Marvel, ‘Lanterns’ and Johnny Depp: Here’s What Hit (and Missed) at Comic-Con 2026
From 'Doomsday' to 'Spaceballs' to 'Blade Runner: 2099' to DC Comics' Eisners sweep, here's what generated buzz in San Diego.
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Indie Film Grant Seeks to Help Female Directors Shoot on Celluloid
Women Behind the Camera, the initiative behind the grant, is founded by filmmaker and actress Armida López.
‘Obsession’ Star Michael Johnston in Talks to Join ‘The Mummy 4’ With Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz
“Obsession” star Michael Johnston is in early talks to join the fourth installment of “The Mummy,” Variety has confirmed. Johnston previously starred in the TV series “Teen Wolf,” but this year’s “Obsession” brought him to the attention of moviegoers when the low-budget Curry
‘Obsession’ Star Michael Johnston in Early Talks to Join ‘The Mummy’ Sequel
He would join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the Radio Silence feature.
Mother of ‘Rust’ Victim Halyna Hutchins, Olga Solovey, Dead at 67
Solovey sued actor Alec Baldwin after he discharged a replica revolver on set, fatally shooting her daughter
D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial for Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl
A judge ruled that singer D4vd must stand trial for allegedly killing and dismembering a 14-year-old girl. On Monday, Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined during a preliminary hearing that there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial. “The people have met their
How to Stream Shark Week Live Online Without Cable
Shark Week has officially returned, bringing another frenzy of great whites, makos and other underwater predators to Discovery Channel. The network’s annual programming event kicked off Sunday, July 26, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 1, with new specials airing nightly
Sean Astin Says ‘I Had to Sell My House’ During ‘Lord of the Rings’ Era Because $250,000 Payday Was So Low: ‘I Negotiated Such a Small Amount on the Trilogy’
Sean Astin said in a new interview with The Guardian that he was forced to sell his house amid “The Lord of the Rings” fame in the early 2000s because he negotiated such a small salary to play Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s landmark movie trilogy. The reveal may come as a
‘Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror’ Comic-Con Panelists Predict the Four Biggest Upcoming Trends in Genre Filmmaking
Horror is red-hot at the box office, but what is up next for the genre? Ideas flowed freely at the San Diego Comic-Con panel for Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror: Tenth Anniversary Edition, which took place on July 24. Panelists included both actors and behind-the-camera
‘Jay and Silent Bob’ Marijuana Farming Game in the Works
The newly launched indie company Nitrate Games is backing the project, described as an "adult cozy farm sim."
NBC Comedy ‘Newlyweds’ Casts Emma Meisel, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, Bill O’Neill
NBC’s new multi-cam comedy “Newlyweds” has cast three new series regulars, Variety has learned. Emma Meisel, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio and Bill O’Neill have all joined the series opposite leads Téa Leoni and Tim Daly. As previously reported, series executive producer Jamie Lee
ABC Sets Fall Premiere Dates for ‘Shark Tank,’ ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘DWTS’ and More
ABC has announced a slate of fall premiere dates. After some football kickoffs, “Dancing With the Stars” will return with a two-episode premiere on Sept. 15. Celebrity cast members include Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins and Jackson Olson, with more to be announced. “America’s
Canal+ Seals Landmark Pact to Invest Nearly $1.1 Billion in French and European Films
Canal+ has reached a five-year deal with French cinema organizations which will see the pay-TV powerhouse invest nearly €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in French and European films between 2028 and 2032. Canal+ Chairman and CEO Maxime Saada announced the deal in a post on X,
Ryan Gosling Pitched His Own ‘Ghost Rider’ Movie to Marvel as Studio Slows Down Output to Restore Quality: ‘When Quantity Is So Much, You Get Spread Thin’
Marvel’s buzzy Comic-Con presentation put two huge comic book movie tentpoles on the studio’s 2028 release calendar: “Black Panther 3,” featuring the debut of David Jonnson as T’Challa II/Toussaint, and “Ghost Rider,” starring Ryan Gosling in the title role. The announcement
BuzzFeed Laying Off 35% of Its Employees After Byron Allen Takes Over Company
BuzzFeed is slashing its workforce on the heels of the digital media company’s deal to sell a controlling ownership stake to entrepreneur and comedian Byron Allen. The company disclosed that it is laying off about 35% of its current employees and contractors. “The reduction in
Some Warner Bros. Execs Are Hoping States’ Antitrust Lawsuit Derails Paramount Deal
Privately, some top executives at Warner Bros. Discovery are rooting for the 12 states that have sued to block Paramount Skydance’s WBD takeover to win in court and get the megadeal nixed. What’s obvious, according to multiple sources, is that there’s a sizable contingent at
E.J. Peaker, Actress and Singer in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and ‘That’s Life,’ Dies at 82
She starred alongside Robert Morse on the latter, a Broadway-style musical comedy program at ABC that impressed critics but lasted just one season.
