White House Rushes to Trump’s Defense After Alan Ritchson Torches President Over Epstein Files
The Reacher star called Trump a “bitch” and a “fucking rapist" in a recent podcast appearance
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Guillermo del Toro Promises ‘Absolutely No Goddamn AI’ on ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ 3D Re-Release
"What we’re protecting is the beauty and the redeeming power of art," the Oscar-winning director said
Trump Says White House Correspondents Dinner Is ‘Largest Group of Trump Derangement Syndrome People Ever Put Together at One Time’
President Donald Trump attended his first-ever White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, with this year’s rescheduled gala held Friday evening in Washington, D.C., and delivered some pointed remarks to the assembled journalists in a rambling speech that stretched on for
Rick Moranis Makes Comic-Con Debut for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel
The Schwartz was strong with Josh Gad and the rest of the gang at Hall H's 'Spaceballs: The New One' panel.
Guillermo del Toro Says There Is ‘Absolutely No Goddamn AI’ in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ 3D Re-Release: ‘We’re Protecting a Lineage of Art’
Guillermo del Toro had one rule when bringing “Pan’s Labyrinth” back to theaters for its 20th anniversary: “No goddamn AI.” The filmmaker returned to San Diego Comic-Con to discuss the film’s 20th anniversary, which returns to theaters Oct. 9 in 3D and HDR for the first time.
Nick Hakim’s ‘I Can See’ Is a Hazy Alt-R&B Masterpiece: Album Review
“Stoner R&B” is not an insult: It’s the opposite, a loose term to describe a sprawling genre of music that includes everything from Dijon and Frank Ocean to Brent Faiyaz and Jhene Aiko. It’s R&B that has smoked a strong blunt, with languid grooves, heavy bass, psychedelicized
Paramount Faces Drawn-Out Battle With State AGs: ‘They Saw the Writing on the Wall’
Only a few days ago, the states’ antitrust challenge to the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger still looked like a speed bump. Now, it looks more like siege warfare — as Paramount has agreed to put the $111 million deal on hold for at least several months. In doing so, Paramount’s
Norwegian Zombie Comedy ‘Grandmonster’ Wins Big Laughs and Top Outpost Award at Fantasia’s Frontières Market
Norwegian director Vegard Dahle’s zombie comedy “Grandmonster” has won the top Outpost Award, and a prize of post-production services, at the Fantasia Festival’s prestigious Frontières Co-Production Market, which handed out six awards at its closing cocktail, July 25. The film,
‘Blue Bloods,’ ‘Once Upon a Time’ TV Director Ralph W. Hemecker Dies at 65
Veteran TV director, writer and producer Ralph W. Hemecker, known for his work on shows including “The X-Files,” “Blue Bloods,” “Once Upon a Time” and “The Flash,” has died. He was 65. According to an obituary notice, Hemecker died July 10 at his home in Glendale, Calif.
Ontario Wildfires Prompt Mask-Up Orders and Drone Bans on Film Sets — But Production Rolls On
As Canada's worst-ever summer wildfire season blankets southern Ontario in smoke, film crews are adapting on the fly — and the province's hard-won production recovery remains, for now, intact.
‘Crutch’ Canceled After One Season at Paramount+
The Paramount+ multi-cam comedy “Crutch” is done after just one season, Variety has learned. The series, which starred Tracy Morgan in the title role, originally debuted on Paramount+ back in November 2025. News of the series ending comes as little surprise, as it failed to
HBO Max Leads the Emmy Drama and Comedy Races for the First Time Since 2017. How Often Do Both Frontrunners Win?
HBO Max wants it all. The most-nominated network enters Phase 2 of the Emmy race with the year’s two most-nominated series, giving the platform a rare opportunity to capture television’s top drama and comedy prizes, and potentially make history across three major program
‘Lanterns’ Trailer: Hal Jordan Visits Sinestro in Prison, Guy Gardner Has a Cameo and a Shape-Shifting Manhunter Is on the Loose
HBO’s upcoming DC Studios drama “Lanterns” got a new trailer for the Green Lantern-inspired mystery at San Diego Comic Con. The eight-episode series premieres on HBO on Aug. 16. The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, a veteran Green Lantern, and Aaron Pierre as John
One of Telluride Film Fest’s Marquee Venues Significantly Damaged by Flash Flood, but Fest Believes It Will Be Operational by Labor Day Weekend
A massive downpour hit Telluride last Friday afternoon, causing multiple mudslides that pummeled numerous homes and businesses.
