Charles Cioffi, Actor in ‘Shaft,’ ‘Get Christie Love!’ and ‘The X-Files,’ Dies at 90
He also played John Hancock on Broadway and Tom Cruise’s father in ‘All the Right Moves.’
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Jimmy Kimmel Cries and Calls Adam Carolla His ‘Life Partner’ at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony: ‘If That Sounds Gay to You, It Was and It Is’
Jimmy Kimmel got teary-eyed while honoring podcaster-comedian Adam Carolla, his longtime friend and former colleague, at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Wednesday. Kimmel began his speech by remembering his first introduction to Carolla, which came in 1994 when the
‘Backrooms’: What Critics Are Saying About A24’s Horror Film Directed by 20-Year-Old Kane Parsons
The movie, which hits theaters Friday, is also produced by genre leaders James Wan and Osgood Perkins, and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve and Mark Duplass.
Olivia Rodrigo Addresses Babydoll Dress Criticism: ‘It Shows How We Really Normalize Pedophilia in Our Culture’
Olivia Rodrigo has spoken about the online controversy surrounding her recent choice to wear a babydoll dress, stating that the logic behind the criticism showed how “we really normalize pedophilia in our culture” and that she was actually inspired by music icons like Kathleen
‘Disclosure Day’ First Reactions Call Steven Spielberg’s Sci-Fi Epic ‘His Best Film in 20 Years’ and Praise Emily Blunt’s ‘All-Time’ Performance
Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” has been unveiled to members of the film press ahead of its June 12 release date, and first reactions are calling the sci-fi UFO-focused movie “Spielberg’s best film in 20 years,” with high praise for star Emily Blunt. Gizmodo senior
Box Office Stunner: ‘Obsession’ Makes History With Biggest Second-Weekend Spike in Modern Times Outside of Christmas
It's no wonder that every studio executive in Hollywood would kill to be in business with Curry Barker, the Gen Z auteur who first gained attention on YouTube. His horror film, costing $750,000 to make, has earned north of $68 million in under two weeks at the domestic box
Inside the ‘Widow’s Bay’ Flashback to 1702: How Betty Gilpin and Hamish Linklater Reveal the Town’s Evil Origins
SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from “Our History” and “Seasickness,” the sixth and seventh episodes of “Widow’s Bay,” now streaming on Apple TV. Betty Gilpin felt like she was haunting the cast of “Widow’s Bay.” Apple TV’s horror-comedy from creator Katie Dippold
‘The Testaments’ Finale: Elisabeth Moss and Creator Bruce Miller on Agnes’ Huge Twist, Daisy Parentage Theories and What’s Planned for Season 2
SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale” sequel series, “The Testaments,” now streaming on Hulu. The first season of “The Testaments” came to an end Wednesday with its Season 1 finale. And blessed be the fruit, because Variety
Gayle King Says Oprah Refused to Shut Down Rumors They Were ‘Secretly Gay’ On Air: ‘It Used to Really Bother Me’
Gayle King is once again speaking out about the long-standing rumor that she was dating Oprah Winfrey, and explaining why the iconic host refused to publicly shut it down on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Speaking with Alex Cooper on her viral “Call Her Daddy” podcast, the CBS
‘Obsession’ Filmmaker Curry Barker Gets 8-Figure Offer for His Next Movie. And He Hasn’t Even Pitched It Yet (Exclusive)
Studio execs are seeing what's happening with 'Obsession' and the upcoming 'Backrooms' — both from filmmakers who cut their teeth on YouTube — as a watershed moment in Hollywood.
