Trans Rights Supporters Protest J.K. Rowling at London Harry Potter Store Opening
The author's vocal anti-trans sentiments have become poisonous to the franchise in recent years
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Thomasin McKenzie, Finn Cole and Antony Starr to Lead Folklore Retelling ‘The Lie of Sherwood Forest,’ Logical and Protagonist Launching at AFM (EXCLUSIVE)
The legend of Robin Hood is set to be given a new retelling in “The Lie of Sherwood Forest,” launching at the upcoming AFM with Logical Pictures International and Protagonist Pictures handling sales. The film — coming from German production company augenschein and beginning
Paris Creator Week Aims to Become the Cannes of the Creator Economy as New Study Forecasts $1.2 Trillion Global Market
Paris Creator Week is doubling in size this year, drawing 8,000 industry professionals and top executives from YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn and traditional media giants including Banijay and Mediawan. The gathering kicks off today at the Halle de la Villette where a new study is
Jason Sudeikis Takes on Fatherhood, Green Pigs in New ‘Angry Birds Movie 3’ Trailer
Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Rachel Bloom and Keke Palmer also lend voices to the Paramount animated sequel to hit theaters on Dec. 23.
Stocks Rally Higher After Democrats Flip Congress
Wall Street cheered the Blue Wave that put Democrats in control of both the Senate and House, with major market indexes and media stocks posting gains Wednesday morning after the midterm elections. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared over 1,100 points in early trading, up
‘Merry Everything’ Variety Series Featuring Jennie Garth, John Legend and Lori Loughlin to Lead QVC+’s Holiday TV Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)
QVC has unveiled its 2026 holiday programming lineup for subcription-free streamers QVC+ and HSN+, anchored by new variety series featuring celebrity guest stars like Jennie Garth, John Legend and Lori Loughlin. Hosted by QVC staple Chelsea Phillips Reid, “Merry Everything!” is
Bill Nighy, Hayley Atwell and Maisie Williams Lead Voice Cast of Animated Feature ‘The Last Dino’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Bill Nighy (“Living,” “Love Actually”), Hayley Atwell (“Mission: Impossible,” “Captain America”) and Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”) have joined the English-language voice cast of “The Last Dino,” the upcoming CG-animated family feature directed by Federico Milella. The
Tinto Brass, Director of Erotic Epics ‘Caligula’ and ‘Salon Kitty,’ Dies at 93
Italian director Tinto Brass, known for the historic erotic epics “Salon Kitty” and “Caligula,” has died. He was 93. Brass’ family announced the news of his death on Wednesday to Italian press agency Ansa. Born in Milan in 1933 to a Venetian family of artists, Brass first
‘Joy Will Prevail,’ Starring Griffin Dunne as Architect Louis Kahn and Alexis Bledel, Tells the Story of the Director’s Childhood Home (Exclusive PÖFF Trailer)
The feature debut of Max Korman, whose grandfather commissioned the architectural icon's final building, gets its international premiere at Tallinn, a nod to Kahn's birth in Estonia.
‘La Bola Negra’ Wins Audience Award at London Film Festival
“La Bola Negra,” the queer historical drama from Spanish filmmaking duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, collectively known as Los Javis, has won the audience award at the 2026 BFI London Film Festival. The film, which stars Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close and Miguel Bernardeau,
‘La Bola Negra’ Wins Another Prize — London Film Festival’s Audience Award
Grace Harper Brighouse's documentary 'Dependence' claimed the audience award for best British discovery as Los Javis' large-scale queer epic continues to steal hearts around the globe.
