Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ to Skip Social Media Influencer Screenings
Universal is going straight to professional critic screenings rather than having the usual "word-of-mouth screenings" for social media.
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Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick and More to Participate in Clive Davis’ Funeral
Clive Davis — the legendary record executive who died Monday at the age of 94 — cast as long a shadow across the music world as any executive, and participants in his funeral will bear that out. Sources tell Variety that artists from his long career who are expected to
Tim Ryan, Former Variety Honolulu Correspondent, Dies at 80
Tim Ryan, a former Honolulu Star-Bulletin reporter who also reported on Hawaii’s film and television industry for Variety, died June 20 in West Seattle, Washington after a long illness. He was 80. Ryan was the Star-Bulletin’s senior entertainment writer from 1984 to 2006 and
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Debuts With 21.5 Million Viewers in Three Days, Down Slightly From Season 2
The Season 3 premiere of “House of the Dragon” racked up 21.5 million global viewers in its first three days of availability, according to Warner Bros Discovery. A combination of Nielsen’s measurement of viewers on HBO’s cable channel and Warner Bros. Discovery’s own data
‘The Wolf King’ Romantic Fantasy Books in the Works as a Starz Series
Starz is developing a TV series based on “The Wolf King,” Lauren Palphreyman’s popular romantic fantasy book series. The project follows a princess named Aurora who is kidnapped by a werewolf. According to the official description, she will find herself “ensnared in a lethal
Adam McKay Reveals Axed ‘Talladega Nights 2’ Plot and Says Will Ferrell Split ‘Is a Shame’: ‘I’m Open to the Idea’ of Working Together Again After 2019 Breakup
Adam McKay said in a new interview with Business Insider that he is “totally open to the idea” of working with Will Ferrell again. The duo behind some of the most beloved comedies of the 2000s (“Anchorman,” “Talladega Nights,” “Step Brothers”) infamously split in 2019 and
NBC News’ Chief Digital Officer Chris Berend to Exit
Chris Berend a digital-media executives who has had a hand in helping to create new distribution platforms for NBC News journalism and properties including “Today,” is leaving the company after a seven-year tenure. In a memo sent to staffers Thursday, Berend said he would soon
Seth Rogen Is Ready to Direct a Movie Again After ‘The Interview’ Made Him “Gun-Shy” For Years: “We’re Not the Biggest Problem Anymore”
Rogen, who is currently starring in Olivia Wilde's new movie 'The Invite,' has had some PTSD after his 2014 comedy "almost started a war."
HorrorHound Launches Genre Streaming Service; Festival Hit ‘The Babysitter Murders: Timing’s Off’ Among First Titles (EXCLUSIVE)
A new player in the horror movie streaming space has arrived. Genre magazine HorrorHound announced today the launch of HorrorHound TV, a new independent horror-focused streaming platform. The service is set to launch on July 1, with Orin Black’s “The Babysitter Murders:
‘Aquamarine’ TV Series From ‘Bold Type’ Creator Gets Disney Pilot Order, Emma Roberts to Guest Star
A series adaptation of the 2006 film “Aquamarine” has received a pilot order at Disney+ and Disney Channel, Variety has learned. Emma Roberts, who starred in the original film, will guest star as Claire Brown in the pilot, with Roberts also onboard as an executive producer. The
Harvey Weinstein Prosecutors Won’t Seek Fourth Rape Trial
A judge subsequently dismissed charges, related to claims by actress Jessica Mann, against the disgraced Hollywood producer
‘Far Cry’ FX Series Casts Lizzy Caplan Alongside Rob Mac
Lizzy Caplan has joined the cast of FX’s upcoming “Far Cry” TV series, Variety has learned. The series was first reported to be set up at FX in November 2025 from creators Noah Hawley and Rob Mac, with Mac also set to star. Exact plot and character details remain under wraps,
Xbox Hikes X and S Consoles Price by More Than $100, Discontinues 2 TB Model
Xbox is hiking the prices of its X and S gaming consoles by more than $100 across models, the Microsoft-owned company announced Thursday. This marks the second time Xbox has raised the prices of its consoles in less than year. The increase comes as the company is undergoing a
‘Donkey’: Eddie Murphy-Led ‘Shrek’ Origin Story Sets Summer 2028 Release
The actor has voiced the character since the original 'Shrek' hit theaters in 2001.