‘My Little Pony: Forever Friendship’ YouTube Series to Launch in 2027
Hasbro is launching a brand new “My Little Pony” series exclusively on YouTube. Titled “My Little Pony: Forever Frienship,” the show will debut on YouTube in early 2027. Nine-minute episodes will drop bi-weekly. The series is said to follow “Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie,
Noah Wyle on ‘The Pitt’ Fan Discourse, Saving Hollywood and What’s Coming In Season 3
Noah Wyle knows some “The Pitt” fans came down hard on his character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, given how the character’s personal struggles caused him to lash out at some of his colleagues in Season 2. But he tries not to pay attention to the online discourse. “The
Chuck Russell, ‘The Mask’ and ‘Scorpion King’ Director, Dead at 74
Producer-screenwriter also helmed Eraser , A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors , and The Blob
‘The Odyssey’ Holding Strong for Big Second Weekend in $84.5M Range
The film could decline as little as 32 percent, a rare hold for a blockbuster movie.
‘Interview With the Vampire’ Renewed for Season 4, Titled ‘Queen of the Damned’
“Anne Rice’s Interview With the Vampire” has been renewed for Season 4, titled “Queen of the Damned.” The renewal was announced at San Diego Comic Con and comes ahead of the Season 3 finale on Sunday for “The Vampire Lestat.” Series executive producers Mark Johnson and Hannah
CAPE and Janet Yang Productions Unveil Short Film Challenge Grants With Auli‘i Cravalho and ‘Anora’ Producer on Jury (EXCLUSIVE)
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment and Janet Yang Productions have granted four filmmakers $25,000 to produce their films as part of the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge. The filmmakers include Keshni Kashyap Nilsson (“The Shoe Burglars”), Nayon Cho (“Stigma”),
Chuck Russell, Director of ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 3’ and ‘The Mask,’ Dies at 74
He also wrote ‘Dreamscape’ and helmed ‘Eraser,’ ‘Bless This Child’ and ‘The Scorpion King.’
Emmys 2026 Voters’ Guide: Breaking Down the Early Frontrunners
While down-the-line voting has often scored huge, the 2026 Emmys may shake up the usual tradition. Some of the biggest shows of the year are only recognized in the acting categories but miss in series nods. Below, Variety breaks down the contenders in a few major categories.
Paramount Agrees to Postpone Warner Bros. Merger Until After Antitrust Trial
Paramount Skydance has reached an agreement with a coalition of state attorneys general to postpone the Warner Bros. Discovery merger until after an antitrust trial. The company entered a joint stipulation in the federal case on Friday afternoon agreeing not to close the $111
Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Amazon, Accusing It of ‘Lawless Employee Shopping Spree’ Including Poaching HBO Veteran Pia Barlow
Warner Bros. Discovery sued Amazon, alleging the internet giant engaged in an “illegal” campaign of “inducing contracted employees” of WBD to “breach their employment agreements” — including HBO marketing veteran Pia Barlow. In its lawsuit, WBD alleged that “Amazon has chosen
Chuck Russell, Director of ‘The Mask,’ Dies at 74
Chuck Russell, who helped launch several notable careers as the director of genre films including 1994’s “The Mask” as well as “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors,” died Wednesday in the San Diego area. He was 74. His death was confirmed by his attorney. The local fire
