Similar to Marvel Studios, it's been a tough few years for Pixar. The studio's movies were sent straight to Disney+ during the pandemic and a couple of box office flops have tarnished the brand to a point where they're now in the process of rebuilding their reputation.
In a new Bloomberg report (via Toonado.com), more is revealed about how the studio is finally pivoting away from streaming to focus its efforts on theatrical titles. However, we're still getting at least one more TV show: Dream Productions is "set in the Inside Out universe of Riley's dreams" and expected to premiere in 2025.
The hope is that Inside Out 2 will be a hit and it won't be the last sequel we see from Pixar in the coming years. According to the report, "every hit of yesterday is being considered for a reboot, with Finding Nemo and The Incredibles regarded as...
In a new Bloomberg report (via Toonado.com), more is revealed about how the studio is finally pivoting away from streaming to focus its efforts on theatrical titles. However, we're still getting at least one more TV show: Dream Productions is "set in the Inside Out universe of Riley's dreams" and expected to premiere in 2025.
The hope is that Inside Out 2 will be a hit and it won't be the last sequel we see from Pixar in the coming years. According to the report, "every hit of yesterday is being considered for a reboot, with Finding Nemo and The Incredibles regarded as...
- 5/31/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
A new report suggests that the two companies could be headed to court if they cannot resolve the impasse.
It felt as if the Hulu sale process had finally turned a corner in December, when Disney cut Comcast a check for $8.6 billion as an initial payment for Comcast’s 33% stake in the streamer. The two sides had turned over responsibility for reaching a final valuation to their chosen banks to see if Disney would owe Comcast more for its portion of Hulu, and could sit back and await their appraisals.
But banks for the two media conglomerates came back with vastly different ideas of Hulu’s total worth, and now a third company has been brought in to settle the matter. Now, an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal says that negotiations have soured, and that the two sides could end up in court if the matter isn’t resolved soon.
It felt as if the Hulu sale process had finally turned a corner in December, when Disney cut Comcast a check for $8.6 billion as an initial payment for Comcast’s 33% stake in the streamer. The two sides had turned over responsibility for reaching a final valuation to their chosen banks to see if Disney would owe Comcast more for its portion of Hulu, and could sit back and await their appraisals.
But banks for the two media conglomerates came back with vastly different ideas of Hulu’s total worth, and now a third company has been brought in to settle the matter. Now, an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal says that negotiations have soured, and that the two sides could end up in court if the matter isn’t resolved soon.
- 5/31/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
The fact that there was going to be a Blade reboot as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe came as a huge surprise when the announcement was made at the San Diego Comic-Con back in July of 2019 – but all these years later, we’re still waiting on the film to make its way into production. In fact, with Bob Iger recently announcing that the studio was cutting back (even more) on Marvel stuff, Blade’s future seems in limbo. So, here’s Everything We Know About Blade.
Mahershala Ali
The Blade character was previously played by Wesley Snipes in three feature films and by Sticky Fingaz in a short-lived television series. This time around, he’s going to be played by Mahershala Ali, who was already attached to the project when it was announced in 2019… and while there was no indication online that Ali has been interested in playing Blade,...
Mahershala Ali
The Blade character was previously played by Wesley Snipes in three feature films and by Sticky Fingaz in a short-lived television series. This time around, he’s going to be played by Mahershala Ali, who was already attached to the project when it was announced in 2019… and while there was no indication online that Ali has been interested in playing Blade,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Moana 2 Trailer Breaks Impressive Disney Record, Beating Inside Out and Frozen - Main Image
It has been nearly eight years since the first movie, and finally, the Moana sequel’s trailer is here. The excitement for the new film was so big that the Moana 2 trailer broke a major Disney record, meaning this new movie beat Frozen and Inside Out.
While the film isn’t out yet, it already has the makings of a huge box-office hit. This is based on how many people watched the film’s trailer as soon as it dropped.
Moana 2 Trailer Breaks Major Disney Record
A report by Deadline revealed that Moana 2 is now Disney’s most-watched trailer for an anime movie based on data during the first 24 hours.
To be exact, Moana 2’s trailer got 178 million views in 24 hours. This is based on views from various platforms, including YouTube, X,...
It has been nearly eight years since the first movie, and finally, the Moana sequel’s trailer is here. The excitement for the new film was so big that the Moana 2 trailer broke a major Disney record, meaning this new movie beat Frozen and Inside Out.
While the film isn’t out yet, it already has the makings of a huge box-office hit. This is based on how many people watched the film’s trailer as soon as it dropped.
Moana 2 Trailer Breaks Major Disney Record
A report by Deadline revealed that Moana 2 is now Disney’s most-watched trailer for an anime movie based on data during the first 24 hours.
To be exact, Moana 2’s trailer got 178 million views in 24 hours. This is based on views from various platforms, including YouTube, X,...
- 5/31/2024
- EpicStream
One fandom's loss is another's gain, apparently. While Marvel Studios has been undergoing something of an identity crisis in recent years, capped by Disney's Bob Iger actually promising to slow down production of movies and shows during a shareholder call while Marvel's Brad Winderbaum recently copped to the shortcomings of the #ItsAllConnected approach, one of the bigger casualties has been the shaky status of the announced "Blade" movie. Starring the great Mahershala Ali as the eponymous vampire hunter, the film has undergone quite a bit of behind-the-scenes chaos, from directorial changes to significant amounts of creative overhaul -- to the extent, in fact, that the star reportedly came this close to parting ways with the studio altogether. Well, Marvel fans can consider this latest development as yet another troublesome sign. Dinosaur fans, meanwhile, have our permission to rejoice.
The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that Ali is presently in talks...
The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that Ali is presently in talks...
- 5/30/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Pixar is currently getting backlash from fans after reports of planning to reboot beloved animated films. The animation studio reportedly wants to balance the number of sequels and spinoffs to remind fans of movies they once loved.
Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios
The decision, which is yet to be confirmed, has caused an uproar from fans who either didn’t want their favorite animated films to be rebooted or would rather go for a sequel.
Pixar Is Reportedly Planning to Reboot Finding Nemo and The Incredibles
In a report from Bloomberg Businessweek, Pixar President Jim Morris announced that Pixar Studios is mulling over the plan of rebooting old animated movies.
Every hit of yesteryear is being considered for a reboot, with Finding Nemo and The Incredibles regarded as particularly strong candidates for new titles.
This has come as a shock to many fans as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles...
Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios
The decision, which is yet to be confirmed, has caused an uproar from fans who either didn’t want their favorite animated films to be rebooted or would rather go for a sequel.
Pixar Is Reportedly Planning to Reboot Finding Nemo and The Incredibles
In a report from Bloomberg Businessweek, Pixar President Jim Morris announced that Pixar Studios is mulling over the plan of rebooting old animated movies.
Every hit of yesteryear is being considered for a reboot, with Finding Nemo and The Incredibles regarded as particularly strong candidates for new titles.
This has come as a shock to many fans as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles...
- 5/30/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
It’s that time of year again!
The old guard in media and finance and the tech innovators disrupting them are gearing up to hit Allen & Co.’s leadership retreat Sun Valley – where private jets sit bumper-to-bumper and power is carved up and handed out among global players. It’s an ultra-secretive event for the one-percent set (think Davos with higher fences).
But Variety can exclusively report that the guest list for the Idaho gathering includes National Amusements president Shari Redstone — in the thick of a deal to sell Paramount Global and with it her family’s media empire to Skydance — as well as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Hollywood super-producer Jason Blum. They join veterans like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Amazon’s Andy Jassy and Jeff Bezos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Apple’s Tim Cook and Netflix co-ceo’s Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.
