Sam Neill Shares He’s Cancer-Free After Chemo Stopped Working: ‘An Extraordinary Thing’
"It looked like I was on the way out," the Jurassic Park star said
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What’s Coming to Disney+ in May 2026
Disney+ is heading into May with a packed lineup of premieres, returning favorites and major live sports. May kicks off with the premiere of “Sofia the First: Royal Magic” and “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir Chibi: Shorts.” ESPN broadcasts begin early, including the
Macro and A16Z Cultural Leadership Fund Launch Fellowship With Inaugural Class of Seven Storytellers
Macro and Andreessen Horowitz Cultural Leadership Fund have unveiled the inaugural class of the Epigraph Creator Fellowship, a program designed to connect culturally grounded storytellers with emerging AI tools shaping the future of content creation. The eight-week fellowship
Anne Hathaway Says Thinner Models Were Not Fired From ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ and ‘There’s Misinformation Out There’: ‘Nobody Lost Their Jobs’ in Push for Size Inclusivity
Anne Hathaway is clarifying one of the viral stories around the making of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which brings the Oscar winner back as Andy Sachs. In a Harper’s Bazaar cover story published last month, Hathaway’s co-star Meryl Streep revealed that Hathaway went up to the
Jane Fonda Slams FCC’s Review of ABC Licenses as ‘Naked Attempt to Weaponize Government Power Against Dissent’
Jane Fonda, the actor and activist who is the founder of the modern Committee for the First Amendment, strongly criticized the FCC’s order requiring Disney’s ABC-owned local stations to apply for early renewal of their broadcast licenses. The agency’s order Tuesday came a day
Mariska Hargitay Discusses Doc ‘My Mom Jayne,’ Reveals She’ll Direct 600th ‘SVU’ Episode — and That She and Chris Meloni Filmed a Kiss (Exclusive)
The beloved TV star, whose HBO doc about her late mother, movie star Jayne Mansfield, is in contention for the best documentary special Emmy, spoke with THR at the Napa Valley StreamFest.
WGA West Accuses Its Staffers of Violence and Intimidation as Strike Hits 10 Weeks
The WGA West accused its own staffers on Tuesday of engaging in violence and intimidation on picket lines, and said it would not negotiate further as the staff strike hit 71 days. In a memo to members, the top officers of the guild said that picketers had called writers “scabs”
‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Torches ‘Michael’ and ‘Nasty’ Antoine Fuqua for Whitewashing Michael Jackson’s Alleged Abuse
It is, to this day, the only film screening I’ve attended that was inspected by bomb-sniffing dogs. The premiere of “Leaving Neverland,” a documentary exploring Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s child sexual-abuse allegations against pop legend Michael Jackson, had received
Disney’s ‘Toast to TV’ Emmy FYC Kickoff, Hosted by Dana Walden, Celebrates With A-List Stars, Producers
For a brief moment Monday night, Hollywood folks put aside any concerns they have about the industry’s troubles and found reason to celebrate at the Walt Disney Co.’s “Toast to Television.” The event, held at Soho House Hollywood, was exactly that: A moment for some of the
‘Michael’: Nia Long on Giving Katherine Jackson Her Due, Separating Her Performance From Angela Bassett’s and What She Wants to See in a Sequel
Last week, Nia Long got the tap on the shoulder she’s been waiting for forever. It was a summons from Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the Jackson family, whom she portrays in the new biopic, “Michael.” Long steeled herself as she walked into a green room backstage at the
A Night in the Writers’ Room Returns Spotlighting Creators of Top Television Series
Variety’s annual A Night in the Writers’ Room event returns on May 7 in Los Angeles. The event will feature intimate conversations and behind-the-scenes insights into the art and craft of television storytelling for a curated audience of TV voting members. Programming for the
Quixote Studios Lays Off 70, Winds Down L.A. Locations Amid Production Slump
Quixote Studios is shuttering its Atlanta-based production services business and winding down its soundstage business in L.A. amid an ongoing production slump, the company announced Tuesday. The changes will mean layoffs for about 70 people in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Hudson
