mimi” (2021). Some of her thoughts and inputs that she discussed with director Laxman Utekar were incorporated into the film.
“I really enjoyed the whole process of how that film was made. And I felt that I want to eventually also get involved in certain films that I feel passionate about, beyond just being an actor, [to] creatively be there in the whole filmmaking process,” Sanon told Variety. “And also, hopefully, in the future, [to] be able to support and tell a lot of stories that come from my heart,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Travis Kelce has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s new horror series “Grotesquerie.”
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
- 5/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety - TV News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.
More to explore
Robert Downey Jr. to Make Broadway Debut This Fall
- 5/7/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeannie Epper, Legendary ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Romancing the Stone’ Stuntwoman, Dies at 83
- 5/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aida Rodriguez: Unpacking My Childhood Traumas Through Comedy Is Cathartic
- 5/6/2024
- by Aida Rodriguez
- Popsugar.com
How Erik Rivera Uses Comedy to Heal and Help Others
- 5/6/2024
- by Miguel Machado
- Popsugar.com
Ian Lara: Comedy Gave Me the Strength to Overcome My Mother's Death
- 5/6/2024
- by Ian Lara
- Popsugar.com
Michael Douglas Says Intimacy Coordinators Are Another Way for ‘Executives’ to Take ‘Control Away from Filmmakers’
- 5/8/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
‘I Play Rocky’: Peter Farrelly To Direct Film About The Creation Of The Sylvester Stallone Classic
- 5/8/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
Summer TV Preview: 15 New Shows to Watch
- 5/8/2024
- by Proma Khosla, Alison Foreman, Ben Travers and Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
‘Alpha Gang’: Cate Blanchett Cast In The Zellner Brothers’ Absurdist Alien Invasion Comedy
- 5/8/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
“We Were Together 24 Hours a Day for Six Weeks”: Bill and Turner Ross on Gasoline Rainbow
- 5/8/2024
- by Jordan Cronk
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Box Office: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Aims for $50 Million-Plus Opening Weekend
- 5/7/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
‘Superman’ Unveils First Look at David Corenswet as the Man of Steel
- 5/6/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Douglas Says Intimacy Coordinators Are Another Way for ‘Executives’ to Take ‘Control Away from Filmmakers’
- 5/8/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
‘I Play Rocky’: Peter Farrelly To Direct Film About The Creation Of The Sylvester Stallone Classic
- 5/8/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
Summer TV Preview: 15 New Shows to Watch
- 5/8/2024
- by Proma Khosla, Alison Foreman, Ben Travers and Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
Michelle Yeoh to Star in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ Sequel Series at Amazon
- 5/7/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
‘Game of Thrones’ Spinoff ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Adds ‘Black Mirror’ Director in Major Role
- 5/7/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun’ Docuseries Coming to Discovery+ in U.K.
- 5/7/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - TV News
Jeannie Epper, Legendary ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Romancing the Stone’ Stuntwoman, Dies at 83
- 5/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Shares Side-By-Side Transformation Photos Amid New Life
- 5/8/2024
- TV Insider