The old guard in media and finance and the tech innovators disrupting them are gearing up to hit Allen & Co.’s leadership retreat Sun Valley – where private jets sit bumper-to-bumper and power is carved up and handed out among global players. It’s an ultra-secretive event for the one-percent set (think Davos with higher fences).
But Variety can exclusively report that the guest list for the Idaho gathering includes National Amusements president Shari Redstone — in the thick of a deal to sell Paramount Global and with it her family’s media empire to Skydance — as well as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Hollywood super-producer Jason Blum. They join veterans like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Amazon’s Andy Jassy and Jeff Bezos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Apple’s Tim Cook and Netflix co-ceo’s Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.
- 5/30/2024
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz has sold his stake in The Walt Disney Co., nearly two months after losing a bruising and expensive proxy battle with the entertainment giant.
CNBC reported Wednesday that Peltz, the founding partner of hedge fund Trian Partners, had disposed of his entire stake in Disney for $120 a share, worth $1 billion.
In January, Peltz, who through Trian and various other partners, such as former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter, controlled $3.5 billion of Disney stock, officially launched a proxy fight with Disney to win a seat on the company’s board. The investor was sharply critical of the management of the company, particularly the high costs associated with the streaming business, as well as the direction Disney was taking under CEO Bob Iger.
Peltz ultimately failed in his attempts to be selected for the company’s slate of board nominees in April. Peltz’s exit will therefore...
CNBC reported Wednesday that Peltz, the founding partner of hedge fund Trian Partners, had disposed of his entire stake in Disney for $120 a share, worth $1 billion.
In January, Peltz, who through Trian and various other partners, such as former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter, controlled $3.5 billion of Disney stock, officially launched a proxy fight with Disney to win a seat on the company’s board. The investor was sharply critical of the management of the company, particularly the high costs associated with the streaming business, as well as the direction Disney was taking under CEO Bob Iger.
Peltz ultimately failed in his attempts to be selected for the company’s slate of board nominees in April. Peltz’s exit will therefore...
- 5/30/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s no secret that the Star Wars fandom is going through some social issues. Recently, the franchise has focused more on female leads and representation in its live-action projects. Some fans think this is great, while others criticize this direction.
The reasons for the criticism vary. Some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but many feel that the female and minority representation seems forced and ends up feeling flat and bland, just being included for the sake of it, which they believe makes the overall product worse.
Kathleen Kennedy and the female leads of Star Wars shows and movies often face attacks. The most recent example is ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte,’ which has been heavily criticized and boycotted online even though it hasn’t aired a single episode yet.
During the promotion for the show, which premieres on June 4th, Kennedy tried to explain why women in Star Wars are generally...
The reasons for the criticism vary. Some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but many feel that the female and minority representation seems forced and ends up feeling flat and bland, just being included for the sake of it, which they believe makes the overall product worse.
Kathleen Kennedy and the female leads of Star Wars shows and movies often face attacks. The most recent example is ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte,’ which has been heavily criticized and boycotted online even though it hasn’t aired a single episode yet.
During the promotion for the show, which premieres on June 4th, Kennedy tried to explain why women in Star Wars are generally...
- 5/30/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Nelson Peltz may have lost the battle with Disney, but in strict financial terms may have won the war.
The activist investor waged a months-long campaign against CEO Bob Iger and the media company’s board of directors, ending in a decisive defeat at April’s annual shareholder meeting. At the heart of the effort was a blistering critique of the company’s then-languishing share price. As Iger sought to deliver cost reductions and streaming profits, while also trying to right a capsized movie ship and work through a host of other challenges, the stock sank to multi-year lows last year. It has since rallied, rising 11% in 2024 to date, better than the growth of the benchmark S&P 500.
Multiple media outlets, citing an unidentified source familiar with the transaction reported that Peltz’s firm, Trian Fund Management, unloaded its entire stake in Disney. Trian at one point controlled $3 billion in shares,...
The activist investor waged a months-long campaign against CEO Bob Iger and the media company’s board of directors, ending in a decisive defeat at April’s annual shareholder meeting. At the heart of the effort was a blistering critique of the company’s then-languishing share price. As Iger sought to deliver cost reductions and streaming profits, while also trying to right a capsized movie ship and work through a host of other challenges, the stock sank to multi-year lows last year. It has since rallied, rising 11% in 2024 to date, better than the growth of the benchmark S&P 500.
Multiple media outlets, citing an unidentified source familiar with the transaction reported that Peltz’s firm, Trian Fund Management, unloaded its entire stake in Disney. Trian at one point controlled $3 billion in shares,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Nelson Peltz has apparently decided not to try again for a Walt Disney Board seat in 2025, or he simply doesn’t have confidence in the Walt Disney Company. According to CNBC, the head of Trian Parners sold off his Disney stock when it was about $120 per share.
Some outlets post that Peltz sold his stock weeks after the April 4 board battle. But given the price he allegedly sold at, that is likely not the case. Going by the around $120 per share price he reportedly sold at, he likely sold off his shares soon after the Disney Annual Board meeting.
By April 12, the shares had dropped to about $114 and hit about $110 by May 1. If he had sold at around $120 per share, it would have been shortly after the proxy battle defeat, which was almost two months ago.
CNBC sources say he would have made about $1 billion from the stock. Since early April,...
Some outlets post that Peltz sold his stock weeks after the April 4 board battle. But given the price he allegedly sold at, that is likely not the case. Going by the around $120 per share price he reportedly sold at, he likely sold off his shares soon after the Disney Annual Board meeting.
By April 12, the shares had dropped to about $114 and hit about $110 by May 1. If he had sold at around $120 per share, it would have been shortly after the proxy battle defeat, which was almost two months ago.
CNBC sources say he would have made about $1 billion from the stock. Since early April,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
The last few years have been tumultuous for the House of Mouse, as some of their biggest releases didn’t land well among critics and fans. This is especially notable in their animated division, which isn’t exactly thriving, with both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios failing to live up to their potential with their last major releases.
However, with the sequel to one of the best Disney animated releases of 2010 set to release later this year, which will see Dwayne Johnson return, things might change for the better.
The trailer for Dwayne Johnson’s Moana 2 Has Fans Excited
Dwayne Johnson | Credit: Fast Five (via Universal Pictures)
It has been three years since Walt Disney Animation Studios released Encanto, which was revered by both fans and critics and deservedly earned itself an Oscar win for Best Animated Release. However, since then, the animated studio has visibly struggled with its last two releases,...
However, with the sequel to one of the best Disney animated releases of 2010 set to release later this year, which will see Dwayne Johnson return, things might change for the better.
The trailer for Dwayne Johnson’s Moana 2 Has Fans Excited
Dwayne Johnson | Credit: Fast Five (via Universal Pictures)
It has been three years since Walt Disney Animation Studios released Encanto, which was revered by both fans and critics and deservedly earned itself an Oscar win for Best Animated Release. However, since then, the animated studio has visibly struggled with its last two releases,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
The first trailer for Moana 2 has just dropped (via Toonado.com) ahead of the sequel's release in theaters this November.
This sneak peek doesn't give too much away about the story, though we see that Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) will be heading on a new adventure which reunites her with the demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).
It was only in February when Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans for a Moana sequel. While the news generated excitement among Disney Animation fans, it felt like the movie came out of nowhere.
