INSIDER
‘Smile 2’ grinning to No. 1 at box office while ‘Anora’ glitters in limited release
Read full article: ‘Smile 2’ grinning to No. 1 at box office while ‘Anora’ glitters in limited releaseHorror movies topped the domestic box office charts and the Oscar contender “Anora” got off to a sparkling start this weekend.
'Walking Dead' spinoffs, 'Interview With the Vampire' can resume with actors' union approval
Read full article: 'Walking Dead' spinoffs, 'Interview With the Vampire' can resume with actors' union approvalTwo spinoffs of “The Walking Dead” and the next season of “Interview With the Vampire” will be resuming production despite the Hollywood strikes after reaching a deal with the actors' union.
‘Gran Turismo' and ‘Barbie’ are neck-and-neck at the box office
Read full article: ‘Gran Turismo' and ‘Barbie’ are neck-and-neck at the box office“Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story” and “Barbie” are in a dead heat for the box-office crown, with the video game adaptation just edging Greta Gerwig’s pop sensation, according to studio estimates Sunday.
On the picket lines with Hollywood's actors and writers, from LA to New York
Read full article: On the picket lines with Hollywood's actors and writers, from LA to New YorkThe sidewalks of Hollywood and midtown Manhattan teemed with actors joining Hollywood's writers in protest outside the corporate offices of studios, streamers, and production companies.
Armie Hammer and his wife, Elizabeth Chambers, reach settlement in divorce
Read full article: Armie Hammer and his wife, Elizabeth Chambers, reach settlement in divorceArmie Hammer has reached a divorce agreement with his wife, Elizabeth Chambers, nearly three years after she filed to end their marriage.
New this week: 'Better Call Saul,' Bonnie Raitt and 'Barry'
Read full article: New this week: 'Better Call Saul,' Bonnie Raitt and 'Barry'This week’s new entertainment releases include a new album from Bonnie Raitt, Bob Odenkirk starts the long farewell season of “Better Call Saul” and “The Batman,” the biggest box-office hit so far this year, lands Monday on HBO Max.
'Shang-Chi' tops box office again with $35.8 million
Read full article: 'Shang-Chi' tops box office again with $35.8 million“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” stayed on top at the box office, collecting $35.8 million in ticket sales in its second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Audiences hold back, even as more movie theaters open
Read full article: Audiences hold back, even as more movie theaters openAnimated character Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, left, appears with Sisu the dragon in a scene from "Raya and the Last Dragon." (Disney+ via AP)Theaters reopening in New York City this weekend did not set the box office on fire. Walt Disney Animation's “ Raya and the Last Dragon ” earned an estimated $8.6 million from 2,045 locations in North America. AdWarner Bros. “Tom & Jerry,” which is available to stream free for HBO Max subscribers, brought in $6.6 million from 2,563 North American theaters in its second available weekend. Many areas in North America are not yet fully open, including Los Angeles, and most California counties, Washington D.C., and much of Canada.
Paris Hilton reveals engagement to entrepreneur Carter Reum
Read full article: Paris Hilton reveals engagement to entrepreneur Carter ReumFILE - Paris Hilton arrives at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globes afterparty on Jan. 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Hilton announced her engagement to entrepreneur Carter Reum in her social media post on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, the same day as her birthday. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – Paris Hilton received a special gift for her 40th birthday: an engagement. Hilton announced her engagement to entrepreneur Carter Reum in her social media post on Wednesday — the same day as her birthday. She said the proposal was followed by a celebration with family and close friends. Hilton shared a series of photos with her wearing a white dress and crown, while 40-year-old Reum sported an all-white suit.
Christopher Nolan calls Warner’s streaming plan ‘a mess’
Read full article: Christopher Nolan calls Warner’s streaming plan ‘a mess’Christopher Nolan, one of Warner Bros.’ most important filmmakers, has come out strongly against the company’s decision to debut its films on HBO Max and in theaters in 2021. The “Tenet” filmmaker told The Associated Press Monday that it’s not a good business decision and criticized how the company handled it. “I’ve never seen everybody so upset about one particular decision,” Nolan said. And it’s not a good business decision," Nolan said. With major markets like Los Angeles and New York closed, domestic ticket sales fizzled, and Warner Bros. and other studios responded by delaying the year’s remaining major films.
Testing new release strategy, 'The Croods' opens to $14.2M
Read full article: Testing new release strategy, 'The Croods' opens to $14.2MThis image released by DreamWorks shows a scene from the animated film "The Croods: A New Age." “The Croods: A New Age” is expected to shift to the home before Christmas for a $20 rental. “The Croods: A New Age” grossed $9.7 million Friday-Sunday, which rivals even the weekend start for “Tenet” in September. Most have tapped out around $4 million on opening weekend. One of the biggest differences is that Universal spent more heavily to market the $65 million “Croods” sequel from DreamWorks Animation.