Suno Launches ‘Spark,’ New Incubator Program for Independent Artists
Suno on Thursday unveiled a new incubator program for artists, “Spark,” that it says is designed to allow artists to receive grants, mentorship and distribution opportunities for their work. The program — which is open to unsigned singers, songwriters and producers 18 and older
Keanu Reeves-Voiced Stop-Motion Samurai Animation ‘Hidari’ Steals the Show at Annecy: ‘Imagine ‘John Wick’ Set in Feudal Japan and Performed by Wooden Puppets on Steroids’
Keanu Reeves thrilled fans at Annecy, sending a video message to confirm his participation in samurai stop-motion project “Hidari.” “I think that the stop-motion and what they’ve done, their hope and ambition is very cinematic. It can be both big scale and very intimate, and
‘Shrek’ Spinoff ‘Donkey’ Sets 2028 Release Date
Donkey! Shrek’s chatty, deeply needy sidekick is taking the spotlight in “Donkey,” a spinoff in the beloved animated series. Universal and DreamWorks have slated “Donkey” to release on June 30, 2028. Eddie Murphy is returning to voice his signature role in the film, which will
Out in Hollywood Reveals 2026 Out Loud List of Best Un-Produced Queer TV Pilots
Out in Hollywood has unveiled the 2026 Out Loud list, featuring the best un-produced queer-focused pilot scripts from the past year. This year marks the sixth installment of the list, with Out in Hollywood once again partnering with Gersh. The chosen writers are set to be feted
François Arnaud, David Corenswet and Yvonne Strahovski Starring in Broadway Revival of ‘Three Days of Rain’
“Heated Rivalry” star François Arnaud, “Superman” actor David Corenswet and Yvonne Strahovski of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will star in a new production of Richard Greenberg’s “Three Days of Rain.” Anna D. Shapiro, a Tony winner whose credits include “Eureka Day” and “August: Osage
Digital Domain Appoints Patrick Davenport as Executive Vice President of Operations (EXCLUSIVE)
Digital Domain has appointed Patrick Davenport as Executive Vice President of Operations. Davenport will lead the company’s global operations strategy and support its next phase of growth. His appointment underscores Digital Domain’s commitment to industry clients and
Rhiannon Giddens Previews New Album, ‘Hope Is the Thing With Feathers’: ‘It’s a Punctuation Point’ to ’20 Years of Me Being a Roots and Americana Artist’
If roots music in America has a poster woman, it’s Rhiannon Giddens, who we can always picture with her banjo, even if she’s doing projects as far afield from that as an opera. She has just announced her seventh album, “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers,” which she describes as a
Leanne Morgan on Stand-Up Advice She Received From Jerry Seinfeld and Nearly Walking Away From Her Sitcom: ‘I’m Stronger Than I Ever Thought I Was’
Leanne Morgan wants her fans to know that she hasn’t gone Hollywood. Sure, she just released her second Netflix stand-up special, “Unspeakable Things,” and she recently wrapped production on the second season of her Chuck Lorre-produced sitcom, “Leanne” — which, no big deal,
Music Industry Moves: Xavi Signs With Universal Publishing; Ellie Goulding Returns to WME; UTA Inks Top Filipino Group SB19
Música mexicana star Xavi has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, the company announced Thursday. The signing follows the release of his sophomore album, “Dosis,” and the single “La Diabla,” which surpassed 1 billion streams
Amazon Brings Back Its $299 iPad Deal for Prime Day
Apple’s iPad is synonymous with tablets, and now, you can get one for cheaper than ever, thanks to this latest Apple deal on Amazon. Amazon is offering the 11th-generation iPad on sale for just $299 online as part of its Prime Day deals. The latest deal gets you a generous $50
Sean Hannity Gives Health Update to Explain ‘Puffy Face and Raspy Voice’ After Viewers Express Concern
Sean Hannity clarified that he’s being treated for a pinched nerve following concern and speculation about his health from viewers who noticed that he has had a “puffy face and raspy voice” during recent episodes of his Fox News show. Hannity says that the injury occurred while
Olivia Wilde Dedicated New Movie ‘The Invite’ to Diane Keaton: “She Was Very Encouraging to Me”
On top of directing, Wilde stars alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton in the film, which features a special "For Diane" note.