It was in 2020 when we first learned of plans for a Moana sequel TV series on Disney+. The idea was for it to serve as a loose follow-up in the same way as the streamer's Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Up sequels. So, what changed?
Moana 2's shift from streaming to theaters was set in motion when Disney...
This sneak peek doesn't give too much away about the story, though we see that Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) will be heading on a new adventure which reunites her with the demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).
It was only in February when Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans for a Moana sequel. While the news generated excitement among Disney Animation fans, it felt like the movie came out of nowhere.
It was in 2020 when we first learned of plans for a Moana sequel TV series on Disney+. The idea was for it to serve as a loose follow-up in the same way as the streamer's Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Up sequels. So, what changed?
Moana 2's shift from streaming to theaters was set in motion when Disney...
- 5/29/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Aloha, Moana. (The hello kind.)
Disney released a teaser trailer (below) for “Moana 2” on May 29. Our princess of Motunui is still out there voyaging, still drumming with her dead ancestors, still battling coconuts — it honestly just looks like additional “Moana” footage. That’s not automatically a bad thing. Also, it’s not yet the trailer trailer, so we’ll cut it a break — especially considering the feature film’s own origin story.
“Moana 2” was originally planned as a Disney+ series. Well, upgrade. Now a proper sequel, “Moana 2” welcomes back Auli’i Cravalho (as Moana), Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tai.
Also an “upgrade” is Maui’s “boat snack” — the pig, Pua, has joined Heihei the chicken on Moana’s boat. Johnson gets the big joke of the teaser trailer: “Bacon and eggs!?! Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?...
Disney released a teaser trailer (below) for “Moana 2” on May 29. Our princess of Motunui is still out there voyaging, still drumming with her dead ancestors, still battling coconuts — it honestly just looks like additional “Moana” footage. That’s not automatically a bad thing. Also, it’s not yet the trailer trailer, so we’ll cut it a break — especially considering the feature film’s own origin story.
“Moana 2” was originally planned as a Disney+ series. Well, upgrade. Now a proper sequel, “Moana 2” welcomes back Auli’i Cravalho (as Moana), Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tai.
Also an “upgrade” is Maui’s “boat snack” — the pig, Pua, has joined Heihei the chicken on Moana’s boat. Johnson gets the big joke of the teaser trailer: “Bacon and eggs!?! Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?...
- 5/29/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Disney has revealed the teaser trailer for Moana 2. Set to open in theaters on November 27th, 2024, the animated sequel reunites Moana and Maui three years after the events of the original film, as they embark on “an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.”
Original stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui, respectively, while the sequel will feature music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina. David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller directed the project.
Moana 2 was originally announced as a Disney+ series, but was retooled as a feature-length filmed after Bob Iger returned as the head of Disney in hopes that it would provide a boon to the company’s theatrical business.
Along with the animated sequel, a live-action Moana film is also in development, with Johnson attached to star as Maui. It’s...
Original stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui, respectively, while the sequel will feature music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina. David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller directed the project.
Moana 2 was originally announced as a Disney+ series, but was retooled as a feature-length filmed after Bob Iger returned as the head of Disney in hopes that it would provide a boon to the company’s theatrical business.
Along with the animated sequel, a live-action Moana film is also in development, with Johnson attached to star as Maui. It’s...
- 5/29/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
See the line where the sky meets the sea? In 2016, audiences heeded the call of "Moana," capping off a fantastic year for Disney Animation that also saw eventual Best Animated Feature Film Oscar winner "Zootopia" top over a billion dollars at the box office. Closing in on a decade later, however, the House That Mickey Built has fallen on harder times after suffering one of its costliest box office misfires ever with "Strange World" and releasing what was intended to be the crown jewel in its 100th-anniversary celebration, "Wish," to middling reviews and even worse financial returns. It's under these circumstances that Bob Iger, fresh off having un-retired from his position as Disney's CEO, has announced further adventures with both the furry members of the Zootopia Police Department (Zpd) and the studio's beloved Pacific Islander princess.
Shocking as it was when Disney proclaimed "Moana 2" would be arriving near the...
Shocking as it was when Disney proclaimed "Moana 2" would be arriving near the...
- 5/29/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The line where the sky meets the sea is calling Moana once again, as Disney has released the first trailer for its highly-anticipated “Moana” sequel. The trailer sees the return of Moana and Maui, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, respectively, on another oceanic adventure.
According to its official description, “Moana 2” reunites “Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
“This is a call from the ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean,” Moana says in the trailer. Maui then makes an appearance on her boat, referring to a chicken and pig as “boat snacks.”
“Moana 2” was written and...
According to its official description, “Moana 2” reunites “Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
“This is a call from the ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean,” Moana says in the trailer. Maui then makes an appearance on her boat, referring to a chicken and pig as “boat snacks.”
“Moana 2” was written and...
- 5/29/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Disney has just released the poster for the upcoming Moana 2 film and announced that the trailer will be released tomorrow, March 29, 2024.
The post was made on social media today.
The ocean is calling them back Experience the new trailer for Disney’s #Moana2 tomorrow and see the movie only in theaters November 27, 2024! pic.twitter.com/PuJISsMPWH
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) May 28, 2024
“Moana 2” was originally meant to be a show for Disney+. It was instead repurposed into a film when Disney realized that the first “Moana” film was a top streaming performer. Disney CEO Bob Iger needed an announcement to try to gain votes ahead of the Disney board battle.
After the change, Disney got the original voice actors of Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to return for the film version. Sadly, the voice actors for the show were pushed out to repurpose the completed animation.
A synopsis...
The post was made on social media today.
The ocean is calling them back Experience the new trailer for Disney’s #Moana2 tomorrow and see the movie only in theaters November 27, 2024! pic.twitter.com/PuJISsMPWH
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) May 28, 2024
“Moana 2” was originally meant to be a show for Disney+. It was instead repurposed into a film when Disney realized that the first “Moana” film was a top streaming performer. Disney CEO Bob Iger needed an announcement to try to gain votes ahead of the Disney board battle.
After the change, Disney got the original voice actors of Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to return for the film version. Sadly, the voice actors for the show were pushed out to repurpose the completed animation.
A synopsis...
- 5/28/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Committed to long-interconnected franchises can sometimes be a chore for the viewers, especially when something is as big as the MCU. It also doesn’t help when newcomers are required to know about the entries that came before to enjoy a new show or movie. One major example is Madness of Multiverse, as fans, who weren’t familiar with the Wanda Vision beforehand, had a hard time piecing it all together in the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange.
But Star Wars did combat this issue with Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka, as the showrunners succeeded in making it more accessible to fans, who had no knowledge about her history.
Dave Filoni Succeeded in Making Ahsoka Its Own Thing
A still from Ahsoka | Disney Plus
Before getting her own live-action Disney Plus show, Ahsoka made her debut in the 2008 animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and subsequently appeared in Star Wars Rebels.
But Star Wars did combat this issue with Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka, as the showrunners succeeded in making it more accessible to fans, who had no knowledge about her history.
Dave Filoni Succeeded in Making Ahsoka Its Own Thing
A still from Ahsoka | Disney Plus
Before getting her own live-action Disney Plus show, Ahsoka made her debut in the 2008 animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and subsequently appeared in Star Wars Rebels.
- 5/28/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
While John Musker's name won't necessarily be instantly familiar to a lot of you, he's written and directed iconic Disney movies such as The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and the Frog, and Moana.