‘Last Seen’ First Look: Patrick Brammall Stars as a Detective in Apple TV’s New Thriller (TV News Roundup)
Apple TV has revealed a first look at “Last Seen,” a new six-episode Australian thriller. The show will debut with the first two episodes on the platform on September 9, followed by a new episode every Wednesday. “Last Seen,” formerly known as “The Dispatcher,” follows police
Jill Biden Thought Joe Biden Was ‘Having a Stroke’ During 2024 Debate With Donald Trump: ‘Scared Me to Death’
Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden recently told CBS Sunday Morning that she thought her husband, Joe Biden, was having a stroke on stage during his now infamous 2024 debate with Donald Trump. “I don’t know what happened,” Dr. Biden said. “As I watched it, I thought, ‘Oh, my god,
Phoebe Bridgers Joins Robert Pattinson’s Surveillance Team in ‘Primetime’ Trailer
The A24 film stars Pattinson as To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine
James Bond Game ‘007 First Light’ Launches, Featuring Original Theme by Lana Del Rey and David Arnold (Gaming News Roundup)
Get ready to step into the shoes of James Bond. Amazon MGM Studios and independent video game developer IO Interactive have officially launched “007 First Flight,” a new game that reimagines James Bond’s origin story as the 26-year-old fights his way through MI6’s elite
Byron Allen Closes BuzzFeed Acquisition, Says Company Is Now ‘Officially Chasing YouTube’
Media entrepreneur and stand-up comedian Byron Allen now is the majority owner of BuzzFeed — the struggling digital media player that Allen plans to use to launch a free-streaming platform that he imagines will rival video colossus YouTube. “Our vision is to build on the iconic
Matthew Perry’s Assistant Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison Following Actor’s 2023 Overdose
Kenneth Iwamasa, Matthew Perry’s live-in personal assistant, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on Wednesday following Perry’s fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023. Iwamasa was charged for his role in obtaining and repeatedly injecting Perry with the drug,
Globo to Produce Film Created by and Starring Pop Icon Anitta (EXCLUSIVE)
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Megastar Annita will play the lead role of a still unnamed feature film that will be lensed beginning June 1 at giant media group Globo’s Estúdios Globo in Rio, Amauri Soares, executive director of Estúdios Globo and TV Globo told Variety. Soares will
Sepideh Moafi Addresses ‘The Pitt’ Fan Fiction, Toxic Fandom and ‘Completely False’ Online Rumors About Noah Wyle Feud
The internet can be a strange place. Toxic fandom is real, and social media will run with the most unfounded rumor when fans love (or hate) the trajectory of a show’s central character. One of those rumors has been circling since Season 2 of “The Pitt,” the HBO Max medical
Keanu Reeves Seeks Leniency for Director Who Faces Years in Prison for Swindling Netflix Out of $11 Million
Keanu Reeves is seeking leniency for Carl Rinsch, the director of “47 Ronin” who faces years in prison for swindling Netflix out of $11 million. In a letter to Judge Jed Rakoff, Reeves called the director an “exceptional artist” and urged the judge to show “leniency and mercy”
Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival Lineup Features Films by Steven Soderbergh and Gus Van Sant
The Malta Film Commission, led by Johann Grech, will present the Mediterrane Film Festival on the island’s capital city of Valletta from June 21-28.
‘Mormon Wives’ Producer Jeff Jenkins on Who Will Return as Production Resumes, ‘O.C.’ Spinoff Concerns and Expanding His Company (EXCLUSIVE)
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” executive producer Jeff Jenkins knows his morning news diet isn’t healthy, but it’s a function of the life that he’s chosen. “My alarm goes off, I pull out my laptop and the first thing I do is go to TMZ,” he says. That’s how he learns what
Jennifer Lopez on Meeting ‘Office Romance’ Co-Star Brett Goldstein for the First Time and That Viral ‘Off Campus’ Video: ‘The Show Is So Cute and I Love It’
Jennifer Lopez really is an “Off Campus” fan. “The show is so cute and I love it,” she told me Tuesday night at the premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy “Office Romance.” Jenny from the Block recently went viral with “Off Campus” star Mika Abdalla. The two teamed up for
‘Brigadoon’ Review: Pasadena Playhouse’s Enrapturing Revival Is Worth What Seemed Like a Hundred-Year Wait
In the classic musical “Brigadoon,” the Scottish townspeople who inhabit the mysterious town of the title keep referring to “the miracle,” which confounds the two American travelers who stumble across it one dark and shroudy night. Our two Yank interlopers spend some time
Associated Press, OpenAI Strike Deal for Election Data
The Associated Press and OpenAI are back in business. The wire service said Wednesday the AI giant will license its elections data starting this year through the 2028 U.S. elections, making use of the AP’s vote counts across local, state and national races in major U.S. cities.