‘Common Side Effects’ Team Unveils Stunning First Footage from Second Season
One of the most anticipated projects on display at the 2026 Annecy Animation Festival is the second season of “Common Side Effects.” A work-in-progress session offered first looks from the show. Its creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely as well as director Camille Bozec and
‘The Paper’ Sets Season 2 Guest Stars Including Jon Lovitz and Andy Richter (EXCLUSIVE)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Peacock’s newsroom sitcom “The Paper” has set its slate of Season 2 guest stars, which includes Jon Lovitz (“The Simpsons”), Andy Richter (“Conan”), Lisa Gilroy (“Jury Duty”), Matt Braunger (“Agent Carter”), Toks Olagundoye (“Family Guy,” “Beave
NBC Renews ‘The Americas’ For Season 2, Tom Hanks Returning as Narrator
NBC has renewed the Emmy-nominated nature documentary series “The Americas” for a second season. Production is currently underway, with Tom Hanks returning as narrator. Set to premiere in 2028, the new season will dig deeper into the wildlife and landscapes that the
After ‘Super Mario Galaxy’ Cameo, Fox McCloud’s Big Year Continues With ‘Star Fox’ Remake on Switch 2
This might be the year of the fox. After having a surprise cameo in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” Nintendo’s Fox McCloud is riding that high (and his Arwing) into a remake of “Star Fox 64” the classic space shooter originally released in 1997. The SNES’ “Star Fox” (1993)
Prime Video France Unveils New Creator-Led Format ‘Mascarade,’ Joel Dicker Adaptation ‘Animal Sauvage’ Starring Noémie Merlant; Audrey Diwan’s ‘Paris 18’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Prime Video France is doubling down on homegrown originals across scripted, film and unscripted — and is pushing further into new event formats with “Mascarade,” a creator-led French format that builds on the streamer’s hit “LOL” franchise, as well as premium series such as
Taylor Swift Wedding: Police Confirm They’ve Been Warned About Influx of Fans for Travis Kelce Nuptials at Madison Square Garden
A packed New York City is about to get even more crowded with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift heading to her wedding, and the NYPD has been warned about the influx of Swifties that could congregate around Madison Square Garden. Swift’s wedding to Kansas City
Taiwan Brings a Whole Lot of Music – And a Magical Food Truck – to Annecy: ‘We Need to Work Harder to Make Our Characters Go Global’
Taiwanese companies eye global success. “There are many talented people in Taiwan – the problem is that our market is really small. Over the past few years, and with the support of TAICCA [Taiwan Creative Content Agency], so many projects have become a reality. That’s why
‘Hannah Montana’ Star Mitchel Musso Turned Down 20th Anniversary Special and Says It Should’ve Been a Reunion Episode Instead: ‘It Wasn’t the Right Thing’
“Hannah Montana” star Mitchel Musso revealed he turned down an offer to join Miley Cyrus’ 20th anniversary special because “it wasn’t the right thing.” The actor, who played Miley Stewart’s pal Oliver Oken on the Disney Channel sitcom, gave his first-ever podcast interview on
Cannes Lions: Movers and Shakers Tackle Trends in Marketing, AI, Advertising, Content and Ranch Dressing
From AI insights to IRL experiential marketing, the crosscurrents of discussion at Cannes Lions were reflected Tuesday by top movers and shakers in marketing and media who joined Variety in the C-Suite in collaboration with Canva at the Festival of Creativity. Leaders from a
Wonder Project Greenlights Two Seasons of ‘Fluff Piece’ in Move Into Kids’ Programming (EXCLUSIVE)
Wonder Project is expanding into children’s programming with a two-season pickup for the new series “Fluff Piece,” Variety has learned exclusively. “Fluff Piece” hails from creators Sylvia Brindis, Shane Snow, and Brian Donegan, with Brindis also starring. Wonder Project has
Jay-Z Documentary Series Set at HBO
Jay-Z is set to sit down with Rick Rubin for the eight-part documentary series “Jay-Z in 8,” debuting on HBO this fall. Rubin is directing the series and will interview the rapper about his music, lyrics, life experiences and creative process. The two have a long history, as
James Gray’s Cannes Title ‘Paper Tiger,’ Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, Gets November Release Date From Neon