However, despite his lengthy working relationship with the House of Mouse, the filmmaker has now lashed out at the studio's recent offerings. Like many fans, Musker believes Disney needs to dial back the political messaging in its movies, something even Disney CEO Bob Iger has strongly hinted will take a backseat moving forward.
"I think they need to do a course correction a bit in terms of putting the message secondary, behind entertainment and compelling story and engaging characters," he told Spanish outlet El País (via Toonado.com). "The classic Disney films didn’t start out trying to have a message."
"They wanted you to get involved in...
However, despite his lengthy working relationship with the House of Mouse, the filmmaker has now lashed out at the studio's recent offerings. Like many fans, Musker believes Disney needs to dial back the political messaging in its movies, something even Disney CEO Bob Iger has strongly hinted will take a backseat moving forward.
"I think they need to do a course correction a bit in terms of putting the message secondary, behind entertainment and compelling story and engaging characters," he told Spanish outlet El País (via Toonado.com). "The classic Disney films didn’t start out trying to have a message."
"They wanted you to get involved in...
- 5/27/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Can you look back at the film industry without a sense of awe at its resilience and adaptability? It’s no secret that the past couple of years have served as the ultimate litmus test for Hollywood, emerging from a period that could only be described as its trial by fire. Following the pandemic, Hollywood attempted to revert to its pre-covid ways, albeit with varying degrees of financial and critical success.
In a way, 2021 and 2022 were considered ‘trial years’, when Covid remained a major issue for the business, and movie failures could be attributed to its impact on drawing audiences into physical theaters. But in 2023, things were different. Hollywood was able to assess adaptability and durability in a post-covid environment.
While it’s tricky to encapsulate the rollercoaster ride of an entire industry within a year’s frame, the vibes emanating from Tinseltown by the end of 2023 mixed heady optimism with cautious introspection.
In a way, 2021 and 2022 were considered ‘trial years’, when Covid remained a major issue for the business, and movie failures could be attributed to its impact on drawing audiences into physical theaters. But in 2023, things were different. Hollywood was able to assess adaptability and durability in a post-covid environment.
While it’s tricky to encapsulate the rollercoaster ride of an entire industry within a year’s frame, the vibes emanating from Tinseltown by the end of 2023 mixed heady optimism with cautious introspection.
- 5/27/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Brie Larson’s The Marvels did not stand a chance after it heavily tanked at the box office, not to mention the early criticisms it received even before its premiere. After receiving harsh reviews from fans and critics, it has been hailed as the worst MCU film to date.
Iman Vellani, Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris in The Marvels / Walt Disney Studios
But, this is nothing new in the Marvel realm. Back in 2010, it released one of the most critically panned installments, and that’s Iron Man 2. Despite Tony Stark opening the gates for the MCU, his last two solo films were severely slammed.
Fans React To Iron Man 2 Becoming The ‘Worst MCU Film’
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man 2 was a commercial success, earning $623 million against a budget of $200 million, but it had a lot of issues behind the scenes. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique told Collider:...
Iman Vellani, Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris in The Marvels / Walt Disney Studios
But, this is nothing new in the Marvel realm. Back in 2010, it released one of the most critically panned installments, and that’s Iron Man 2. Despite Tony Stark opening the gates for the MCU, his last two solo films were severely slammed.
Fans React To Iron Man 2 Becoming The ‘Worst MCU Film’
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man 2 was a commercial success, earning $623 million against a budget of $200 million, but it had a lot of issues behind the scenes. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique told Collider:...
- 5/26/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Richard Sherman, the youngest sibling in the iconic songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers, has passed away at the age of 95 from an age-related illness.
Richard and Robert Sherman – who passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 – provided moviegoers with some of the great songs in cinema, boosting every Disney or family-driven production they worked on and helping solidify them as classics.
The Sherman Brothers won the Best Original Song Oscar for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins, earning four other nominations in the category, including the title song for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and “The Age of Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Mary Poppins would also land Robert and Richard Sherman the Best Original Score Oscar, a category they received four nods in. Retrospectively, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was featured on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie songs ever.
In a statement, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said,...
Richard and Robert Sherman – who passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 – provided moviegoers with some of the great songs in cinema, boosting every Disney or family-driven production they worked on and helping solidify them as classics.
The Sherman Brothers won the Best Original Song Oscar for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins, earning four other nominations in the category, including the title song for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and “The Age of Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Mary Poppins would also land Robert and Richard Sherman the Best Original Score Oscar, a category they received four nods in. Retrospectively, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was featured on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie songs ever.
In a statement, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Richard M. Sherman, known for songs including “it’s a small world,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “The Parent Trap,” and more passed away at age 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Richard Sherman was 1/2 of the famous Sherman Brothers duo that often worked with Walt Disney. Robert B. Sherman, Richard’s brother, passed away in 2012.
The duo started working for Disney after they created a song for Annette Funicello in 1958. From there, they created songs for many popular Disney films and wrote the “Small World” song for the “It’s a Small World” attraction at the New York World’s Fair.
Together, the brothers won nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards, and over 20 gold and platinum albums.
Their music was featured in many films, including “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Jungle Book,” “The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Tigger Movie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,”Victory Canteen,” “Summer Magic,” “The Absent-Minded Professor,...
Richard Sherman was 1/2 of the famous Sherman Brothers duo that often worked with Walt Disney. Robert B. Sherman, Richard’s brother, passed away in 2012.
The duo started working for Disney after they created a song for Annette Funicello in 1958. From there, they created songs for many popular Disney films and wrote the “Small World” song for the “It’s a Small World” attraction at the New York World’s Fair.
Together, the brothers won nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards, and over 20 gold and platinum albums.
Their music was featured in many films, including “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Jungle Book,” “The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Tigger Movie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,”Victory Canteen,” “Summer Magic,” “The Absent-Minded Professor,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers with his late brother, fellow Legend Robert B. Sherman, died today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills at 95 from age-related illness.
Sherman was a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents. He garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars for his work on the 1964 Mary Poppins), won three Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career.
Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990.
The Sherman brothers were perhaps best known for their work on Mary Poppins, for which they won Oscars for Best Score – Substantially Original, and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Another cherished song from the film, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, became a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while the lullaby Feed the Birds became one of Walt’s favorite songs.
Sherman was a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents. He garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars for his work on the 1964 Mary Poppins), won three Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career.
Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990.
The Sherman brothers were perhaps best known for their work on Mary Poppins, for which they won Oscars for Best Score – Substantially Original, and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Another cherished song from the film, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, became a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while the lullaby Feed the Birds became one of Walt’s favorite songs.
- 5/25/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard M. Sherman, one-half of the prolific Disney songwriting duo The Sherman Brothers, has died. He was 95.
Sherman and his brother Robert were responsible for dozens of the brand’s most memorable cinematic songs. They were most known for their work on “Mary Poppins,” which earned the duo two Oscars, the soundtrack for “The Jungle Book” and “It’s a Small World.”
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement Saturday.
“From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small World,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world,...
Sherman and his brother Robert were responsible for dozens of the brand’s most memorable cinematic songs. They were most known for their work on “Mary Poppins,” which earned the duo two Oscars, the soundtrack for “The Jungle Book” and “It’s a Small World.”
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement Saturday.
“From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small World,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Disney CEO Bob Iger is an investor and a board member of Canva. He was the keynote speaker for the recent Canva Create showcase at the SoFi Stadium. During his talk, he discussed how great Canva’s generative AI tools were and how Disney is going all in on them.