Matthew Perry’s Assistant Gets 41 Months for Actor’s Ketamine Death: ‘Monster Who Killed Him’
Kenneth Iwamasa “fed” Perry 70 vials of ketamine in a month, including at least three injections on the day he died, prosecutors said
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Doesn’t Seem Too Worried About Reality Star Spencer Pratt
Los Angeles mayors usually coast to a second term — the last two defeated token opposition in the primary. Karen Bass’ chances for a smooth reelection likely vanished on Jan. 7, 2025, when the Palisades fire destroyed some 6,800 structures, including the home of reality star
Hudson Williams Shared His Favorite Books On Instagram. Naturally, They’re Selling Out Fast
It may have been a gay romance novel that propelled Hudson Williams to superstardom but the “Heated Rivalry” actor’s literary proclivities span much wider than one might expect. Since his rise to fame, Williams has not been shy about sharing his thoughts on his favorite novels,
Ted Danson Joins Elizabeth Banks in Apple TV Comedy From Liz Heldens, Matt Ward
Ted Danson has joined the untitled Liz Heldens & Matt Ward comedy series currently in the works at Apple TV, Variety has confirmed. Danson is the latest addition to the series, alongside previously announced star Elizabeth Banks and fellow cast member Rob Delaney. The logline
An All AI-Generated Film Is Coming to Tribeca and It’s Sure to Raise Eyebrows
Dreams of Violets , made over three months, dramatizes the civil unrest in Tehran from this past January
‘Disclosure Day’ First Reactions: “Steven Spielberg’s Best Film in 20 Years”
Spielberg's return to UFO genre is getting early praise: "A dense roller coaster ride blending chase film, love story, & mystery."
Jennifer Lopez Crowns ‘Office Romance’ Co-Star Brett Goldstein as Her Top Rom-Com Leading Man
The two fall in love in the new Netflix project, which Goldstein co-wrote specifically for Lopez.
Don’t Forget About: Michael Shannon’s Emmy-Worthy Performance in ‘Death by Lightning’
The irony of writing a piece for Variety’s Don’t Forget About series about an actor playing President James Garfield is not lost on me. Often relegated to a footnote in U.S. history, Garfield was president barely six months before he died after being shot by Charles Guiteau in
Howard Storm, ‘Taxi’ and ‘Full House’ Director, Dies at 94
Howard Storm, the veteran television director known for helming episodes of “Taxi,” “Full House” and “Mork & Mindy,” died on Tuesday in Beverly Hills. He was 94. Storm’s death was due to natural causes, as confirmed to Variety by his publicist. Storm found his love for
Nicolas Cage on Finally Playing a Superhero That Matches His Freak in ‘Spider-Noir,’ How Watching ‘Breaking Bad’ Led Him to TV and Whether He’s Doing Season 5 of ‘True Detective’
Nicolas Cage’s superhero journey’s been packed with more twists and turns than Howard Hawks’ “The Big Sleep.” It began in the late-‘90s, when the enigmatic actor was all set to play the Last Son of Krypton for director Tim Burton in “Superman Lives,” only to have the plug
‘Outlander’ Stars Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan on Saying Goodbye ‘The Right Way’ After Eight Seasons: This ‘Is Our Legacy’
SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers for “And the World Was All Around Us,” the series finale of “Outlander,” now streaming on Starz. While the ending of “Outlander” has closed a chapter in lead stars Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan’s lives, they’re still debating the
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Seals Three-Year, First-Look TV Deal With Amazon MGM Studios
Amazon MGM Studios is reaching out to “Reacher” to for a new deal. The studio has sealed a three-year, first-look TV pact with “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson to develop and produce new projects for prime video. Ritchson, who stars in and executive produces “Reacher” for Prime
Amazon MGM Studios Embraces AI: Greenlights Three Series for Prime Video Under New ‘GenAI Creators’ Fund’
Amazon MGM Studios is touting the power of AI to help create “cinematic” entertainment in a big new initiative — although execs are quick to say it will empower human creative professionals, not replace them. The studio announced the GenAI Creators’ Fund, which is providing
Wheelhouse Acquires ‘Shark Week’ Powerhouse Anomaly Entertainment
Wheelhouse has acquired Anomaly Entertainment, Variety has learned. Anomaly was orignally founded in 2017 by former Discovery Channell Commissioners Matthew Kelly and Michael Sorensen. With the acquisition, Kelly and Sorensen will continue creating series and formats across all
How ‘Heated Rivalry’ Is Still Having an Impact at the TV Academy — Even Though It’s Not Emmy-Eligible