'Wonder Woman 1984' to debut in theaters and on HBO Max
Read full article: 'Wonder Woman 1984' to debut in theaters and on HBO Max“Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t skipping theaters or moving to 2021, but it is altering course. After the first month for free on HBO Max, “Wonder Woman 1984” will play in theaters for an additional few weeks before being made available for rental on demand. Warner Bros. also sent its next big film, “The Witches” straight to HBO Max, which parent company Warner Media launched earlier this year. “Wonder Woman 1984” is a major tentpole for Warner Bros. Is it possible for that to happen again this Christmas with Wonder Woman 1984 between theaters and HBO Max?” Killar wrote Wednesday.
'Tenet' to head to home release in Dec. after theatrical run
Read full article: 'Tenet' to head to home release in Dec. after theatrical runNEW YORK – After several months in pandemic-altered theaters, Christopher Nolan's “Tenet” will head to home release on Dec. 15, Warner Bros. said Thursday. Contending with limited capacity regulations and theaters that remained closed in some states, the Warner Bros. release has so far grossed $53.8 million at the U.S. and Canadian box office. In its ninth week of release in the U.S., “Tenet” grossed $885,000 in 1,601 locations last weekend. But following the release of “Tenet," along with rising virus cases in the U.S. and Europe, other big-budget releases moved out of 2020. Warner Bros. didn't announce on-demand or streaming plans for “Tenet.”
Zemeckis’ ‘The Witches’ heads to HBO Max for Halloween
Read full article: Zemeckis’ ‘The Witches’ heads to HBO Max for HalloweenThe Robert Zemeckis adaptation of “Roald Dahl’s The Witches” has found a new home on HBO Max this month just in time for Halloween. Warner Bros. said Friday that “The Witches” will debut on the subscription streaming service, owned by parent company WarnerMedia, on Oct. 22. Dahl’s 1983 novel about an orphaned boy who discovers a coven of witches that hate children was previously adapted for the big screen in 1990 by director Nicolas Roeg. It starred Angelica Huston, Mai Zetterling and Rowan Atkinson and was a box office flop, despite its critical acclaim. This new version has actor Jahzir Bruno playing the boy who must try to stop the witches from turning the world's children into mice.
'The Batman' resumes UK production after positive COVID case
Read full article: 'The Batman' resumes UK production after positive COVID caseThe U.K. production of “The Batman” is starting up again after being shut down earlier this month when an individual tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. said Thursday that filming had resumed after a hiatus for quarantine precautions. Robert Pattinson stars in the film from director Matt Reeves which had been on hiatus for almost six months because of the coronavirus pandemic. The positive case came just three days after “The Batman” had initially resumed shooting. “The Batman” was originally supposed to hit theaters in June 2021 but was pushed back to October 2021 because of the delays.
Pandemic chases 'Wonder Woman 1984' to Dec. 25
Read full article: Pandemic chases 'Wonder Woman 1984' to Dec. 25NEW YORK – Following the less-than-stellar theatrical debut of Christopher Nolan's “Tenet,” Warner Bros. is delaying its next big release, “Wonder Woman 1984," to Christmas. The postponement of the “Wonder Woman” sequel, which had been scheduled to hit theaters Oct. 2, comes on the heels of Hollywood's strongest attempt to lure moviegoers back to theaters during the pandemic. Warner Bros.' $200 million “Tenet" fared well in its international-first release, but found ticket sales harder to come by in the United States. The “Wonder Woman 1984” postponement suggests Hollywood's fall may go little better than its summer. “Wonder Woman 1984,” one of many blockbusters originally set for the summer, had been the next big-budget release on the calendar.
DeGeneres vows candor as clouded talk show charts its return
Read full article: DeGeneres vows candor as clouded talk show charts its returnLOS ANGELES Ellen DeGeneres says she'll be ready to talk when her daytime show returns this month after a staff shake-up prompted by allegations of a toxic workplace. And, yes, were gonna talk about it, DeGeneres said in a statement announcing the show's Sept. 21 start of its 18th season. Tiffany Haddish will join DeGeneres for the kick-off episode, with The Ellen DeGeneres Show to be taped at Warner Bros. minus an in-studio audience, which is commonplace during the pandemic. Stephen tWitch Boss, a longtime guest DJ on the show and among those who have publicly supported DeGeneres, will guest host some fall episodes. Last month, three of the show's producers exited amid allegations of a dysfunctional workplace that harbored misbehavior including sexual misconduct and racially insensitive remarks.
