Chris Affleck, Mother of Oscar Winners Ben and Casey Affleck, Dies at 83
A schoolteacher, she was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died June 2, her family announced.
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Director Na Hong-Jin Makes Comic-Con Debut With Frightening New ‘Hope’ Footage, Says Casting Hoyeon Was His ‘Best Decision’
South Korean director Na Hong-Jin made his San Diego Comic-Con debut to preview his latest film, Neon’s alien action movie “Hope.” Before the action auteur took the stage in Ballroom 20, a sizzle reel of his previous work — from his 2008 debut “The Chaser” to “The Yellow Sea”
‘Sia: Nostalgic for the Present’ Review: A Concert Performance Film from 2016, but It Channels Sia’s Mystery and Power
Sia’s greatest songs, like "Unstoppable" and "Titanium" and "The Greatest," are anthems of strength, power, fortitude, invincibility, and watching the movie it’s fascinating to behold how her facelessness feeds that quality. She’s an abstract figure, a pair of lips singing, and
Creepy Twins, Religious Fanaticism and a Loaded Gun Collide in Tense Chamber Drama ‘Godhead’ — Fantasia
Mark H. Rapaport’s new film “Godhead” is a master-class in ratcheting up tension. Shot in black-and-white with camerawork that makes the audience feel like a voyeur uncovering perverse secrets, the film blends faith, sex, lies and discomfort into an unknowable dance between its
Zach Cregger Teases His ‘Weapons’ Prequel and Its “Crazy” Approach to Gladys’ Origin Story
"There's an amazing story to be told about where Gladys comes from," the filmmaker told the Comic-Con crowd.
’72 Hours’ Review: Kevin Hart Tries to Be Down With the Kids in a Mediocre ‘Hangover’ Knockoff
Great comedies are in short supply these days, but “72 Hours” offers a reminder that a crime subplot can quickly ruin even a potentially average one. Directed by Tim Story (“Barbershop,” “Ride Along”) and written by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg (the “Harold & Kumar”
‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ Co-Creator Bill Prady Explains the Science Behind the Show’s Multiverse
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from the series premiere of “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” now streaming on HBO Max. HBO Max’s “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” opens in a post-apocalyptic Pasadena, an alternative world where zombie hands poke out of the
Men Flock to Microdramas, Romance Stories Rule and Sunday Nights are Prime Time for Viewing
Microdrama viewership has grown 28-fold over the past two years, and it’s not just for women of a certain age anymore. More than two-thirds of users, male and female, watch romance-based series. And just like TV, microdrama viewership typically peaks on Sunday nights between
‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Set Decorator Mary Kate Golding Fatally Stabbed in N.Y.
Mary Kate Golding, a set decorator for shows including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Goosebumps” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” died Tuesday in Queens, N.Y. after being stabbed. She was 34. Police were called to her apartment just after midnight. The NYPD said in a statement, “On
‘Ebenezer’ Trailer: Johnny Depp Transforms Into Grouchy, Snowball-Throwing Scrooge
Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for “Ebenezer,” starring Johnny Depp in his first major Hollywood role since his 2022 trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. Directed by Ti West, the holiday film is described as a dark reimagining of the Charles Dickens’ classic,
‘Toy Story 5’ Has Given Away 18,000 Toys to Sick Kids
Disney has partnered with Starlight Children's Foundation to screen the box-office hit at 400 children's hospitals, and distributed themed toys and character-inspired hospital gowns to children and families across participating hospitals.
‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Season 2 Reveals Joker Voice Actor: ‘House of the Dragon’ Star Matthew Needham
“Batman: Caped Crusader” has unmasked its Joker. “House of the Dragon” star Matthew Needham will voice the villain in Season 2 of the animated noir series after the Clown Prince of Crime was teased at the end of Season 1. (John DiMaggio, who voices Detective Harvey Bullock on
Charli xcx Cranks Up the Guitars and Launches Her Post-‘Brat’ Era With the Razor-Sharp ‘Music, Fashion, Film’: Album Review
When an artist is as prolific — and as easily bored — as Charli xcx, “How much is too much?” becomes a significant question, and one she herself addressed in “The Moment,” the mock-umentary on her “Brat” era released earlier this year. That remarkably self-aware film, in which
Shaking Up the Emmys By Moving Five Categories Out of the Telecast Might Not Work, But at Least the TV Academy Is Trying Something
Richard Gadd, change your flight plans. The creator and star of HBO Max’s “Half Man” wound up with the series’ only Emmy nomination this year — via his supporting actor in a limited/anthology series or movie nod. But as of last week, that category will no longer be presented
‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ TV Series Casts Audiobook Star Jeff Hays as Princess Donut’s Voice
Attention, crawlers: Seth MacFarlane’s live-action “Dungeon Crawler Carl” TV series has found its Queen Anne Chonk. Jeff Hays, the narrator and producer behind all eight of the currently released “Dungeon Crawler Carl” books, has been cast as the voice of Princess Donut on the
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Makes Triumphant Return to Comic-Con With ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
“The Big Bang Theory’s” Stuart Bloom may not have saved the universe, but he certainly saved San Diego Comic-Con. HBO Max’s upcoming spinoff “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” gave fans a sneak peak of the first episode ahead of its release Thursday night. Felicia Day hosted a
Tom Holland Says Fred Astaire Biopic Is Next After a Summer of ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ Plans to Do “All of the Dancing” Himself
The 30-year-old actor is looking forward to going back to his dancing roots: "One of my biggest regrets in my career is after I finished 'Billy Elliot,' I quit dancing."
Johnny Depp Makes Surprise Comic-Con Appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge
Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday — in his full Ebenezer Scrooge regalia. Depp plays Scrooge in the upcoming Paramount movie, “Ebenezer,” directed by Ti West, which debuts in theaters this November. The actor appeared outside of a shop
Johnny Depp Surprises Comic-Con as Ebenezer Scrooge on Streets of San Diego: “It’s Good to Be Back”
The actor also popped up in Hall H to debut the trailer for his new movie, which began with a meta tagline about his long absence from Hollywood.
Odysseus Has Been Funko Pop-ed
In a sentence that would surely leave Homer dumbfounded, Odysseus has been Funko Pop-ed. The epic Greek hero has been miniaturized into the popular collectible following the blockbuster release of “The Odyssey.” The 5-inch figurine showcases a bearded Odysseus, played by Matt
Judge Extends Order Blocking Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger for Another 14 Days
A federal judge on Thursday extended the order blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for an additional 14 days, meaning the deal cannot close before Aug. 18. Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin is scheduled to hold a hearing on Aug. 3 on a request for a preliminary injunction
Indian Epic ‘Ramayana’ Lands at Sony Pictures for International Distribution
Sony Pictures has signed on as international distributor for “Ramayana,” the two-part Indian mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, covering all territories outside India. Indian distribution will be handled by media
‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Sets 2026 Release Date at Paramount+, Drops Apocalyptic First Teaser
UPDATED: “Avatar: Seven Havens” has an official premiere date at Paramount+. And what a date it is. The new entry in the “Avatar” franchise will debut on Oct. 9 on the streaming service. That date should stick out to fans, as it was originally the date set for the premiere of
Beach Boys Call Off Remainder of Summer Concerts ‘to Recharge’ Before Resuming in Fall
The Beach Boys’ endless summer has run into a hitch. The touring version of the group, led by sole remaining original member Mike Love, has called off six weeks’ worth of concerts scheduled for this summer, amounting to nearly 30 dates, citing the need to “recharge” before
‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ Review: Monica Dolan Excels in a Straightforward but Stirring Reflection on a Buried Irish Tragedy
Ireland’s ongoing artistic reckoning with the Catholic Church’s gross mistreatment of unmarried mothers and their children — as addressed in such films as “The Magdalene Sisters,” “Philomena” and “Small Things Like These” — continues in “The Lost Children of Tuam.” A restrained
The Paramount-Warner Bros. Clock Is Ticking: What’s Next for the Megamerger Amid Antitrust Battle With States?