Neon has set James Gray’s “Paper Tiger” for a wide release on Nov. 20, positioning the starry drama in the kickoff of awards season. The film will debut in select theaters on Nov. 13 before its nationwide rollout. “Paper Tiger,” Gray’s first film since 2022’s “Armageddon Time,”
Prosecutors Drop Harvey Weinstein Rape Charge After Two Juries Deadlocked
New York prosecutors on Thursday dropped a charge of third-degree rape against Harvey Weinstein, after two juries were unable to reach a verdict on the allegation. In a statement, the D.A.’s office said that the accuser, Jessica Mann, did not wish to testify at a fourth trial
‘Coffin Confessor’ TV Series in the Works at Fifth Season, Based on True Story of Man Paid to Crash Funerals and Reveal Secrets of the Dead (EXCLUSIVE)
The wild true story of an Australian man whose unique profession sees him hired by people to fulfil their final requests after they have died — a job that sometimes involves crashing their funerals to reveal deep secrets — is being adapted for TV. Fifth Season has secured the
Adobe Acquires AI Image and Video Enhancement Company Topaz Labs
Adobe said on Thursday it has purchased Topaz Labs, an Emmy-winning AI company specializing in image and video enhancement. The company plans to integrate Topaz’s tools into its Firefly AI studio, enterprise products and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, hoping to give creators
Will Ferrell Needs to Get His Golf Groove Back in New Netflix Series ‘The Hawk’
The actor will play a washed-up golf pro whose son might surpass his legacy if he doesn’t lock in soon
Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Overseas: EU Likely to Give Go-Ahead, but Another Hurdle Looms in the U.K.
With Paramount’s $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery likely to soon get the go-ahead from the European Union, the next question will be whether the U.K.’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will follow suit. The prospects are that
Disney+ Lands See-Saw’s Hugo Weaving Legal Drama ‘The Great White’ for the U.K. From Mediawan Rights (EXCLUSIVE)
Disney+ has picked up “The Great White,” ABC Australia’s upcoming legal workplace drama series from See-Saw Films, the Mediawan-owned banner behind “Slow Horses,” for the U.K. Headlined by Hugo Weaving, the anticipated six-part show has been filming in Sydney since the
Will.i.am Says ‘Now Is the Time for the Dreamer’ Because ‘AI Is Not Doing Imagination Yet’
Will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas frontman and tech entrepreneur, said he’s more “worried about human greed” than about musicians being replaced by robots. “Right now is the time for the dreamer, not the regurgitator of yesterday’s imaginations — new imagination because AI is not
‘The Bear’ Ends Its Run With Renewed Focus, but Not Quite Redemption: TV Review
“You did this,” Donna Berzatto (Jamie Lee Curtis) kvells to her daughter Natalie (Abby Elliott), offering praise in the middle of a particularly stressful day. (Though in this family, all days are stressful days.) She’s referring to the restaurant that bears — pun intended — a
Landon Barker Signs to Big Loud Rock, Preps New Single ‘If I Ever Talk to God’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Landon Barker has signed with Big Loud Rock and is set to release his first single on the imprint, “If I Ever Talk to God,” on Friday, Variety can exclusively reveal. “I haven’t released music in a couple of years, and during that time, I went through a lot creatively and
‘Billy Elliot’ Reveals Four Leads for West End Revival and U.K. National Tour as Original Star Liam Mower Returns
The West End revival and U.K. national tour of “Billy Elliot the Musical” has revealed the four actors playing the title role: 12-year-old Noah Mannion from Stockport, 12-year-old Rafferty Smale from Leigh-on-Sea, 13-year-old Spencer Collins from California and 12-year-old
Prime Day Blu-ray Deals Include 50% Discounts on Dozens of Films and Boxed Sets: ‘Boogie Nights, ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘The Sopranos’ and More
Streaming may be convenient, but for collectors, cinephiles and anyone tired of watching their favorite shows disappear from platforms without warning, nothing beats owning the disc. Luckily, Amazon’s Prime Day sale includes steep discounts on Blu-rays, 4K UHD releases and