Thessaloniki Film Festival Chief Hopes Event Can Help ‘Ease Pain’ in ‘Difficult’ Times: ‘Cinema Matters’
The Thessaloniki Intl. Film Festival kicks off its 67th edition this week with an eclectic lineup of festival favorites, Oscar hopefuls and homegrown films that showcase the range and dynamism of the Greek industry. But on the eve of this year’s event, artistic director Orestis
Prime Video’s Superb Muhammad Ali Series ‘The Greatest’ Makes a Star Out of Newcomer Jaalen Best: TV Review
Some historical figures are so towering that they become mythical. Muhammad Ali, the athlete, the man, the activist, is one of them. Ali’s life was under the microscope while he was alive, and it has been chronicled during this century in films like 2001’s “Ali,” starring Will
How Thessaloniki’s Industry Arm Continues to Launch Regional Talent, Widen Its Focus With Partnerships ‘Across Europe and Beyond’
It’s been almost two decades since Thanos Stavropoulos, the Thessaloniki Intl. Film Festival’s incoming industry head, was hired by the long-running Greek fest as a programming assistant, assuming a variety of roles before taking the reins of its widely respected industry
Tinie Tempah, Nathalie Emmanuel, Russell Tovey Set for HollyShorts U.K. Honors (Exclusive)
Nicholas Pinnock ('Top Boy') and David Bradley ('Harry Potter', 'Game of Thrones') will also be recognized at HollyShorts' London edition.
Sky’s ITV Acquisition Hits Roadblock as Culture Secretary Issues Public Interest Intervention Notice
Sky’s acquisition of ITV has hit a roadblock as the U.K. culture secretary Lisa Nandy has officially issued an intervention notice. The issuing of a public interest intervention notice means the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority and media regulatory body Ofcom will both
‘Harry Potter’ Store Opening in London Draws Trans Rights Protesters Amid J.K. Rowling Controversy
Transgender rights protesters gathered outside the opening of London’s new “Harry Potter” flagship store on Wednesday, as controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s views on gender identity continues to follow the franchise. A group of around 16 demonstrators assembled
Jessica Rothe SXSW Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Imposters’ Sells to Brainstorm Media for U.S., Racks Up International Deals Ahead of AFM (EXCLUSIVE)
“Imposters,” the SXSW 2026 sci-fi thriller from first-time feature director Caleb Phillips, has landed U.S. distribution with Brainstorm Media, which plans to open the film theatrically in early 2027. Jessica Rothe (“River”), Barnett (“Russian Doll”) and Vazquez (“Severance”)
Hannah Einbinder Breaks Out Haley Stevens Impression After Abdul El-Sayed Michigan Victory
Hannah Einbinder made good on her promise to debut an impression of Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens if Abdul El-Sayed won the state’s Senate race on Tuesday night. Watching the midterm results roll in from a bar, the “Hacks” star promptly posted a video of her Stevens impression
‘Ulya’ Director Dives Into His Third Latvian Oscar Contender, Which Stars a Rising Actor as a Female Basketball Legend and Became a “Blockbuster”
Viesturs Kairišs also shares Herzog and Bergman inspirations for the film, opening Tallinn and starring Kārlis Arnolds Avots as Uljana Semjonova, the first non-U.S. woman in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
BAFTA Breakthrough Ted Evans Shares What Sign Language Taught Him About Film – and What’s Next After ‘Retreat’
The British writer-director, featured on the 2026 U.K. BAFTA Breakthrough list, supported by Netflix, also tells THR how "I always feel I have two audiences" and about his vision for "sign language cinema."
Milcho Manchevski’s ‘Sister Brother Manhole Cover’ Wins Top Prize at Tokyo Film Festival
Milcho Manchevski’s “Sister Brother Manhole Cover,” a comic allegory about two siblings who strip scrap metal from the streets of Skopje, won the Tokyo Grand Prix at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival on Wednesday. A steady drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of a full
Quentin Tarantino Thought He Was ‘Letting Down’ Brad Pitt by Not Directing Cliff Booth Sequel: ‘I Felt Bad About That’
Quentin Tarantino has admitted that Brad Pitt was on his mind when he stepped away from directing his sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” “[Pitt] was the one I felt I was really letting down when I didn’t do it,” Tarantino told Empire. “I felt bad about that.” Pitt
Jimmy Kimmel Celebrates Midterm Election ‘Blue Tsunami’: ‘Now the Red Wedding Begins’
“Democrats took so many seats JD Vance can’t even find one to have sex with him tonight”
Dylan Sprouse Says the Only Residual Check He’s Received for ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ Was ‘Five Cents’: ‘I’m Not Joking’
Dylan Sprouse revealed that the only residual check he ever received for “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” the Disney Channel sitcom that made him and his twin brother Cole stars, was “for five cents,” despite the show’s hit status during its three-season run. In an interview
Chinese Pop Star Chen Chusheng Commissions 14 Paintings From Artist Li Erpeng for ‘Wasteland of Wonders’ Vinyl (EXCLUSIVE)
Chen Chusheng, the Chinese singer-songwriter who won Hunan TV’s “Singer 2025,” has brought in contemporary artist Li Erpeng to paint 14 original works for the vinyl release of his album “Wasteland of Wonders.” On June 9, the day pre-orders opened, QQ Music awarded the vinyl
Cristian Mungiu’s Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru Breaks Down Long Takes on ‘Fjord,’ ‘R.M.N.’ at Jakarta World Cinema Masterclass
Known for his long-time collaboration with Romanian auteur Cristian Mungiu, cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru shared his experience making “Graduation,” “R.M.N.,” “Fjord” and Iraqi director Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake” during his masterclass at Jakarta World Cinema.