Netflix Executives Considered Pulling ‘Michael Jackson: The Verdict’ Docuseries a Week Before Its Release (EXCLUSIVE)
Netflix almost pulled the streamer’s recent documentary “Michael Jackson: The Verdict” a week before its release for fear of reprisal, Variety has learned. The three-part docuseries re-examines Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial, which saw the pop superstar acquitted of all charges,
‘Rings of Power’ Debuts Season 3 Trailer; Simon Pegg Joins Cast as the Balrog
Amazon Studios has released the first look at the third season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” the fantasy television series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. According to an official logline, “Season Three takes place at the height of the War of the Elves
Alan Ritchson Unloads on Donald Trump Over Epstein Files in New Interview
“I would fucking railroad these fuckers. I would get those Epstein files out in two seconds,” the Reacher star says on Happy Sad Confused podcast, adding that president is a “bitch” and a “fucking rapist”
Inside Costa Rica’s Alcatraz and Another 5 Top Locations
The same crystalline waters swooshing the pebbled coast of San Lucas Island were once murked by the crimson red of blood. From 1873 to 1991, the island served as Costa Rica’s principal penitentiary, where some of the country’s worst criminals were sent to serve often short and
Matt Damon Describes His Role in The Daniels’ New Sci-Fi Movie as ‘The Breakfast Club’ Meets ‘Inception’ Meets Anime Meets John Oliver
Matt Damon has revealed the wild pitch from “Everything Everywhere All at Once” directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Damon, who is set to star in directors’ new sci-fi film revealed the details during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” radio show. Damon said, “The
Phil Rosenthal’s ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Releases Special Max and Helen’s Episode on YouTube Ahead of Season 9 Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
Phil Rosenthal has travelled the world in search of the best bites. Now, to usher in a new era of his show “Somebody Feed Phil,” the comedian and host will offer fans a look at something a little closer to home. On July 27, Rosenthal will host a special episode giving viewers
Why David Cronenberg’s Feature on Charli xcx’s ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ Gets to the Heart of What the Album Is Really About
It’s no secret that Charli xcx is a cinephile, so it wasn’t a shock when the avant-garde pop star revealed that her latest album would feature iconic horror auteur David Cronenberg — especially considering its title is “Music, Fashion, Film.” But what is surprising is just how
Eli Roth-Executive Produced ‘Burger Night: Luli, Magda & Lore’ Gets All-Female Cast (EXCLUSIVE)
The Argentine spin-off of Joe Begos’ alien horror pic “Jimmy and Stiggs” has found its cast and crew. Argentina’s Agostina Palazzolo (“Ciclón), Agustina “Papry” Suásquita (Netflix’s “Envious”) and Maia Tarcic (“Letters to My Ex”) are poised to lead the main cast of “Burger
Genesis House and Gotham Shorts Fellowship Unveils Inaugural Winners, Featuring ‘Dìdi’ and ‘All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt’ Directors as Mentors (EXCLUSIVE)
As part of Genesis House and The Gotham Film & Media Institute’s inaugural shorts fellowship program, three emerging New York City-based filmmakers have been chosen to receive $10,000, including Shanice Brette (“Mumma”), Annie Ning (“The Only Man to Ever Exist”) and April Wen
Tom Holland Pukes on ‘Hot Ones’: ‘I’m Vomiting! Help!’