The Television Academy really, really wants to honor hit hockey romance “Heated Rivalry.” But because it was produced solely by Canadian producers and didn’t originate on a U.S. network, the show isn’t Emmy-eligible. It’s actually quite head-scratching: International projects
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ Trailer: Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder Star in Jane Schoenbrun’s Sapphic Slasher
Mubi has released the full trailer for the queer satirical slasher “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.” The film stars Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, and is set for theatrical release via Mubi on August 7. “Camp Miasma” marks writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s third
The Chicks Are Ready to Make Tour Plans, With ‘Taking the Long Way’ 20th Anniversary Theater Outing Set for Fall
The Chicks will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their multiply Grammy-winning “Taking the Long Way” album with a 10-city, 16-date run through U.S. theaters this fall. It marks the trio’s first trip out on the road in America since they did an arena tour in 2023. The tour has
‘The Breadwinner’ Review: Nate Bargatze Bumbles Through a Domestic Comedy That Thinks Incompetent Dads are Still Funny
“When mom goes to work, dad goes berserk!” read the tagline for Stan Dragoti’s 1983 comedy “Mr. Mom.” The line could just as easily be plastered across the poster of “The Breadwinner,” an unimaginative update of the househusband formula directed by Eric Appel and starring the
‘Abbott Elementary’ EPs Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker Sign With UTA
Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker have signed with UTA for representation in all areas, Variety has learned. The duo continue to be repped by Adventure Media and Allison Binder at Goodman Genow Schenkman. Halpern and Schumacker and their company, Delicious Non-Sequitur
Stan Lee ‘Returns’ Under AI Pact: ElevenLabs Licenses Marvel Legend’s Voice and Likeness
Marvel Comics has long resurrected iconic characters for second acts. Now ElevenLabs is doing the same for Marvel’s most famous creator, Stan Lee — in a sense. The AI audio company on Wednesday said it struck an expansive deal with Stan Lee Universe, the joint venture between
Allie and Dean, the Audio Version: ‘Off Campus’ Breakouts Mika Abdalla and Stephen Kalyn to Narrate ‘Intoxicating’ Quinn Erotic Drama ‘Rent Free’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Mika Abdalla and Stephen Kalyn, best known as Allie Hayes and Dean Di Laurentis in Prime Video’s “Off Campus,” will star in Quinn’s three-episode immersive original audio romance “Rent Free.” This marks the second Quinn Originals duet production, following Hudson Williams and
CBS News Boots Sharyn Alfonsi Off ‘60 Minutes’ After She Tangled With Bari Weiss Over Story
Sharyn Alfonsi, a veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent who has worked on the venerable newsmagazine since 2015, said Wednesday she believes CBS News has removed her from the program after she raised issues about the way Bari Weiss, the news division’s editor in chief, handled an
Vincent Bolloré’s Son Slams ‘Neo-Fascist’ Accusations Amid Growing Backlash Against Canal+
Cyrille Bolloré, who took over from his father Vincent at the helm of the Bolloré Group in 2019, has rejected accusations that his family or Canal+ are pursuing any political agenda, telling shareholders at the group’s annual general meeting in Paris on Wednesday that there is
A$AP Rocky to Be Honored With Inaugural Tribeca X Filmmaker of the Year Award; Full Programming Lineup Released (EXCLUSIVE)
Tribeca X, the Tribeca Festival’s flagship program dedicated to brand-supported storytelling, has announced that A$AP Rocky will be honored with the inaugural Tribeca X Filmmaker of the Year Award, which recognizes the rapper for his work in music, fashion, film, design, and
Netflix and Spotify Acquire Video Rights to Jay Shetty’s ‘On Purpose’ Podcast in Deal Said to Be Worth up to $100 Million
The video version of Jay Shetty’s popular motivational podcast “On Purpose” is moving exclusively to Netflix and Spotify — making him the latest big-name podcaster to land a big-money distribution deal. Spotify, Netflix and Shetty on Wednesday announced a new partnership to
As Israel Steps up Air Strikes in Lebanon, Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema Forges Ahead With South Screens Festival That Oliver Laxe Will Attend
As Israel steps up air strikes in Lebanon, Beirut’s beloved Metropolis Cinema – championed by Lebanese filmmakers as an indie cinema beacon amid bombings, despair and dysfunction – has announced it is forging ahead with the second edition of its South Screens (Écrans du Sud)