David Ellison may have believed Paramount Skydance could have closed the $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by this point. The deal was blessed by the Justice Department in June (reportedly over the objections of staffers who were reviewing it). It has been
Karina Longworth’s ‘You Must Remember This’ Podcast Sets New Season ‘The Bisexuals’ for September
Karina Longworth’s podcast “You Must Remember This” returns for its latest season, “The Bisexuals,” on Sept. 15. Over eight episodes, creator and host Longworth will explore the history of bisexuals in the 1900s Hollywood sphere. Beginning with Libby Holman’s rise to stardom in
Patreon Lays Off 20% of Employees as Part of ‘Painful’ Restructuring
Patreon, the creator-focused monetization platform, said on Thursday it was laying off 20% of its employees as it changed how its internal structure operates. The cuts will affect 93 Patreon employees, who will be given at least 16 weeks of severance payments. In a note to
LISTEN: How Travis Scott is Ascending to Culture Moguldom Through Music, Movies, Retail, Business and More
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Angelique Jackson details her time spent with multihyphenate superstar Travis Scott, who comes off a record-setting music tour with a high-profile role in the movie of the moment, Christopher
‘Industry’ Season 5 Casts Zosia Mamet
Zosia Mamet has joined the upcoming fifth season of “Industry” at HBO, Variety has learned. As previously announced, Season 5 of the British finance industry drama will be its last. Mamet will play Carmen Dame, who is described as “a fitness influencer turned wellness tech
L.A. Production Volume Down Slightly, as Recovery Continues to Sputter
Los Angeles production volume fell slightly in the second quarter of 2026, as an increase in state tax incentives has failed to overcome industry headwinds. Shoot days for TV, film and commercials dropped by 3.1% compared to the previous quarter, according to FilmLA, which
A24 Plans Free Screenings of Anthony Bourdain Movie ‘Tony’ for Hospitality Workers (Exclusive)
The “Industry Night” screenings will take place in partnership with OpenTable and Square across 25 cities, with all screenings hosted by local chefs.
Venice Chief Alberto Barbera on Hollywood’s Festival Retreat, Gender Parity Backslide and the AI Question
The festival director unpacks his starry but studio-light 83rd Biennale lineup, explains why Luca Guadagnino’s 'Artificial' won’t be on the Lido and the “desperate” lack of women in competition.
‘The Strange Architect,’ New Series by ‘Annihilation’ Author Jeff VanderMeer, Sells to Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Seven-Figure Deal (EXCLUSIVE)
Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired “The Strange Architect,” a new four-book series by bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer, in a seven-figure deal. VanderMeer will launch his new series with the first book, “How to Be Free,” in the winter of 2029. This marks his first new
‘Myron Bolitar’ Series Adds 10 To Cast, Including Melissa Benoist, Bebe Neuwirth, Jamie Hector, Quincy Isaiah
Netflix has added ten new cast members to its “Myron Bolitar” series. Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens (“Romeo and Juliet” (Shakespeare in the Park)) has joined the show in a series regular role. In addition, the show has added nine recurring guest stars. They are: Isaiah Hill (“Swagger,”
‘Breaking Bad’ Star Giancarlo Esposito Signs With UTA for Representation (EXCLUSIVE)
Actor, director and producer Giancarlo Esposito has signed with United Talent Agency for representation in all areas. Esposito was previously repped by CAA. The prolific star will be seen in several projects in the next few months, including Noah Segan’s “The Only Living
Venice Chief Alberto Barbera on Landing Robert Pattinson Film ‘Primetime’ at the Last Minute and Lack of U.S. Studios at the Festival: They Are ‘Experiencing an Identity Crisis’
Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera has pulled off a pretty impressive feat this year by assembling a buzzy lineup with boatloads of stars set to disembark on the Lido, despite having less movies from the U.S. studios and streamers at his disposal. They include new
‘Percy Jackson’ Season 3 Sets November Release Date, Star Walker Scobell Says It Will Stay True to ‘Titan’s Curse’ Book