‘The Odyssey’ by the Numbers: 6 Ways Christopher Nolan’s Epic Is Shattering Box Office Expectations
With a sensational second weekend at the box office, it’s clear “The Odyssey” will have a long — and epic — journey in theaters. Christopher Nolan’s take on Homer’s 3,000-year-old poem, starring Matt Damon as the Greek king Odysseus, has generated a remarkable $652 million
‘The Odyssey’ Translator Who Inspired Christopher Nolan Thinks His Movie Stinks
The new blockbuster “lacks many of the elements that make the poem great,” writes Emily Wilson, the classics professor who famously translated Homer's poem in 2017
Massive Tribeca Fest Data Leak Exposes Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and More Celebs’ Contact Info; Meet the Man Who Discovered the Files
The Tribeca Festival suffered a data leak that exposed hundreds of thousands of records, as well as the contact information for thousands of celebrities, including Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Jennifer Lawrence, Angelina Jolie and festival co-founder Robert De Niro.
Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox to Star in ‘Women Like Us for Netflix
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are back in business with Netflix after going independent with their Higher Ground production banner.
Savannah Guthrie Posts New Video Urging Mother’s Kidnappers to ‘Do the Right Thing’: ‘Tell Us Where to Look for Her’
For the first time since April, Savannah Guthrie posted a new video to Instagram directly addressing her mother’s kidnappers. “I’m coming on today with a very specific message. It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare
Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams and Vivica A. Fox to Star in Netflix Comedy ‘Women Like Us’
Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams and Vivica A. Fox are teaming up to star in a new original comedy movie for Netflix. The film, titled “Women Like Us” is produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground and Charles D. King’s Macro Film Studios. Tasha Smith (“Bel-Air,”
Gold House Launches Gold House Studios, Unveiling A Slate Led By ‘The Boys’ Star Karen Fukuhara (EXCLUSIVE)
Gold House, the cultural platform behind the Gold Open movement and The Gold Gala is moving into production with the launch of Gold House Studios. Since its launch eight years ago, Gold House has been one of the most influential forces in entertainment and culture. The company
Ryan Reynolds Snuck Into Comic-Con as Deadpool With ‘No Handlers’ and ‘No Security’: ‘I Felt So Lucky’
When Ryan Reynolds showed up at Comic Con on Saturday during the Marvel Studios presentation, audiences were surprised. He didn’t show up in his regular red suit, but donned a grey denim suit instead. It was afterwards that fans who had been wandering the halls of Comic Con and
‘Resident Evil,’ ‘Ghosts,’ ‘Walking Dead’ and More Stars Geek Out on Comic-Con’s Biggest Panels
Variety returned to San Diego Comic-Con and hosted the casts of major movies and TV shows, like “Resident Evil,” “Ghosts,” “Walking Dead: Dead City” and more in the Variety Studio, presented by Google TV. Resident Evil Watching Austin Abrams turn an off-beat junkie into a
‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Author Matt Dinniman Explains Casting Audiobook Narrator Jeff Hays as Princess Donut: ‘We Are Listening’ to the Fans
Marvel and DC should watch out because “Dungeon Crawler Carl” may be the next huge fandom. Author Matt Dinniman’s “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series began as a self-published novel in 2019. The series follows Carl, a Coast Guard veteran who is thrown into a deadly, video
‘Michael’ Sets Streaming Release Date After Billion-Dollar Box Office Run
The King of Pop is headed to streaming. “Michael,” the musical biopic that follows Michael Jackson’s career, will begin streaming on Starz on Aug. 10. Released on April 24, “Michael” grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the biggest hits of 2026. Directed by
‘The Odyssey’ Translator Emily Wilson Slams Christoper Nolan’s ‘Abysmal’ Screenplay: ‘I Would Be Ashamed to Have Written Any Part of This Script’
Christopher Nolan cited Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of “The Odyssey” as an influence on his own interpretation of Homer’s epic poem while on the press tour for his latest blockbuster. Wilson is not returning the favor. In a negative review of Nolan’s “The Odyssey” for the