There goes a bunch of jobs and even more creativity. Disney can’t afford to lose any more creativity but Iger is going all in.
Of course, he starts by invoking company founder Walt Disney. Using him will make it seem more okay. He said:
“Walt Disney himself was a big believer in using technology in the early days to tell better stories. And he thought that technology in the hands of a great storyteller was unbelievably powerful.”
Iger continued by telling people not to focus on how “disruptive” it is. You mean jobs Bob? That’s what people are worried about – disrupting jobs.
There goes a bunch of jobs and even more creativity. Disney can’t afford to lose any more creativity but Iger is going all in.
Of course, he starts by invoking company founder Walt Disney. Using him will make it seem more okay. He said:
“Walt Disney himself was a big believer in using technology in the early days to tell better stories. And he thought that technology in the hands of a great storyteller was unbelievably powerful.”
Iger continued by telling people not to focus on how “disruptive” it is. You mean jobs Bob? That’s what people are worried about – disrupting jobs.
- 5/25/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Veteran director George Lucas is most notably known for creating the Star Wars franchise that became a global phenomenon after its release. Directing the original trilogy and handing the reins over to other directors, Lucas started disassociating with the franchise a bit.
A still from the Star Wars franchise | Lucasfilm
However, fans were shocked when Lucas announced that the Star Wars franchise was sold to Disney. With Disney acquiring Lucasfilm with a whopping $4.1 billion deal, Lucas was initially excited about the idea. However, the director voiced his frustration at the Cannes event recently and it is not good!
When George Lucas Sold Lucasfilm To Disney
The discussions for Disney acquiring Lucasfilm started back in May of 2011. When Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney attended an event, he met director George Lucas. The director revealed that he wanted to retire and was planning to sell Lucasfilm.
George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons
Under the banner,...
A still from the Star Wars franchise | Lucasfilm
However, fans were shocked when Lucas announced that the Star Wars franchise was sold to Disney. With Disney acquiring Lucasfilm with a whopping $4.1 billion deal, Lucas was initially excited about the idea. However, the director voiced his frustration at the Cannes event recently and it is not good!
When George Lucas Sold Lucasfilm To Disney
The discussions for Disney acquiring Lucasfilm started back in May of 2011. When Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney attended an event, he met director George Lucas. The director revealed that he wanted to retire and was planning to sell Lucasfilm.
George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons
Under the banner,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
After 27 years, 26 seasons, and 325 episodes of television, South Park could be forgiven for wanting to try something new. So that’s exactly what creators, showrunners, and stars Trey Parker and Matt Stone are doing with their crass, yet beloved animated franchise.
When the duo reached a $900 million deal with MTV Entertainment Studios to produce new episodes of South Park through season 30, they also locked themselves in to creating 14 South Park movies for streaming service Paramount+. The first of these near feature-length specials, “South Park: Post Covid: The Return of Covid” premiered at the end of 2021 and has since been followed by many more.
Of course, South Park has never been afraid of extended running times. Recent seasons have experimented with serialization and the series even received its own theatrically-released film with South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut in 1999. But the consistent rate in which fans will now get supersized installments of Stan,...
When the duo reached a $900 million deal with MTV Entertainment Studios to produce new episodes of South Park through season 30, they also locked themselves in to creating 14 South Park movies for streaming service Paramount+. The first of these near feature-length specials, “South Park: Post Covid: The Return of Covid” premiered at the end of 2021 and has since been followed by many more.
Of course, South Park has never been afraid of extended running times. Recent seasons have experimented with serialization and the series even received its own theatrically-released film with South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut in 1999. But the consistent rate in which fans will now get supersized installments of Stan,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
New technology is friend not foe to Hollywood’s creative community. That was the message delivered Thursday morning by Disney CEO Bob Iger during his keynote conversation at the Canva Create showcase event held at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.
Iger, who is an investor and board member of the privately held online design platform, commended Canva for embracing the potential of generative AI tools and other cutting-edge technologies to make high-end visual media design tools readily available to everyday users. Based in Sydney, Australia, Canva has emerged over the past decade as a digital media star. The company was valued at $40 billion in 2022 when Iger took an undisclosed stake. That transaction came during his two and a half year retirement from Disney that ended with his return as CEO November 2022.
Canva Create is a mix of a festival to showcase new additions to the Canva platform and a conference probing creativity and other topics.
Iger, who is an investor and board member of the privately held online design platform, commended Canva for embracing the potential of generative AI tools and other cutting-edge technologies to make high-end visual media design tools readily available to everyday users. Based in Sydney, Australia, Canva has emerged over the past decade as a digital media star. The company was valued at $40 billion in 2022 when Iger took an undisclosed stake. That transaction came during his two and a half year retirement from Disney that ended with his return as CEO November 2022.
Canva Create is a mix of a festival to showcase new additions to the Canva platform and a conference probing creativity and other topics.
- 5/23/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Disney director James Gorman, who retired as CEO of Morgan Stanley in January after a smooth succession process, will also be stepping down as executive chairman of the financial giant.
One of the longest tenured top executives on Wall Street, Gorman told Morgan Stanley’s annual meeting of shareholders today that he plans to exit the role at year end. He was CEO for 18 years and segued to executive chair after his successor Ted Pick took the reins of the investment banking and financial services giant at the start of 2024.
Named to Disney’s board in February, Gorman is one four directors looking closely at succession, a critical issue for the company.
CEO Bob Iger’s latest contract expires at the end of 2026. He has said that succession is a top priority for himself and the board and would ideally require a transition period for him to work with the new chief executive.
One of the longest tenured top executives on Wall Street, Gorman told Morgan Stanley’s annual meeting of shareholders today that he plans to exit the role at year end. He was CEO for 18 years and segued to executive chair after his successor Ted Pick took the reins of the investment banking and financial services giant at the start of 2024.
Named to Disney’s board in February, Gorman is one four directors looking closely at succession, a critical issue for the company.
CEO Bob Iger’s latest contract expires at the end of 2026. He has said that succession is a top priority for himself and the board and would ideally require a transition period for him to work with the new chief executive.
- 5/23/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Canva, the online service that offers a host of easy-to-use design tools, is targeting large companies in general and Hollywood in particular as growth initiatives as the DIY platform plots its next 10 years.
Canva, launched in Janaury 2013, has been one of the biggest and buzziest digital media startups to emerge from Australia’s increasingly busy tech, venture capital and startup sector over the past decade. Disney CEO Bob Iger made a personal investment in the Sydney-based company in 2022 when it was valued at $40 billion.
On Thursday, Canva hosted one of its trademark Canva Creates summits for the first time in Los Angeles, at Inglewood’s Hollywood Park facility. The event is part conference and trade show for the myriad of functions available on Canva. The company to date has been fueled largely by individual users tapping Canva’s wide menu of templates, art files and tools that can yield highly...
Canva, launched in Janaury 2013, has been one of the biggest and buzziest digital media startups to emerge from Australia’s increasingly busy tech, venture capital and startup sector over the past decade. Disney CEO Bob Iger made a personal investment in the Sydney-based company in 2022 when it was valued at $40 billion.
On Thursday, Canva hosted one of its trademark Canva Creates summits for the first time in Los Angeles, at Inglewood’s Hollywood Park facility. The event is part conference and trade show for the myriad of functions available on Canva. The company to date has been fueled largely by individual users tapping Canva’s wide menu of templates, art files and tools that can yield highly...
