Entertainment Industry
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DeadlinePaley Center Adds Disney, Liberty Media, Spotify, Sony Executives to Board
The Paley Center for Media named four media executives to its board of trustees. The nonprofit organization focuses on preserving media history and examining media's role in society.
EngadgetElevenLabs Adds Stan Lee Voice and Likeness to AI Tools
ElevenLabs signed a licensing agreement with Stan Lee Universe to include the late comic creator's voice and image in its AI voice, reading, and image products. The deal covers commercial licensing and non-commercial creative use.
koreaboo.comPolice Arrest YouTuber Accused of Using A.I. to Defame Actor
South Korean police arrested a YouTuber on Tuesday on charges including spreading false information. The man is accused of using artificial intelligence to create an audio recording and doctoring text messages that implicated an actor in dating a minor.
Fox NewsNetwork ends late-night program after years of presidential criticism
A longtime television reporter stated that the president was personally involved in the decision to cancel a late-night comedy show. The network had cited financial losses when announcing the cancellation last summer.
nypost.comTom Hardy Removed from Paramount+ Series MobLand After Two Seasons
Tom Hardy was removed from the Paramount+ crime drama MobLand after production wrapped on season two. Multiple reports cited on-set issues involving the actor, executive producer Jez Butterworth, and co-star Helen Mirren.
gamereactor.euStudio behind Disco Elysium announces new game
ZA/UM has announced a new game following the departure of several original team members. The studio said the project continues work on the intellectual property.
foxbusiness.comTake-Two Reaffirms Grand Theft Auto VI Release for November 19
Take-Two Interactive confirmed the November 19 launch date for Grand Theft Auto VI after reporting fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations. The company issued cautious guidance for the coming fiscal year, prompting a decline in shares during regular trading.
newser.comLee Mendelson Film Productions Files Four Copyright Lawsuits Over Peanuts Music
Lee Mendelson Film Productions filed four federal lawsuits Wednesday alleging unauthorized use of Vince Guaraldi compositions from Peanuts television specials. The suits target the U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Auctions, Buckle-Down Inc., and GameMill Entertainment.
ForbesCBS Ends The Late Show with Stephen Colbert After Nearly 11 Years
CBS will air the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday. The network cited annual financial losses of $40 million as the reason for the cancellation.
nypost.comCBS to End Stephen Colbert's Late Show on May 21
CBS will replace Stephen Colbert's Late Show with a lower-cost program called Comics Unleashed. The network has lost an estimated $40 million annually on the current format.
hollywoodreporter.comStephen Colbert Ends CBS Late Show Run After 33 Years
CBS will conclude its Late Show franchise this week after 33 years. The program featured interviews with political figures and entertainers. Ad revenue declined from $121 million in 2018 to $70 million last year.
Le MondeFrench Government Spokeswoman Encourages Reporting of Sexual Violence in Patrick Bruel Probes
The French government spokeswoman on Tuesday encouraged women to report sexual violence even decades later. The comments came as singer and actor Patrick Bruel faces multiple investigations in France and Belgium.
wwd.comOdessa A’Zion and Connor Swindells Receive Chopard Trophies at Cannes Event
The actors were honored as next-generation talents at the annual Chopard Trophy gala held at Carlton Beach during the Cannes Film Festival. French actress Isabelle Huppert presented the awards and delivered a speech on the nature of acting and cinema. The event drew numerous film…
ForbesAmazon MGM Studios Names Denis Villeneuve Director of Next James Bond Film
Amazon MGM Studios announced the casting process for the 26th official James Bond film is underway, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing. Veteran casting director Nina Gold will lead the search for the actor to succeed Daniel Craig, who retired from the role…
nme.comNolan Announces Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, Travis Scott as Bard in The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan confirmed the roles in a Time Magazine interview published Tuesday. Elon Musk criticized the choices on X, repeating an earlier accusation that Nolan had lost his integrity. Whoopi Goldberg addressed the resulting controversy on The View.