Jon Stewart, Pete Davidson Lead 9/11 Benefit at Madison Square Garden
Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, a comedy benefit show will feature Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Bill Burr, Ronny Chieng, Nikki Glaser, Josh Johnson, and many more
‘Rose Hill’ Amazon Series Casts Jake Weary, Sean O’Pry, Hannah Galway, Sadie Dickerson
The “Rose Hill” Amazon Prime Video series has cast four lead roles. Jake Weary (“The Waterfront,” “Animal Kingdom”), Sean O’Pry, Hannah Galway (“Under the Banner of Heaven,” “Sex/Life”), and Sadie Dickerson (“Just In Time” on Broadway, “Vladimir” Off Broadway) have all joined
Jay-Z Announces Additional London and Los Angeles Dates for ‘Jay-Z 30’ Concert Series
Jay-Z has announced additional dates for London and Los Angeles following his three sold-out shows at Yankee Stadium earlier this month. The rapper has tacked on a second date at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he will perform on September 4 and 5, as well as Los
‘Heated Rivalry’ Producer Brendan Brady Backs Yukon-Set Rom-Com ‘From Me to You’ (Exclusive)
Director Daniel Little’s feature about two damaged people looking for love in Whitehorse stars Allan Dobrescu, Genvieve Doyon and Tahmoh Penikett.
Miley Cyrus Says She ‘Genuinely’ Wants to Act Again as She Signs With Atlantic Records and Charts Next Chapter: ‘I’d Love to Disappear Into Something Romantic’
As the guest editor of the new issue of Wonderland magazine, Miley Cyrus used the opportunity not only to talk about the next chapter of her career, but to bring together people she admires, from Dolly Parton and Daryl Hannah to mother Tish Cyrus-Purcell and sister Noah Cyrus,
Prince Musical ‘Purple Rain’ to Debut on Broadway in 2027
A stage adaptation of “Purple Rain,” the 1984 cult classic film starring Prince, will debut on Broadway in 2027. The musical will run at the Majestic Theatre, with previews beginning on March 12 ahead of opening night on April 12. Producers announced the news on the 42nd
Venice Chief Alberto Barbera Under Fire for Lack of Female Directors in Competition: ‘It Is a One-Dimensional Selection’
Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera has sparked criticism from several Italian film organizations — including Women in Film Television and Media Italia — for this year’s sharp drop in female directors, with only one woman-helmed film in the 20-title
Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson Plan Another All-Star Comedy Event to Benefit 9/11 Charities, 25 Years After the Attacks
As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approach, Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson have partnered with Live Nation for the event “NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit.” The one-night-only event will take place at Madison Square Garden on
‘King of Drag’ Season 2 Sets New Host, Judges Panel and September Premiere Date (EXCLUSIVE)
Cameron Esposito has been tapped to host Season 2 of the reality competition show “King of Drag.” Esposito, a stand-up comedian and author with roles in “Take My Wife” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” will host the eight-episode season filled with more challenges that will test each
David Ellison Addresses Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Delay Amid State AGs’ Lawsuit in Staff Memo: ‘The Facts and the Law Are on Our Side’
Paramount CEO David Ellison, in a companywide memo, sought to project confidence that his $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery will — eventually — cross the finish line. On Friday, Paramount disclosed an agreement to put the WBD deal on hold for at least several
‘Heated Rivalry’ Success Sparks New Publishing House From Gay Adult Entertainment Giant Falcon | NakedSword (EXCLUSIVE)
Just nine months after “Heated Rivalry” premiered and became a worldwide phenomenon, gay adult entertainment company Falcon | NakedSword is getting into the book business. The San Francisco-based company is launching FalconInk, a publishing house with a focus on erotic fiction,
Peacock to Be Included in YouTube Premium Subscription Bundle Starting in 2027
NBCUniversal is hoping Peacock will catch a huge updraft from a new bundling pact with Google’s YouTube. Under a new multiyear agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube, Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be available in a new YouTube Premium bundle in the U.S.