- 5/23/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The rivalry between Disney and Warner Bros. represents one of the most long-lasting and dynamic business competitions in the entertainment industry. Their rivalry has been deeply rooted as it has existed since the 1920s, and it originated from both studios having humble beginnings to becoming powerhouses in terms of filmmaking and creating content to entertain its audience.
Bob Iger, The CEO of Disney. Credits: nagi usano/ Wikimedia Commons
While both studios are great in their own spheres it looks like Disney has the upper hand as it looks like they have overtaken their rivals in the race to sign an exciting deal with the NBA, and Warner Bros. can not do anything about it as their financial conditions are restricting them from making any lucrative offer to the National Basketball Association as they are already struggling to clear their $40 billion debt.
Warner Bros. Falls Behind Disney in The Race To...
Bob Iger, The CEO of Disney. Credits: nagi usano/ Wikimedia Commons
While both studios are great in their own spheres it looks like Disney has the upper hand as it looks like they have overtaken their rivals in the race to sign an exciting deal with the NBA, and Warner Bros. can not do anything about it as their financial conditions are restricting them from making any lucrative offer to the National Basketball Association as they are already struggling to clear their $40 billion debt.
Warner Bros. Falls Behind Disney in The Race To...
- 5/23/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Ari Emanuel tonight left no ambiguity of what he thinks about Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala, where he was awarded its Humanitarian Prize, the Endeavor CEO blasted the Israeli prime minister, saying, “The time for Bibi Netanyahu to go has come.”
“This is a painful and crucial moment for all of us who are Jews. It is not a time to stay silent,” Emanuel said to the packed Beverly Wilshire ballroom. Among the high-powered audience at the Beverly Hills hotel on Wednesday were Larry David, Amazon Prime Video boss Jennifer Salke and spouse Bert Salke, Jeffery and Marilyn Katzenberg, powerhouse attorney Patty Glaser and husband Sam, WME co-chairs Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz, and producer Brian Grazer. As well, a number of Holocaust survivors and those who lived through the fatal terror of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israeli border towns and army bases.
Speaking at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala, where he was awarded its Humanitarian Prize, the Endeavor CEO blasted the Israeli prime minister, saying, “The time for Bibi Netanyahu to go has come.”
“This is a painful and crucial moment for all of us who are Jews. It is not a time to stay silent,” Emanuel said to the packed Beverly Wilshire ballroom. Among the high-powered audience at the Beverly Hills hotel on Wednesday were Larry David, Amazon Prime Video boss Jennifer Salke and spouse Bert Salke, Jeffery and Marilyn Katzenberg, powerhouse attorney Patty Glaser and husband Sam, WME co-chairs Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz, and producer Brian Grazer. As well, a number of Holocaust survivors and those who lived through the fatal terror of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israeli border towns and army bases.
- 5/23/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Network executives once came to the upfronts on a mission to get advertisers excited about a handful of new series coming in the fall. This year, TV’s big players took a T-shirt cannon approach.
Every one of the major presentations during the May 13-15 sprint in midtown Manhattan — NBCUniversal, Fox, Disney, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix — emphasized the breadth of the company’s content offerings. Call it the everything-everywhere-all-at-once strategy for the streaming age.
As always, common themes emerged across the week. “Connections” was the buzziest of buzzwords used by executives pitching their hearts out from the stage. Without question, the song of Upfronts ’24, the one heard at most if not all events, was Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em.”
After sorting through the firehose of shows and spin, here are a few trends that stood out this year.
1) Star-Power Surge
Last year, the writers strike kept boldface names from appearing at the upfronts.
Every one of the major presentations during the May 13-15 sprint in midtown Manhattan — NBCUniversal, Fox, Disney, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix — emphasized the breadth of the company’s content offerings. Call it the everything-everywhere-all-at-once strategy for the streaming age.
As always, common themes emerged across the week. “Connections” was the buzziest of buzzwords used by executives pitching their hearts out from the stage. Without question, the song of Upfronts ’24, the one heard at most if not all events, was Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em.”
After sorting through the firehose of shows and spin, here are a few trends that stood out this year.
1) Star-Power Surge
Last year, the writers strike kept boldface names from appearing at the upfronts.
- 5/22/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton, Joe Otterson and Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Did you know it’s been nearly two years since there were reports that Marvel Studios was developing a series surrounding the return of Vision, played by Paul Bettany. At the time, it was another series from “WandaVision” head writer, Jac Shaeffer, and seemed to be on the fast track to happening. But then, nothing. Not only did we not hear anything about the series for months, but there was also news that Disney CEO Bob Iger was quietly canceling Marvel projects behind the scenes.
Continue reading Marvel Studios Hires ‘Picard’ Showrunner To Develop New Vision Series For 2026 at The Playlist.
Continue reading Marvel Studios Hires ‘Picard’ Showrunner To Develop New Vision Series For 2026 at The Playlist.
- 5/22/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
After the Hays Code was finally dropped in the late ’60s, it allowed filmmakers to make films without any restrictions, which led to the rise of some of the greatest names in filmmaking. This included acclaimed filmmaker George Lucas, who rose to prominence following the success of American Graffiti, starring Harrison Ford, which hit the shelves in ’73.
But it was his next collaboration with Ford that would go on to change Hollywood forever, kickstarting one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time. However, making Star Wars: A New Hope was pretty taxing for the filmmaker, as the sci-fi juggernaut almost fumbled after Lucas underwent some medical issues.
George Lucas’s Medical Emergency Almost Halted Star Wars’ Production
George Lucas on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. (Credit: Lucasfilm)
With A New Hope George Lucas not only created one of the most influential sci-fi releases of all time,...
But it was his next collaboration with Ford that would go on to change Hollywood forever, kickstarting one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time. However, making Star Wars: A New Hope was pretty taxing for the filmmaker, as the sci-fi juggernaut almost fumbled after Lucas underwent some medical issues.
George Lucas’s Medical Emergency Almost Halted Star Wars’ Production
George Lucas on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. (Credit: Lucasfilm)
With A New Hope George Lucas not only created one of the most influential sci-fi releases of all time,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
The entrance of Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California as it appeared in 2007. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
The Walt Disney Company has moved forward with plans to lay off nearly 200 workers at Pixar Animation Studios.
The plan involves a 15 percent reduction in Pixar’s head count, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Other media reports put the figure somewhere between 14 and 20 percent, impacting more than 175 jobs.
The job losses are part of a broader strategy at Disney to reign in content spending across its various entertainment businesses, including film and television. Last week, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company would dramatically reduce financial investments in its traditional broadcast and cable networks as more consumers shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming platforms.
But those platforms are also expected to generate returns on the company’s content and marketing investments, one source told The Desk on Tuesday, warning that “no division...
The Walt Disney Company has moved forward with plans to lay off nearly 200 workers at Pixar Animation Studios.
The plan involves a 15 percent reduction in Pixar’s head count, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Other media reports put the figure somewhere between 14 and 20 percent, impacting more than 175 jobs.
The job losses are part of a broader strategy at Disney to reign in content spending across its various entertainment businesses, including film and television. Last week, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company would dramatically reduce financial investments in its traditional broadcast and cable networks as more consumers shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming platforms.
But those platforms are also expected to generate returns on the company’s content and marketing investments, one source told The Desk on Tuesday, warning that “no division...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Approximately 175 people to be affected by layoffs as CEO Bob Iger returns studio’s focus exclusively to feature films
Pixar Animation Studios, which produced such classic films as Toy Story and Up, began laying off about 14% of its workforce on Tuesday as it scales back development of original streaming series, according to a source familiar with the development.