Get ready, demigods. Disney+ screened the first few minutes of Season 3 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” at San Diego Comic-Con and announced it will premiere on Nov. 20. Adapting Rick Riordan’s third book, “The Titan’s Curse,” the third season will follow Percy Jackson
FCC Poised to Hand Broadcasters Long-Sought Win in Abolishing Station Ownership Cap as Brendan Carr Probes Tension Between TV Groups and Platforms
Broadcast TV station owners have been stuck in media’s wilderness for most of the past two decades or so as the internet and streaming have defined the state of the art in television. But this year, independent broadcast TV station owners are being heard as they haven’t in
Sienna Spiro Plays Intimate Benefit Concert for North Shore Animal League
Fast-rising British singer Sienna Spiro played a special set at New York’s intimate Soho Sessions in support of the North Shore Animal League America, a Long Island-based animal-rescue organization. The highly touted 20-year-old singer, who released her debut album “Visitor”
Lilly Wachowski Boards Alexandra Grey’s Sci-Fi Short ‘The Day Before’ as Executive Producer (EXCLUSIVE)
“The Matrix” and “Sense8” co-creator Lilly Wachowski has boarded “The Day Before,” an indie sci-fi short written, directed and starring Alexandra Grey. Grey leads an ensemble cast that includes Matthew Law (“Nemesis,” “Abbott Elementary”), Jamie Clayton (“Sense8,” “Hellraiser”)
Colman Domingo Rips Elon Musk’s Plan for AI ‘The Odyssey’ Movie: ‘It’ll Be ‘Whiter Than Christmas at Cracker Barrel’
Colman Domingo slammed Elon Musk’s plan for an AI-generated version of “The Odyssey.” “By historically accurate, he means whiter than Christmas at Cracker Barrel,” Domingo joked during his stint as guest host on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday night. “Of course, this is all
Oscar Voters Rave Over Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ at First Academy Screenings: ‘The Definitive Filmmaker of Our Time’
“What was the song of the sirens like?” When it comes to Oscar voters, like Odysseus, the answer is: “All the things you wanted to be.” The Oscar race for 2027 seems to have found its center of gravity, and its front-runner that will be shepherded under the Universal banner.
Comic-Con Preview: An Elf, a Superhero and a Spaceball Walk Into Hall H…
THR breaks down every must-see panel and event as Hollywood and legions of fans descend again on San Diego.
Athletes and Execs Join Forces at Variety’s Inaugural Sports and Entertainment Studio, Featuring Russell Wilson, Jimmie Johnson and Jay Williams
As the worlds of entertainment and sports continue to overlap, Variety held its inaugural Sports & Entertainment Studio in New York, featuring Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson and ESPN studio analyst Jay Williams, as well as top
Xbox Is Asking Customers to Volunteer to Test Ad-Supported Game Streaming
Xbox is rolling out a test for ad-supported cloud gaming that will be available on a voluntary basis for members of its fan-feedback community, Xbox Insiders. Beginning Thursday, Xbox Insiders with an Xbox account will have the option to try out the free, ad-supported
‘Morning Show’ to End With Season 5 at Apple TV
The sun is setting on “The Morning Show.” Variety has learned that the Apple TV drama will end with its upcoming fifth season. It is slated to debut in 2027. This will mark the end of an era at Apple TV, as “The Morning Show” was one of the very first Apple scripted original
Critics Choice Association Launches Inaugural Creator Awards for 2027, Honoring Podcasts, Micro-Dramas and Digital Stars
The Critics Choice Awards are getting into the creator business. The organization announced it will hold the inaugural Critics Choice Creator Awards, honoring the finest creators in the digital space across podcasts, scripted, unscripted, documentary, informational, lifestyle,
Trump Media’s Plan to Sell ‘Real-Time’ Access to President’s Truth Social Posts Draws Fire From GOP Lawmakers: ‘That Does Not Sound Appropriate’
Last week, Trump Media & Technology Group — which operates Truth Social, the U.S. president’s preferred platform for digital communications — said it will provide “immediate, verified access” to “the highest-ranking” accounts on Truth Social. That would let, say, financial