NBCUniversal, Hornbill Capital Back EloElo, Parent of Indian Microdrama Platform Story TV, in $80 Million Funding Round
NBCUniversal and India-focused investment firm Hornbill Capital have co-led an $80 million Series C round in EloElo Group, the Bengaluru-based company behind Indian microdrama platform Story TV. MIT Investment Co. joined the round alongside existing backers Play Ventures,
Karen Bass and Nithya Raman in Tight Race for L.A. Mayor in Early Returns
Karen Bass and Nithya Raman are in a tight race for L.A. mayor in early returns, and the race may not be called for days. At Raman’s election-night event in the plaza of the Greek Theatre, the mood was buoyant as the crowd watched Democrat wins steadily march across the South
Xavier Becerra Declared Winner of California Governor’s Race
Xavier Becerra has been declared the winner of the California governor’s race, easily swatting away a challenge from Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra, the Democrat, ran on a platform of lowering energy costs and working toward universal health care. The dominant theme of his
Democrats Win House and Senate in Sweeping Rout of GOP
In an outcome seen as a backlash to President Donald Trump, Democrats decisively won control of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The Senate’s flip to the Democrats was called by CNN at 11:35 p.m. ET, with the network projecting the
Weta FX and TAICCA Partner to Turn Taiwan Into an AI Screen Production Hub for Asia
Weta FX, the New Zealand visual effects house behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar,” is teaming with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) on a plan to turn Taiwan into a center for AI-driven screen production in Asia. The partnership will be formally launched on
‘The Incomer’ Attracted Domhnall Gleeson and Moby and Got Its Creator on the BAFTA Breakthrough List. Now, He’s Working on a Plan B Film.
Scottish writer-director Louis Paxton takes THR through his feature debut, how much it reflects real-life experiences and what’s next for him.
Lucy Liu’s ‘The Pirate Queen’ Expands With Graphic Novel, New Game and International Tour as Creator Eloise Singer Joins BAFTA Breakthrough Cohort (EXCLUSIVE)
Lucy Liu and Eloise Singer are preparing to take “The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters,” their immersive experience about Chinese pirate leader Cheng Shih, on an international tour next year, Singer tells Variety. The pair have also co-written a graphic novel and are developing a
Park Hoon-jung’s Assassin Noir ‘Tristes Tropiques’ Sells to North America, France, Spain
“Tristes Tropiques,” the latest genre outing from “New World” and “The Witch” director Park Hoon-jung, has been picked up for North America by Well Go USA as Finecut, which is carrying the film in its AFM line-up, closes a fresh round of deals ahead of the film’s Nov. 25
Christina Applegate Gives Update After Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnoses: ‘I’ll Never Leave This Community’
The actress said that she is back to “square one” and undergoing medical testing
‘Ish’ Has Resonated Widely Amid “Authoritarian Turn,” Says Its BAFTA Breakthrough Writer-Director
Imran Perretta discusses his feature debut, which has traveled the festival circuit over the past year and attracted attention amid the riots in France: "It sparks a conversation."