Approximately 175 people will be affected by job cuts at the Walt Disney Company unit.
Pixar Animation Studios, which produced such classic films as Toy Story and Up, began laying off about 14% of its workforce on Tuesday as it scales back development of original streaming series, according to a source familiar with the development.
Approximately 175 people will be affected by job cuts at the Walt Disney Company unit.
- 5/21/2024
- by Reuters
- The Guardian - Film News
Disney is culling some of its Pixar staff. The layoffs have been looming since January, as Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, wants to cut spending and return to quality over quantity. Now, 14% of Pixar’s staff, or about 150 people, will be let go.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pixar was mostly spared from the Disney purge last year, during which thousands of jobs were cut, mostly in entertainment. Now that projects have finished, Disney is making cuts.
Recent Pixar films have not performed well, except “Elemental.” While a few films like “Luca” and “Turning Red” were released on the DIsney+ streaming service due to the pandemic, “Lightyear” was given the full theatrical treatment, and it bombed, losing an estimated $106 million.
When the pandemic started in 2020, Pixar films, starting with “Soul,” were only released on Disney+. Even when theaters were reopening, Disney still chose to put Pixar releases on the streaming service.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pixar was mostly spared from the Disney purge last year, during which thousands of jobs were cut, mostly in entertainment. Now that projects have finished, Disney is making cuts.
Recent Pixar films have not performed well, except “Elemental.” While a few films like “Luca” and “Turning Red” were released on the DIsney+ streaming service due to the pandemic, “Lightyear” was given the full theatrical treatment, and it bombed, losing an estimated $106 million.
When the pandemic started in 2020, Pixar films, starting with “Soul,” were only released on Disney+. Even when theaters were reopening, Disney still chose to put Pixar releases on the streaming service.
- 5/21/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Update: The Pixar Animation Studios cuts we previously told you about months ago are now commencing, according to sources familiar with the moves. The number of those let go is around 175, or 14% of the staff.
The pullback is largely due to Disney+ scaling back on direct-to-consumer series. Bob Iger has signaled the need for a more disciplined approach to streaming since returning as CEO in November 2022.
Since Covid, Pixar has yet to produce a bona-fide all-quadrants hit, though the animation division has also been hampered by distribution moves that sent three consecutive releases straight to streaming. Heading into summer, all eyes are on Inside Out 2, which openis over Fathers Day weekend, June 14 to 16. Director Kelsey Mann’s sequel is among a group of big movies expected to work this summer, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Previous, Jan. 12: Pixar Animation Studios is planning to reduce its workforce in the coming months,...
The pullback is largely due to Disney+ scaling back on direct-to-consumer series. Bob Iger has signaled the need for a more disciplined approach to streaming since returning as CEO in November 2022.
Since Covid, Pixar has yet to produce a bona-fide all-quadrants hit, though the animation division has also been hampered by distribution moves that sent three consecutive releases straight to streaming. Heading into summer, all eyes are on Inside Out 2, which openis over Fathers Day weekend, June 14 to 16. Director Kelsey Mann’s sequel is among a group of big movies expected to work this summer, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Previous, Jan. 12: Pixar Animation Studios is planning to reduce its workforce in the coming months,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-expected layoffs at Pixar Animation Studios have begun.
Today, leadership at the storied company that traces it origins to the late Steve Jobs and was bought by Disney in 2006 will notify employees of the reductions, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It is the biggest restructuring in Pixar’s history, although top leadership isn’t impacted.
Approximately 14 percent of Pixar’s workforce, or around 175 employees, will be let go. Before the reductions, approximately 1,300 people worked at the animation studio.
The layoffs are part of Disney chief Bob Iger’s overarching mandate to return to a focus on quality, versus churning out content for streaming which was a priority for his sort-lived successor, Bob Chapek. Disney execs have talked about returning to a focus on quality during numerous earnings calls this year, saying creative teams across the company were stretched too thin in the arms race to feed streamers.
Pixar employees...
Today, leadership at the storied company that traces it origins to the late Steve Jobs and was bought by Disney in 2006 will notify employees of the reductions, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It is the biggest restructuring in Pixar’s history, although top leadership isn’t impacted.
Approximately 14 percent of Pixar’s workforce, or around 175 employees, will be let go. Before the reductions, approximately 1,300 people worked at the animation studio.
The layoffs are part of Disney chief Bob Iger’s overarching mandate to return to a focus on quality, versus churning out content for streaming which was a priority for his sort-lived successor, Bob Chapek. Disney execs have talked about returning to a focus on quality during numerous earnings calls this year, saying creative teams across the company were stretched too thin in the arms race to feed streamers.
Pixar employees...
- 5/21/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Let’s not beat around the bush; Marvel’s going through something right now. The superhero studio’s recent output has simply exhausted both casual and hardcore fans alike.
The sentiment appears to be close to universal too: amidst the avalanche of MCU content, there have been too few hits and too many misses. The fact that Bob Iger, Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, has publicly said that they’re going to change strategy and “slowly decrease volume” tells you everything you need to know.
So how does Marvel proceed from here? MCU mastermind Kevin Feige is seemingly planning to course-correct by re-assembling the Avengers sooner rather than later. Next year alone will see the release of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four, and Blade, followed a few months later by a new Avengers—previously subtitled “The Kang Dynasty,” though that’s reportedly been abandoned.
It’s a sensible play.
The sentiment appears to be close to universal too: amidst the avalanche of MCU content, there have been too few hits and too many misses. The fact that Bob Iger, Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, has publicly said that they’re going to change strategy and “slowly decrease volume” tells you everything you need to know.
So how does Marvel proceed from here? MCU mastermind Kevin Feige is seemingly planning to course-correct by re-assembling the Avengers sooner rather than later. Next year alone will see the release of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four, and Blade, followed a few months later by a new Avengers—previously subtitled “The Kang Dynasty,” though that’s reportedly been abandoned.
It’s a sensible play.
- 5/21/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Move over Tinker Bell. Disney is bringing sexy back with the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree outfits for Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah. The gals are styling in pink and white tutus, white fringed vests, halter tops, wrist cuffs, and pink cowboy hats.
I’m kidding about “sexy,” but I thought it was an odd choice to put them in halter tops and mini skirts. But this is an improvement over the old look. At least they’re wearing bottoms now.
Disney teased the new costumes and showed some behind-the-scenes looks at the costuming department.
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The new show is based on the old “Opry” style shows from Nashville, which is likely where they are taking costume inspiration. Except now they are just singing Disney IP songs because that’s all Bob Iger wants to push current year.
It was...
I’m kidding about “sexy,” but I thought it was an odd choice to put them in halter tops and mini skirts. But this is an improvement over the old look. At least they’re wearing bottoms now.
Disney teased the new costumes and showed some behind-the-scenes looks at the costuming department.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)
The new show is based on the old “Opry” style shows from Nashville, which is likely where they are taking costume inspiration. Except now they are just singing Disney IP songs because that’s all Bob Iger wants to push current year.
It was...
- 5/21/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Disney’s U.K. commissioning subsidiary Walt Disney Emea Productions Limited has reported more than a 50% drop in revenue from the previous financial year.
The U.K.-based company, which commissions international productions and co-productions for Disney’s linear networks as well as streaming platform Disney+, reported revenues of £86 million ($110 million) for the year ending in Sept 2023, according to the latest financial report filed at U.K. business registrar Companies House last week.