FCC Orders Early Review of Disney’s ABC Stations as Trump Feuds With Jimmy Kimmel
Parent company Disney is being ordered to refile for licenses for the eight stations it owns after the president and First Lady demanded the late-night host to be fired over a joke
Music Industry Moves: Avex Secures $100 Million for Catalog Acquisitions, Harry Chapin Estate Partners With Primary Wave
Avex Music Group, the global music company of Japanese entertainment giant Avex helmed by CEO Brandon Silverstein, has announced the launch of a $100 million fund to be aimed at catalog acquisitions, structured through a financing deal with City National Bank. According to the
‘American Pie’ Star Shannon Elizabeth Earns More Than $1.2 Million on OnlyFans in First Week
Shannon Elizabeth’s pivot to OnlyFans is off to a blockbuster start. Creators Inc. CEO Andy Bachman reveals the “American Pie” and “Scary Movie” star has “grossed seven figures in her first week on the platform,” with sources telling Variety that Elizabeth surpassed the $1.2
Canneseries Artistic Director on Hosting ‘White Lotus’ Producer and Luring International Talent, From Adam Scott to Noah Hawley and Jisoo
On the Croisette, the Canneseries Festival has quietly stepped into its own spotlight. Since 2025, when MipTV moved to London, the pink-carpeted TV festival has sharpened its identity as a standalone event spearheaded by artistic director Albin Lewi. A month before the Cannes
‘Hazbin Hotel’ Renewed for Fifth and Final Season at Prime Video (TV News Roundup)
“Hazbin Hotel” has been renewed for a fifth and final season, Prime Video has announced. From creator Vivienne Medrano, A24 and Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment, the series follows Charlie, described as “the princess of Hell,” as she “pursues her seemingly
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Argue Over Expert Witnesses as Trial Looms
Neither actor attended Tuesday’s pre-trial conference where attorneys argued over the admissibility of expert witness testimony regarding Lively's reputational damage and economic losses
Enhanced Games, a Sports Competition Where Athletes Can Take Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Taps Emmanuel Acho, Abby Labar, Bryan Johnson
When these sportscasters tell viewers a game has juice, they won’t be kidding. Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho and sportscaster Abby Labar will serve as studio anchors for the inaugural Enhanced Games, a series of competitions slated to take place in late May that allow the
Sean Penn, Paul Rudd and More Join Tribeca Festival’s Talks, Reunions and Retrospectives Lineup – Film News in Brief
The Tribeca Festival has released its 2026 lineup of talks, reunions and retrospectives, featuring conversations with stars including Sean Penn, Paul Rudd, Keke Palmer, Dwyane Wade, Finneas and Este Haim. A series of one-night-only events spanning film, music and culture,
‘Dances With Wolves’ Star Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assault
“Dances With Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse been sentenced to life in prison by a Nebraska judge for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, according to the Associated Press. A jury had previously convicted him of 13 charges, mostly related to sexual assault of
‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix
Netflix has renewed the animated series “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” for Season 2. The news comes just five days after the series premiered on April 23. The events of the animated show take place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action mothership series. The official
‘Unchosen’ Debuts With 10.4 Million Views in Six Days
“Unchosen” debuted as the most-watched TV series on Netflix during the week of April 20-26, hitting 10.4 million views in its first six days of availability after its April 21 premiere. It was outdone by a few titles on the movies chart, though; the thriller “Apex” debuted at
L.A. Production Report: Karen Bass Says Hollywood Is ‘Turning a Corner’ as Subsidies Kick In
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass proclaimed Tuesday that Hollywood is “turning a corner,” as production volume ticked up slightly in the first quarter of 2026 on the back of increased state subsidies. Bass, who is in a tough race for reelection, hailed the increase as a sign that
Ted Lasso Returns to the AFC Richmond Pitch in New Season Four Teaser