After a 50-Year Split, Los Angeles’ TV Academy and New York’s National Academy of TV Arts & Sciences in Talks to Re-Merge
Fifty years after the TV Academy broke into two, rival Los Angeles- and New York-based organizations, the two sides are exploring a re-merger. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and the Television Academy revealed Monday morning that they have started
‘I Want Your Sex’ Director Gregg Araki on Using an Intimacy Coordinator for the First Time, Opening Outfest and Gen Z Turning Away From Sex: ‘That’s F—ing Life!’
“I Want Your Sex” writer and director Gregg Araki has seen the reports of Gen Z having less sex, and he has some notes. “Like, why don’t you have sex? What’s going on?” Araki told Variety at the opening night of OutfestNEXT on Thursday at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg
Laufey Signs With UTA in All Areas
Fast-rising Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey has signed with United Talent Agency for global representation in all areas, the company announced early Monday. UTA will work to secure opportunities across live touring, media, filmed entertainment, brand partnerships, and
Imax China Prepares Full ‘Odyssey’ Rollout Across Nearly 800 Screens as CEO Cites the ‘Christopher Nolan Effect’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Imax China is preparing to dedicate the vast majority of its nearly 800-screen network to Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” when the film opens in mainland China on Aug. 14, with CEO Daniel Manwaring telling Variety that audience anticipation for the release “is going to be
Carly Simon Reveals Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis: ‘I Have Not Stopped Living and I Have Not Stopped Working’
Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 83-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for her 1972 hit “You’re So Vain,” revealed the news on Monday in a statement obtained by Variety. “So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative
Deep Com Roots Sells ‘Summer Days’ to Half the World, as ISII Group Rolls on ‘Amor de Dios’ With Belen Rueda (EXCLUSIVE)
Flexing its muscles as one of the biggest new kids on its film industry block, Spain’s ISII Group has gone into production on “Amor de Dios” headlined by “The Orphanage” star Belén Rueda and produced by ISII banner label Inefable Productions. The news comes as ISII Group
Diego Luna to Be Feted at Sarajevo Film Festival as ‘Ashes’ Screens
Mexican actor, director and producer Diego Luna will be feted at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, which runs Aug. 14 to 21. Luna will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo in recognition of his “outstanding career and indelible contribution to cinema.” The festival will screen
Diego Luna to Receive Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at Bosnian Film Festival
"It's been many years since I've wanted to go to Sarajevo," said the 'Andor' star.
Locarno’s StepIn Focuses on ‘Power, People, Data and the Future of Film’: ‘The Counter-Algorithm Is a Human Being Who Gives a Damn’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Now in its 15th year, Locarno’s think tank StepIn will debate “Power, People, Data and the Future of Film.” “Last year, StepIn focused on one of the defining qualities of independent cinema: the willingness to embrace risk. One of the strongest conclusions from those