GB NewsAmazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise
Nina Gold is leading the casting effort to find Daniel Craig's successor after producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli handed creative control to Amazon MGM Studios in February 2025. Director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight have been attached to the first…
kff.orgCalifornia Budget Adds Funding for Antitrust Enforcement
The revised state budget includes $14.3 million for antitrust work in 2026-27, declining to $10.5 million in 2029-30. Officials cited reduced federal enforcement as increasing the state's workload in the sector. The funding comes as state officials review a proposed merger betwee…
DeadlineWarner Bros. Discovery Opens Upfront, Says Paramount Deal Remains on Track for September Close
Co-heads of sales Ryan Gould and Robert “Bobby” Voltaggio acknowledged industry change and the looming Paramount acquisition during the company’s upfront presentation on Wednesday. The deal, valued at $110 billion, is expected to close by September after regulatory and shareholde…
SemaforParamount Assures Regulators Deal With Warner Bros Discovery Will Support Theaters
Paramount sent a letter to California officials last week stating that its proposed takeover of Warner Bros Discovery is not intended to reduce movie theater releases. The company said theaters will remain essential to the industry. California Attorney General Rob Bonta responded…
ForbesGold House Holds Fifth Annual Gold Gala In Los Angeles
Gold House hosted its fifth annual Gold Gala on May 9, 2026 at the Music Center in Los Angeles. The event honored the 2026 Gold100 List of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders and presented special awards to several individuals. More than 650 people attended the ceremony…
electricliterature.comHollywood Writer Describes AI Training Contracts as Primary Income Source
A screenwriter who creates shows for Paramount, Hulu and the BBC has completed 20 AI training contracts across five platforms in eight months. The individual earns between $52 and $70 per hour rating chatbot responses, annotating images and videos, and conducting safety tests.
deadline.comWGA West Staff Union Ratifies First Contract After 82-Day Strike
The WGA West Staff Union ratified its inaugural collective bargaining agreement by a vote of 89 percent, securing wage increases and workplace protections after nearly three months on the picket line. The deal ends an 82-day work stoppage that began in February following negotiat…
ForbesMedia Company Earnings Reports Show Hollywood Shift to Profitability
Recent quarterly results from several entertainment companies indicate a move away from prioritizing streaming subscriber growth toward sustainable profits, consolidation and premium experiences. Disney reported its streaming services reached sustainable profitability while Param…
The Hollywood ReporterWriters Guild of America West Staff Ratify First Contract, Ending 82-Day Strike
The Writers Guild Staff Union announced Saturday that 89 percent of its members voted to ratify a three-year contract, formally ending an 82-day work stoppage. The deal includes wage increases totaling more than $500,000, a salary floor raised from $43,000 to $57,000 and new prot…
nypost.comExtra in The Devil Wears Prada 2 Received $28.50 After Suit Purchase
First-time actor Matthew Ables was paid $238.50 for appearing as an extra in two scenes of The Devil Wears Prada 2. After buying a required suit for the role, he netted $28.50. Ables described his 15-hour workday on the production, which was filmed last summer in New York.
The Hollywood ReporterCrunchyroll to Host Anime Leadership Summit in New York
Crunchyroll announced plans for its first Anime Future Forum, an invite-only summit bringing together Japanese anime executives with counterparts from Hollywood, technology, gaming and music. The one-day event is scheduled for Oct. 7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center along…
The IndependentDisney Reports $25.2 Billion Revenue for January-March Quarter
Walt Disney reported revenue of $25.2 billion for the January through March period, exceeding analyst estimates of $24.78 billion. Shares rose more than 4 percent in premarket trading. New chief executive Josh D'Amaro projected 12 percent adjusted earnings growth for fiscal 2026.