The Emmy Award-winning series’ will return to Apple TV on Aug. 5
Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker Ask If You Can Date Your Best Friend’s Daughter in Disney+ Canneseries Winner ‘Alice and Steve’
“Alice and Steve,” played by Nicola Walker (“The Split”) and Jemaine Clement (“What We Do in the Shadows”), are best friends. And then they aren’t, because Steve sleeps with Alice’s twentysomething daughter Izzy and starts dating her. “I love describing this premise,” laughs
‘Papertown’ Documentary Featuring an Original Song by Dave Matthews Sets Premiere at MountainFilm Festival
“Papertown,” a documentary directed by Jeremy Seifert (“Sacred Planet: The Heart of the World”, “The Devil We Know”) and Co-Directed by Benjamin James Roberts is set to premiere at the MountainFilm Festival on May 22. The documentary chronicles the sudden closure of a
LISTEN: Writer Aaron Tracy Explores the Life of the Author Who Excited Children’s Imaginations With ‘The Secret World of Roald Dahl’
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, writer-producer Aaron Tracy discusses his hugely popular Imagine/iHeart Media podcast “The Secret World of Roald Dahl.” The author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Matilda,” “The BFG” and many
Macro and a16z’s Cultural Leadership Fund Announce Inaugural Class for the Epigraph Creator Fellowship
Macro and Andreessen Horowitz’s Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) announced the inaugural class for The Epigraph Creator Fellowship, a unique program that pairs filmmakers with frontier AI tools to integrate into their creative process. The selected fellows are Bianca Lambert,
Disney+ Squirm-Inducing Comedy ‘Alice and Steve’ Sweeps Canneseries
Disney+ series “Alice and Steve” swept Canneseries on Tuesday night, scoring best series as well as a Special Interpretation and Student Award. A Disney+ commission by its U.K. office and part of its push into comedy, “Alice and Steve”marks the latest from “Sex Education”
Fernando Mendoza Merch Selling for Thousands Online As NFL’s Top Draft Pick Heads to Las Vegas
Fernando Mendoza is already making his mark on the NFL even before he plays his first game. The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft last week, with the 22-year-old selected by the Las Vegas Raiders. Now,
‘Lady Champagne,’ ‘Hunky Jesus’ and ‘Barbara Forever’ Selected for Milestone Frameline Festival
Frameline will host the 50th edition of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ film festival from June 17-27.
Forced Perspective and The Boldest Form Strategic Partnership to Develop Film and TV IP
Production company Forced Perspective and venture firm The Boldest have formed a strategic partnership to develop scalable, franchise-ready IP across film and television, via a new IP fund. The partnership brings together Forced Perspective’s Jazzy Collins and The Boldest’s
YouTube TV Launches Customized Multiview Across the Full Channel Lineup
After years in development, YouTube TV is finally rolling out a customizable multiview feature for subscribers, letting you view up to four channels on one screen. Previously, YouTube TV’s multiview, first introduced in March 2023, was limited to a pre-set list of sports and
‘White Lotus’ Swap: Laura Dern Takes Over for Helena Bonham Carter
Showrunner Mike White is rewriting the role for Dern as production on Season Four continues
‘A Prophet’ Producer Marco Cherqui Sets French Crime Drama ‘La Petite’ With ‘Vendetta’ Writer, ‘Call My Agent!’ Director (EXCLUSIVE)
Veteran French producer Marco Cherqui, best known for Jacques Audiard’s Oscar-nominated film “A Prophet,” will next produce “La Petite,” a four-part drama commissioned by France 2. Set to shoot in six weeks, the series will be directed by Antoine Garceau (Call My Agent!) and
Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay’s Murder
Nearly 24 years after the murder of Jam Master Jay, another conviction in the case has landed. Jay Bryant, a 52-year-old resident of Far Rockaway, Queens, pleaded guilty yesterday to providing access to a studio in Queens where Jam Master Jay — born Jason Mizell, and the man
Dave Chappelle Re-Teams With Netflix for Three Comedy Shows During Netflix Is a Joke Fest
Dave Chappelle is joining Netflix Is a Joke 2026 with three nights of shows at the Hollywood Palladium. The streaming giant has announced that Chappelle will take over the iconic venue from May 7-9 with shows that blend music and comedy. Tickets will go on sale on April 29.