BAFTA Unveils 2026 Breakthrough U.K. Cohort, Including ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ Star Ella Bruccoleri
BAFTA has unveiled its 2026 Breakthrough U.K. cohort, selecting 21 emerging creatives across film, television and games for its annual talent development program, supported by Netflix. Now in its 13th year, the initiative recognizes rising talent across the screen industries,
‘Dune 3’ Production Designer Patrice Vermette Created a 55-Ton Spaceship for Sci-Fi Epic: It’s a ‘Major Spectacle’
Production designer Patrice Vermette promises the third and final instalkment in the “Dune” franchise is going to be “a major spectacle.” “You know when you go see fireworks, and they put everything in, and at the end, it’s ‘Oh, we have this one.’ It’s going to be like that,”
Eric Dane’s Posthumous Memoir Reveals Actor’s Fight With Josh Duhamel on Set: ‘Let’s Go, You P—- Ass Actor!’
Eric Dane reveals in his posthumously-released new memoir “My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments” that he fought with Josh Duhamel on the set of “Las Vegas,” the NBC series that Duhamel headlined opposite James Caan for five seasons between 2003 and 2008 (via Entertainment
Jennifer Lawrence Cites ‘Hunger Games’ While Encouraging Fans to Vote: “Don’t Forget Who Burns With Us”
The Oscar winner shared a photo of herself doing the iconic three-finger salute from the film franchise while sharing a link to Vote.org.
Jennifer Lawrence Quotes ‘The Hunger Games’ While Urging Fans to Vote on Election Day: ‘Don’t Forget Who Burns With Us’
Jennifer Lawrence encouraged her 8.7 million Instagram followers to vote on Election Day by channeling her iconic role of Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunter Games.” The Oscar winner posted a photo of herself on Instagram giving the franchise’s trademark three-finger salute along
Kurosawa Award Winner O Mipo Is ‘Making Up for Lost Time’ After Career Break to Raise Her Sons
Co-recipient of the 2026 Kurosawa Akira Award together with Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, Korean-Japanese director O Mipo was in an understandably upbeat mood when she met with Variety just before the award ceremony on Tuesday at Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel, under the aegis
Elizabeth Holmes’ Partner Did an AMA About That Shower Scene, His Sniffing, and ‘You Can See Everything’
Billy Evans also addressed having power of attorney over the convicted Theranos fraudster, and his favorite pop divas, in spoiler-filled Q&A on X
‘Cher Adores Michael Douglas,’ Icon’s Rep Says After Douglas Disses Her Oscar Win for ‘Moonstruck’
Cher is responding with grace to Michael Douglas’ viral diss over her 1988 Oscar win for “Moonstruck.” A representative for the music and acting icon told Entertainment Weekly point blank: “Cher adores Michael Douglas.” At the 60th Academy Awards in April 1988, Cher took home
Oscar Predictions: Animated Feature — A New and Competitive Era for the Medium That Isn’t Just for Kids
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis.
‘The Elder Scrolls 6’ Title Revealed (Gaming News Roundup)
Bethesda Game Studios has officially revealed the subtitle and logo for “The Elder Scrolls 6.” The sixth edition was announced as “Sentinel” alongside a logo reveal in a video message from longtime franchise director Todd Howard as part of Bethesda’s 40th anniversary Tuesday.
Netflix Orders YA Drama ‘Prep’ Based on Curtis Sittenfeld Novel From Nicole Taylor
Netflix has given a straight-to-series order to the drama “Prep,” based on the novel of the same name by Curtis Sittenfeld. The show is officially described as a coming-of-age story about “scholarship girl Lee Fiora’s high school years at Ault, a prestigious New England
James Wan and Jason Blum Unveil New Company Name: Blumhouse Atomic
James Wan and Jason Blum have unveiled a new umbrella title for their merged horror production companies, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster: Blumhouse Atomic. Blumhouse and Atomic Monster will continue to operate as distinct production labels, and their respective creative teams
What Election Day Commentators Are Saying: Trump Rants, Hasan Piker Wonders if MAGA ‘Cult’ Is Over and More (Updating)
It’s Election Day in America, which means that pundits were falling over each other to discuss the day’s results as soon as the polls opened. At stake: all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and plenty of high-profile state races. Here’s what some of the