Launching in U.S. theaters, 'Tenet' tallies $20.2 million
Read full article: Launching in U.S. theaters, 'Tenet' tallies $20.2 millionNEW YORK In a litmus test for American moviegoing in the pandemic, Christopher Nolan's Tenet brought in an estimated $20.2 million through the holiday weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters. Theaters in Canada, where COVID-19 cases are much lower than in the U.S., began showing Tenet a week earlier. In two weeks of release, its overseas total is $126 million, with a global tally thus far of $146.2 million. The film, which cost $200 million to make and at least $100 million to market, will need to get close to $500 million to break even. Disney's The New Mutants," a long delayed X-Men spinoff, collected about $7 million in 2,412 locations last weekend.
The Batman shoot suspended after positive COVID-19 test
Read full article: The Batman shoot suspended after positive COVID-19 testA member of production on The Batman has tested positive for COVID-19 and the U.K shoot has been temporarily suspended. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. said Thursday that the individual is currently isolating in accordance with established protocols. Robert Pattinson is starring as the caped crusader in the new film from director Matt Reeves which had resumed filming just a few days ago after an almost six-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Batman was originally supposed to hit theaters in June 2021 but was pushed back to October because of the delays.
3 producers exit DeGeneres' show amid workplace complaints
Read full article: 3 producers exit DeGeneres' show amid workplace complaintsLOS ANGELES Three producers of The Ellen DeGeneres Show have exited amid allegations of a dysfunctional workplace that harbored misbehavior including sexual misconduct and racially insensitive remarks. Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman have parted ways with the long-running daytime series, a spokesperson for producer Warner Bros. said in a statement Monday. Most of the allegations were tied to executive producers and senior managers, including Glavin, Leman and Norman, BuzzFeed News said. DeGeneres informed staff of the shakeup Monday in a video conference call, according to Variety, which first reported the development. In a separate July statement, Warner Bros. said parent company WarnerMedia's investigation revealed what it called "some flaws in the shows daily management."
Tenet to screen early at theaters in some U.S. cities
Read full article: Tenet to screen early at theaters in some U.S. citiesSome U.S. moviegoers will be able to see Christopher Nolans Tenet a few days early. Warner Bros. on Tuesday said that it would be offering early access screenings starting Aug. 31 as a gesture of support to the domestic theaters that are reopening after five months of being closed because of COVID-19. Tenet is the first major new Hollywood movie to be released in theaters since most locations shuttered in mid-March. Warner Bros. is proud to support our partners in exhibition as they reopen their doors, said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution, in a written statement. Early domestic screenings of Tenet will be scheduled on the evenings of Aug. 21, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 where theaters are open in the U.S. Tickets go on sale Friday.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show under internal investigation after complaints of toxic work environment
Read full article: The Ellen DeGeneres Show under internal investigation after complaints of toxic work environmentHOUSTON The Ellen DeGeneres Show is being investigated by parent company WarnerMedia, following several complaints of a toxic work environment, including reports of intimidation and racism, according to the Los Angeles Times. Variety first reported that a memo was sent last week to show staff from Telepictures Warner Bros. Television executives notifying them of the investigation. The investigation comes following multiple reports discussing the working conditions and staffers experience at the day-time show. Its not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us, the group wrote. For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us.
Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' again delays big summer release
Read full article: Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' again delays big summer releaseLOS ANGELES With reported cases of the coronavirus surging, Warner Bros. on Thursday postponed the release of Christopher Nolans Tenet, further delaying Hollywood's summer kickoff. The sci-fi thriller starring John David Washington and Robert Pattinson will move from July 31 to Aug. 12, a Wednesday. Movie theaters had been pinning their hopes on the film as a major July release that could bring audiences back to theaters. Warner Bros. had planned to re-release Nolan's 2010 blockbuster Inception in early July as a way to lead in to Tenet." Inception will now open on July 31, the studio said.