The figure marks a drop from the previous year’s reported revenue of £215 million ($270 million), which covered the year ending Oct. 2022 and marked an all-time high for the subsidiary. In the year ending Oct. 2021 – which was the first financial reporting year following the launch of Disney+ in the U.K. — the company reported revenues of £43 million.
According to the accompanying financial report, the subsidiary’s directors are “in the process of considering the company’s future” although...
The U.K.-based company, which commissions international productions and co-productions for Disney’s linear networks as well as streaming platform Disney+, reported revenues of £86 million ($110 million) for the year ending in Sept 2023, according to the latest financial report filed at U.K. business registrar Companies House last week.
The figure marks a drop from the previous year’s reported revenue of £215 million ($270 million), which covered the year ending Oct. 2022 and marked an all-time high for the subsidiary. In the year ending Oct. 2021 – which was the first financial reporting year following the launch of Disney+ in the U.K. — the company reported revenues of £43 million.
According to the accompanying financial report, the subsidiary’s directors are “in the process of considering the company’s future” although...
- 5/20/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
‘The Marvels’ was undoubtedly last year’s biggest MCU flop, losing a staggering amount of money. This prompted significant changes across the board, with Bob Iger emphasizing the need for the studio to focus on quality and reduce their creative output.
However, the movie also initiated promising developments, such as the ‘Young Avengers’ project, hinted at by Kamala’s efforts to recruit younger superheroes.
The post-credits scene of ‘The Marvels’ features Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel recruiting Kate Bishop into her new initiative. Kamala also inquires about Cassie Lang, who, as seen in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ goes by the alias Stature. The rumored members of the Young Avengers also include Skaar (Hulk’s son), Wiccan, Speed, America Chavez, Kid Loki, Ironheart, Toussaint, Patriot, and Love from ‘Thor: Love and Thunder.’
A few months ago, the ‘Young Avengers’ project was in active development, and now, according to Daniel Richtman, the...
However, the movie also initiated promising developments, such as the ‘Young Avengers’ project, hinted at by Kamala’s efforts to recruit younger superheroes.
The post-credits scene of ‘The Marvels’ features Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel recruiting Kate Bishop into her new initiative. Kamala also inquires about Cassie Lang, who, as seen in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ goes by the alias Stature. The rumored members of the Young Avengers also include Skaar (Hulk’s son), Wiccan, Speed, America Chavez, Kid Loki, Ironheart, Toussaint, Patriot, and Love from ‘Thor: Love and Thunder.’
A few months ago, the ‘Young Avengers’ project was in active development, and now, according to Daniel Richtman, the...
- 5/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
‘The Marvels’ was definitely last year’s biggest MCU flop. The movie lost an eye-watering amount of money and kickstarted some great changes across the board, with Bob Iger himself commenting that the studio needs to focus on quality Asap reducing their creative output.
But the movie did also kickstart great things, for example, the ‘Young Avengers’ project which was teased by Kamala’s initiative as she tries to recruit younger superheroes.
The post-credits scene of ‘The Marvels’ sees Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel recruited Kate Bishop into her own new initiative; she also asked about Lang’s daughter, Cassie, who, as ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ goes under the alias Stature. The rumored members of the Young Avengers also include Skaar (Hulk’s son), Wiccan and Speed, America Chavez, Kid Loki, Ironheart, Toussaint, Patriot, and Love from ‘Love & Thunder.’
A few months ago, the ‘Young Avengers’ project was in active development,...
But the movie did also kickstart great things, for example, the ‘Young Avengers’ project which was teased by Kamala’s initiative as she tries to recruit younger superheroes.
The post-credits scene of ‘The Marvels’ sees Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel recruited Kate Bishop into her own new initiative; she also asked about Lang’s daughter, Cassie, who, as ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ goes under the alias Stature. The rumored members of the Young Avengers also include Skaar (Hulk’s son), Wiccan and Speed, America Chavez, Kid Loki, Ironheart, Toussaint, Patriot, and Love from ‘Love & Thunder.’
A few months ago, the ‘Young Avengers’ project was in active development,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Jimmy Kimmel will moderate a conversation between President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama for a Biden campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles next month. The event will also feature special guests George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
The fundraiser will be held June 15, with tickets starting at $250 per person and rising to $500,000 for an “event chair” tier. Proceeds go to the Biden Victory Fund.
Kimmel will not be the first late-night host to dip his toe in the game of presidential moderation this year. In March, Stephen Colbert moderated a New York Biden fundraiser that featured the current president, Obama and former President Bill Clinton in conversation. Per the Associated Press, the event raised $26 million.
News of Kimmel’s gig comes after a big week for the comedian, given he made headlines for his brutal Disney upfront monologue on Tuesday, during which he laid into into CEO Bob Iger, the Golden Bachelor,...
The fundraiser will be held June 15, with tickets starting at $250 per person and rising to $500,000 for an “event chair” tier. Proceeds go to the Biden Victory Fund.
Kimmel will not be the first late-night host to dip his toe in the game of presidential moderation this year. In March, Stephen Colbert moderated a New York Biden fundraiser that featured the current president, Obama and former President Bill Clinton in conversation. Per the Associated Press, the event raised $26 million.
News of Kimmel’s gig comes after a big week for the comedian, given he made headlines for his brutal Disney upfront monologue on Tuesday, during which he laid into into CEO Bob Iger, the Golden Bachelor,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This summer’s movie season poses a stark contrast to last year’s blockbuster bonanza, facing a grim forecast with predictions of box office revenues dropping by nearly $1 billion. The expected $3 billion haul is attributed to last year’s Hollywood labor strikes that significantly disrupted production schedules and pushed back film releases. Notably, Disney will release its first Marvel film of the year in July, breaking a long-standing tradition of May releases since 2009. Disney CEO Bob Iger noted, We are always watching and learning from their decision-making processes, emphasizing the strategic shifts within Marvel’s release schedules. Underwhelming Start for The
The post The Fall Guy Box Office Confirms A Harsh Reality After $2.4 Billion Phenomenon first appeared on TVovermind.
The post The Fall Guy Box Office Confirms A Harsh Reality After $2.4 Billion Phenomenon first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/19/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
While Disney’s Bob Iger has noted that Marvel content on Disney Plus will be cut down a bit, it was also announced that the channel was actively developing Hawkeye Season 2. That’s in addition to already announced shows like Daredevil: Born Again, Agatha All Along, Ironheart, and several others, meaning that even if the content is being cut back, there’s still plenty more coming.
A lot of the shows have received pretty tepid reactions from fans, but some, like the recent X-Men ’97 are being raved about. So what’s the best Marvel show on Disney Plus so far? Take our poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!
What's the best Disney Plus Marvel TV Series?WandaVisionThe Falcon and the Winter SoldierLokiWhat If...?HawkeyeMoon KnightMs. MarvelShe-Hulk: Attorney at LawSecret InvasionEchoX-Men '97VoteBack to vote
The post Poll: What’s the best Disney Plus Marvel TV Show?...
A lot of the shows have received pretty tepid reactions from fans, but some, like the recent X-Men ’97 are being raved about. So what’s the best Marvel show on Disney Plus so far? Take our poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!
What's the best Disney Plus Marvel TV Series?WandaVisionThe Falcon and the Winter SoldierLokiWhat If...?HawkeyeMoon KnightMs. MarvelShe-Hulk: Attorney at LawSecret InvasionEchoX-Men '97VoteBack to vote
The post Poll: What’s the best Disney Plus Marvel TV Show?...
- 5/19/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
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