Andy Cohen to Receive Variety’s Creative Impact in Television Award at Newport Beach TV Fest
Andy Cohen will be honored with the Variety Creative Impact in Television Award at the Newport Beach TV Fest on Friday, June 5. The award is to recognize individuals who have made indelible contributions to the television industry. Cohen is an Emmy-winning and five-time Peabody
‘Pluribus,’ ‘Beef,’ ‘I Love LA,’ ‘Big Mistakes,’ ‘Death By Lightning’ Among This Year’s Gotham TV Awards Nominees
Netflix’s ‘Big Mistakes” and “Death By Lightning” led the nominations for this year’s Gotham Television Awards, as announced Tuesday by the Gotham Film & Media Institute. The org revealed noms in 12 award categories. “With today’s nominations, our third annual Gotham Television
Steve Maslow, Oscar-Winning Sound Mixer on ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Speed,’ Dies at 81
A seven-time nominee, he started out in the music business with the Strawberry Alarm Clock before teaming with Gregg Landaker on scores of movies.
BAFTA-Winning ‘Under the Shadow’ Filmmaker Babak Anvari and Production Company Two & Two Pictures Sign With Range (EXCLUSIVE)
Range has signed BAFTA-winning filmmaker Babak Anvari and his production company Two & Two Pictures. The London-based, Iranian-born filmmaker’s feature directorial debut “Under the Shadow,” which he also wrote, premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. The Persian-language
Lesli Linka Glatter Talks Decades-Spanning Career, Working With Anti-Trump Robert De Niro on ‘Zero Day’ – and Why Everyone Needs a Moose Head on the Table
Veteran TV director and Canneseries juror Lesli Linka Glatter opened up about Netflix’s political thriller “Zero Day.” Showing the aftermath of a shocking cyberattack, it stars Robert De Niro. “Before I met Bob, I was really panicked. Here I am, working with a legend – what
Quinta Brunson to Receive 3rd Annual Mary Tyler Moore Visionary Award at FYC TV Fest
Variety, along with Mary Tyler Moore’s husband Dr. S. Robert Levine, will present Quinta Brunson with the third annual Mary Tyler Moore Visionary Award at FYC TV Fest on May 6 in Los Angeles. In addition to the awards presentation, the day features genre-focused discussions
New York’s Central Park SummerStage Announces 2026 Concert Schedule
Laurie Anderson, Angélique Kidjo, Mavis Staples, De La Soul, Spoon, Julieta Venegas, Black Country, New Road and Horsegirl are among the artists who will grace the stage of the 2026 season of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, New York City’s iconic outdoor
‘ShootAround,’ Zombie Webcomic, Becoming Live-Action Film From Lion Forge Entertainment and Webtoon Productions (EXCLUSIVE)
Lion Forge Entertainment and Webtoon Productions are teaming up to bring the zombie horror-comedy “ShootAround” to the big screen as a YA live-action film. Aiyana K. White, whose credits include “Severance” and “The Night Agent,” will write the feature based on the Webtoon
Indonesian Zombie Horror ‘Zona Merah: Dead City’ Boards Barunson E&A for International Sales, Sets Cannes Film Market Launch
“Zona Merah: Dead City,” a big-screen expansion of the hit Indonesian zombie series, has brought on Barunson E&A – the Seoul-based company whose credits include Oscar-winning “Parasite” – to sell the film internationally ahead of a debut at the Cannes Film Market. Produced by
Cinespia Marks 25th Season With ‘E.T.,’ ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’ at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Cinespia will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a new slate of classic film screenings, kicking off the summer season at Hollywood Forever Cemetery with titles including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,””Moulin Rouge!” and “Mulholland Drive.” The long-running outdoor
Trump’s FCC Orders ABC to File Broadcast TV License Renewals Within 30 Days in Wake of Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Joke
The FCC has ordered Disney’s eight owned ABC stations to apply for early renewal of their broadcast licenses — by May 28 — citing an investigation into the company’s DEI practices. The agency’s order on the early license review said the action is pursuant to a probe into Disney