Christopher Nolans Tenet Delayed Until August Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Read full article: Christopher Nolans Tenet Delayed Until August Amid Coronavirus PandemicChristopher Nolans new film Tenet has been delayed until August, ET can confirm. The Warner Bros. movie was initially due to be released July 17, before being pushed back to July 31. John David Washington and Indian actress Dimple Kapadia film Christopher Nolan's Tenet near the Taj Hotel, Colaba, in Mumbai, India. The news comes amid countless delays in film releases amid the coronavirus pandemic, which forced cinemas to shut down. RELATED CONTENT:Every Movie Delayed Due to Coronavirus: Find Out the New Release DateFifth 'Indiana Jones' Film Delayed Until 2021Lin-Manuel Miranda Says 'In the Heights' Film Delayed Until 'We Can Safely Gather Again'
Will Smith's Production Company Sued Over Film Based on Serena and Venus Williams' Father
Read full article: Will Smith's Production Company Sued Over Film Based on Serena and Venus Williams' FatherNews broke last year that Will Smith would be playing Venus and Serena Williams' father, Richard Williams, in an upcoming biopic, King Richard -- but a new lawsuit claims that the tennis coach had already sold his life rights to someone else. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, TW3 Entertainment and Power Move Multi Media claim that the upcoming film, produced by Smith's production company, Overbrook Entertainment, and Warner Bros., is based on a multi-million dollar breach of contract. The plaintiffs are seeking "an injunction requiring all profits for any project using the Richard Williams Rights to be placed in trust for Plaintiffs benefit." King Richard -- starring Smith, Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena -- is set to hit theaters in 2021. ET has reached out to Williams, Lesane, Smith, Overbrook and Warner Bros. for comment.
DC Announces Virtual FanDome Featuring Experiences from 'Wonder Woman 1984,' the SnyderCut & More
Read full article: DC Announces Virtual FanDome Featuring Experiences from 'Wonder Woman 1984,' the SnyderCut & MoreDC fans are about to have the virtual experience of a lifetime! Warner Bros. announced on Tuesday that they're hosting the first DC Fandome, a 24-hour, free, virtual fan experience to celebrate DC's past, present and future. ET, DC Fandome will immerse fans into the DC Multiverse, with highly-anticipated announcements from WB games, film, TV and comics, as well as exclusive footage and themed worlds. DC Fandome takes place Aug. 22nd at 10 a.m. PT and will be accessible around the world for 24 hours at DCFanDome.com. RELATED CONTENT:Upcoming DC Movies: The Full List From 'The Batman' to 'Wonder Woman 1984'Holy Batman, 'The Snyder Cut' of 'Justice League' Is Actually Being ReleasedHere's Your First Look at Robert Pattinson's Batmobile in 'The Batman'
Warner Bros to hold massive virtual event for DC Comics fans
Read full article: Warner Bros to hold massive virtual event for DC Comics fansLOS ANGELES Comic-Con may be canceled this year, but Warner Bros. will convene a 24-hour virtual gathering of the biggest names in the DC Comics universe. The studio announced Tuesday that DC FanDome will be held on August 22 starting at 10 a.m. PDT. The event will feature talent announcements and reveal new content from WB games, comics, film and television. The announcement comes a couple months after Comic-Con, which attracts tens of thousands of comics fans to San Diego, was canceled due to the coronavirus-related restrictions around large gatherings. FanDome will be spread out across six different areas on the event's website: Hall of Heroes, DC WatchVerse, DC YouVerse, DC KidsVerse, DC InsiderVerse and DC FunVerse.
Movie theaters, shuttered for months, plan July reopening
Read full article: Movie theaters, shuttered for months, plan July reopeningAMC Theaters, the world's largest theater operator, said Tuesday that it expects to have 97-98% of its theaters worldwide reopened by mid-July. It will be up to movie theater operators to convince moviegoers that its safe to once again sit in the dark among strangers. Only recently have state guidelines allowed the reopening of theaters in California (including in the countrys top market, Los Angeles, where local officials have yet to agree). Before Tenet arrives, theaters will play just as those that are currently open are showing recent and classic catalog offerings. Though a handful of movies have been steered to streaming or on-demand platforms during the pandemic, most studio films have been postponed until theaters reopen.
'Just Mercy,' drama of racial injustice, to be free in June
Read full article: 'Just Mercy,' drama of racial injustice, to be free in JuneNEW YORK The 2019 film Just Mercy, which chronicles courtroom struggles against racial injustice and mass incarceration, will be made free on digital platforms throughout June in the wake of George Floyd's death, Warner Bros. said Tuesday. In the film, Michael B. Jordan plays attorney Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, who helps a character played by Jamie Foxx. We believe in the power of story, Warner Bros. said. The rider was initiated as a way to change long-term under-representation of people of color and women in Hollywood. Recent studies have shown that films like Just Mercy are starting to reshape the film industry.
Just Mercy Available for Free Rental in June as an Educational Resource on Systemic Racism
Read full article: Just Mercy Available for Free Rental in June as an Educational Resource on Systemic RacismWarner Bros. announced on Tuesday that they would be making the movie available for free rental throughout the month of June, in order to promote education about racism and injustices within the legal system. #JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society," reads the announcement on the film's Twitter account. "For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US." #JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US.