Tom Holland may be ready to rule Ithaca, but it turns out he’s not the master of his own stomach. So much so that “The Odyssey” star, who appeared on the latest episode of “Hot Ones,” ended up vomiting after consuming the show’s signature fiery chicken wings. Holland made an
‘Blade Runner 2099’ Trailer: Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer Bring Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi World to TV
Prime Video has released the first trailer for “Blade Runner 2099,” marking the return of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi franchise nine years after the film “Blade Runner 2049.” Starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and “Euphoria” breakout star Hunter Schafer as its leads, “Blade Runner
‘The Dink’ Writer Sean Clements on His Funny, Heartfelt Tribute to the Pickleball Community: ‘I Got Adopted by This Whole Crew of Older Women’
Pickleball has exploded in popularity in the last decade as a variation of tennis that’s easier on bodies and simpler to pick up for people who want to try something new. When comedy writer Sean Clements heard about a local turf war involving the low-impact sport, his brain
Costa Rican Below-the-Line Talents to Track
It’s been a long time coming but Costa Rica can now claim an Oscar-nominated below-the-line talent, sound and music editor Felipe Pacheco, who was recognized for his sound editing work on Ryan Coogler’s multi-Oscar winning “Sinners.” Based in Los Angeles, he moved there after
‘Emilia Pérez’ Director Jacques Audiard Reunites With Netflix for Horror Film (EXCLUSIVE)
After “Emilia Pérez” scored a best picture nomination at last year’s Oscars, Netflix is reuniting with French director Jacques Audiard on his next project, which will be an elevated horror film. Netflix has optioned “La Nuit ravagée” — a critically acclaimed horror novel by
Amazon MGM Studios Hires HBO Max’s Pia Barlow as Head of Original Series Marketing
HBO Max vet Pia Barlow has been hired as Amazon MGM Studios’ new head of original series marketing. In her new role, which Barlow will begin Aug. 3, the exec will oversee all marketing efforts for Prime Video’s U.S. and Global Original Series. Barlow will report directly to Sue
Spain’s World Cup Triumph Gets Prime Video Series
Prime Video is set to exclusively premiere worldwide a new docuseries about the Spanish National Team’s triumph at this year’s controversial and politically tainted FIFA World Cup — the feat that gave Spain its second World Cup winner’s star after trouncing Argentina in New
As Chris Fleming Basks in Afterglow of HBO Special, He’s Taken a Haircut for Success
A flood of movie offers has meant shedding his signature wolf cut, at least for now, to play a “normie” husband in an upcoming gig.
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Slams ‘F—ing Pedophiles’ in Politics: ‘I Would Get Those Epstein Files Out in Two Seconds … Bitch, Move’
“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson got fired up about politics on the latest episode of Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, spouting off about the Epstein files and the “fucking rapists” in politics. “The fucking Epstein files! God damn it! Where are they? It’s a fucking
Anne Hathaway’s Oscars ‘Odyssey’: Will She Campaign for Lead Actress or Supporting?
“Ithaca’s king is coming home.” But when Oscar season arrives, where will the Academy welcome back its queen? Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” opened to a massive box office haul and an avalanche of critical praise, vaulting it to the front of the Oscar race months before the
‘Her Private Hell’ Director Nicolas Winding Refn on Ignoring Critics, Why the Government Must Regulate AI and Planning His Third Film With Ryan Gosling
Nicolas Winding Refn’s 11th film, “Her Private Hell,” is a long way away from the grounded work many fans are familiar with, like “Drive” and “Bronson.” The feature, now in theaters via Neon, is a neon-drenched sci-fi tale of an actress, Elle (Sophie Thatcher), a soldier,
Film Commissions Step Up Role to Accelerate Growth In Central America and the Caribbean
The Ibero-American Film Commission Network, a non-profit organization that brings together film commissions and film offices across Ibero-America, took place in the Costa Rica Media Market for the first time this year as it reaffirms its strategic commitment to developing the
Andrés Madrigal Explores Costa Rica’s Little-Known Queer History Through Personal Doc ‘Lost Men’
When his grandfather passed away, director Andrés Madrigal felt an urge to pick up his camera and capture every possible moment of that immediate grief. This archival impulse would eventually become Madrigal’s feature debut “Lost Men,” which has its world premiere at the Costa
LeBron James Heads to Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James is taking his talents to Philadelphia. The 41-year-old star basketball player has left the Los Angeles Lakers and has signed with the 76ers in a two-year, $8 million deal, according to ESPN. “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and
‘Game of Thrones’ Play ‘The Mad King’ Still Set to Open Next Month Despite Canceling Previews (EXCLUSIVE)
The upcoming “Game of Thrones” theater production “The Mad King” is still on track to open next month in the U.K. despite canceling its first week of previews, Variety can confirm. The Royal Shakespeare Company production was set to launch previews Monday, July 20 but all four
Lucas Museum at Comic-Con: Star Wars Animated Series ‘Detours’ to Finally Screen, Film Programming Revealed
"We’ve lived long enough to see all the stuff that we were beaten for loving become the fine art of our day," said show creator Seth Green.