app.buzzsumo.comBrian Welsh to Direct Damian Lewis, Nicholas Galitzine and Ella Purnell in Steven Soderbergh-Produced Thriller 'The Return of Stanley Atwell'
The thriller, written and directed by Brian Welsh from an original story by Steven Soderbergh, is filming in the U.K. and Malta. Lewis will play Barnaby Towan alongside Galitzine as Stanley Atwell and Ella Purnell as Pamela. Hera Pictures, John Gore Studios and Protagonist Pictur…
Nbc NewsBlake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settle Legal Battle Over 'It Ends With Us' Dispute
Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in their legal case stemming from allegations of harassment and a smear campaign during the production of 'It Ends With Us.' Documents unsealed after the deal reveal depositions, financial details, and brand perform…
rte.ieParamount Reports Q1 Earnings; David Ellison Reaffirms 30-Film Pledge for Warner Bros. Discovery Deal
Several companies, including Grab and Paramount, reported robust first-quarter earnings with revenue growth. Paramount highlighted progress on its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, aiming for 30 films annually post-merger. An Italian bank also raised its annual guidance foll…
thewrap.comSAG-AFTRA and AMPTP Reach Tentative Four-Year Contract
SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached a tentative agreement on a successor contract covering motion pictures, scripted television, streaming, and new media. The four-year deal includes AI protections and pension fund increases, pending boar…
rte.ieLawsuit Filed to Block Paramount's $111 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Five consumers filed a lawsuit on May 1, 2026, to halt Paramount Skydance's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging it would raise prices and reduce choices. The suit also seeks to reverse the 2025 Paramount-Skydance merger. The deal faces regulatory scrutiny…
hollywoodreporter.comMichael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Grosses $217 Million Worldwide, Breaking Biopic Box Office Record
The film 'Michael' has grossed $217 million globally and set an all-time box office record for any biopic. Scenes depicting child molestation allegations and related events were cut from the movie, according to reports. Lionsgate executives indicated potential for a sequel based…
betakit.comMoonvalley Raises $84 Million for AI Tools in Hollywood Special Effects
AI startup Moonvalley has secured $84 million in funding to develop tools for Hollywood special effects. Major studios like Netflix and Amazon are adopting AI for effects and viewing enhancements amid production challenges from 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. A recent survey shows mi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewTalent Agency Partner Subpoenaed in Lawsuit Involving Former Executive
A senior partner at a talent agency has been subpoenaed in a legal dispute between a high-stakes gambler and a former media executive. The subpoena relates to communications and materials about a reality show. The partner's son and another agency partner also received similar sub…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewFormer Live Nation Executive Sues Company Over Alleged Wrongful Termination
A former executive at Live Nation has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination after raising concerns about financial misconduct. The suit seeks $35 million in damages and follows a recent jury finding of monopoly practices by the company. Live Nation representatives were no…
VarietyBob Iger Takes Adviser Role at Thrive Capital After Stepping Down as Disney CEO
Bob Iger, who stepped down as Disney's chief executive last month, has joined Thrive Capital as an adviser. The New York-based venture firm was founded by Josh Kushner in 2009. Iger will work on investments and with portfolio company founders while remaining employed by Disney th…
mumbrella.com.auTests Show Midjourney Generates Yoda-Like Images from Descriptive Prompts, Sparking Copyright Debate
An entrepreneur's startup, VN.ai, has demonstrated how Midjourney can produce images resembling Star Wars characters like Yoda using indirect prompts. This comes amid a lawsuit against Midjourney by Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. for copyright infringement. The findings highl…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMovie Theaters Introduce New Food and Entertainment Options at CinemaCon 2026
At the CinemaCon 2026 trade show held last week, vendors presented new food and beverage items aimed at attracting more visitors to theaters. Offerings included pickle lemonade, glitter popcorn, and themed snacks tied to upcoming films. Theater chains and distributors discussed e…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewPolice Seek Arrest Warrant for Hybe Founder Bang Si-hyuk on Investor Misleading Allegations
Police are seeking an arrest warrant for Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of entertainment company Hybe, following an investigation into claims he misled early investors before the company's 2020 initial public offering. The allegations involve the billionaire's actions ahead of the IPO…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAI Company Executive States AI Will Increase Appreciation for Human Creators in Entertainment
An executive from an AI company expressed optimism about the technology's impact on the entertainment industry, suggesting it would enhance rather than diminish the value placed on human creativity. The executive addressed concerns about job losses and creativity during a recent…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewBad Bunny Secures Parametric Insurance for Colombia Concerts Against Rain Risks
Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny obtained specialized parametric insurance for three sold-out concerts in Medellin, Colombia, to mitigate potential losses from heavy rain. A temporary weather station was installed at the venue to ensure accurate data for policy triggers. The approac…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewU.S. Consumers Reduce Entertainment Spending Amid War and High Gas Prices
U.S. consumers continue spending despite the U.S.-Iran war and gas prices reaching $4, but data shows a decline in visits to entertainment and dining venues. Industry leaders report impacts on local economies, with some businesses maintaining investment plans. Recent developments…
DeadlineBrendan Fitzgerald Leaves CEO Role at Secuoya Studios as Latin American Arm Gains Independence
Brendan Fitzgerald has stepped down as CEO of Secuoya Studios and is transitioning to a content sales position. The studio is granting full operational independence to its Latin American division. A spokesperson indicated that further updates will be provided in due course.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewCBS Executives Discuss Expanding Show Production in Los Angeles Amid Declining Filming
CBS executives expressed interest in filming more shows in Los Angeles during a briefing for the 2026-2027 primetime lineup. They highlighted the need for policy changes, including federal tax credits and expansions to California's film incentives. Current shows like Matlock, NCI…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAmazon Prime Video Launches Limited-Time Bundle with Apple TV Plus and Peacock
Amazon is providing Prime Video subscribers access to Apple TV Plus and Peacock Premium Plus through a new bundle priced at $19.99 per month. This offer requires an active Amazon Prime membership and allows content from both services to be viewed directly in the Prime Video app.…
Substrate placeholder — needs review$150 Million Lawsuit Filed by RJ Cipriani Against Jeff Shell, Including Subpoena for Ari Emanuel
RJ Cipriani filed a $150 million lawsuit against Jeff Shell on Monday. Ari Emanuel, chief of WME and TKO, received a subpoena requiring a deposition on May 19. The case involves alleged text exchanges about a $7.7 billion UFC streaming rights deal.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewDancing with the Stars Professionals Discuss Inappropriate Comments from Celebrity Partners on Podcast
Professional dancers from Dancing with the Stars shared experiences of receiving inappropriate comments from celebrity partners during rehearsals. The discussion occurred on the podcast The Penthouse with Peta. The dancers described specific remarks and their reactions to such en…
The Hollywood ReporterSaturday Night Live Shifts Canadian Broadcast Rights to CTV and Crave for 52nd Season
The NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live will move from Global Television to CTV and Crave platforms starting with its 52nd season this fall. The agreement involves Bell Media and NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution. This change occurs amid broader shifts in Canadian righ…
fortune.comThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie Tops U.S. Box Office with $69 Million in Second Weekend
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned $69 million in domestic box office earnings for the weekend of April 10-12, 2026, leading the U.S. and Canadian charts. Project Hail Mary followed with $24.6 million in its debut. A film directed by Genki Kawamura and distributed by Neon saw a…
The Hollywood ReporterDavid Geffen Settles Breach of Contract Lawsuit Filed by Former Husband Donavan Michaels
David Geffen has settled a breach of contract lawsuit brought by his former husband, Donavan Michaels, following their divorce. The settlement was reported to the court in November, with terms not disclosed. The lawsuit stemmed from an alleged oral agreement for financial support…
insidermonkey.comWalt Disney Company Plans Layoffs of Up to 1,000 Employees in Cost-Cutting Phase
The Walt Disney Company is preparing a new round of cost reductions that includes up to 1,000 layoffs, according to a person familiar with the matter. This initiative falls under the leadership of new CEO Josh D'Amaro. The plans reflect ongoing efforts to manage expenses amid bro…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewLive Nation Defends Against Monopoly Claims in New York Antitrust Trial
Live Nation Entertainment is presenting its defense in a New York federal court trial, arguing that its success stems from competition and superior services rather than monopolistic practices. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that the company illegally dominates the live ev…
thehindubusinessline.comMiddle Eastern Investors Commit $24 Billion to Paramount's Warner Bros. Acquisition
Investors from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have secured $24 billion in commitments for Paramount Global's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This development follows speculation that the ongoing Iran conflict might disrupt these investments. The funding su…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSony Pictures Entertainment Announces Restructuring with Job Cuts in Film, TV and Corporate Divisions
Sony Pictures Entertainment is undergoing a business restructuring to position the company for future growth. The changes will result in job cuts across its film, television and corporate divisions over the coming months. This move aims to streamline operations amid industry chal…
hollywoodreporter.comKevin Shivers Named Co-President of Music at The Team Agency
The Team agency announced on Tuesday that Kevin Shivers has been named co-president of its music department. Shivers will work with music president Lee Anderson to oversee the department. The promotion follows the agency's rebranding from Wasserman in March amid a planned sale.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewParamount Skydance Confirms Middle Eastern Funds Backing Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition
Paramount Skydance has confirmed that investments from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are supporting its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The funds include Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Abu Dhabi's L'Imad, and Qatar's Investment Authority. Addit…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewPlans Emerge for WKRP Radio Station in Cincinnati Nearly 50 Years After Sitcom
Developers in Cincinnati are planning to launch a radio station named WKRP, referencing the 1970s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. The project aims to revive the fictional station's name in the city where the show was set. Details on the station's format and launch timeline remain unde…