Today's Movies Pulse
Michael Jackson Biopic Targets 1988 Rise Amid Settlement Silence
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, shifts focus to the pop star’s 1988 ascent rather than his early career. A settlement clause prevents any mention of the late artist’s child‑abuse allegations, and many Jackson family members declined to participate, positioning the film as a rehabilitation effort.
CinemaCon: Paramount Punts And Skydance Promises
At CinemaCon, Paramount unveiled plans for new installments of legacy franchises such as Star Trek, Transformers, G.I. Joe and TMNT, while acknowledging that its recent slate has underperformed at the box office. The studio’s only thriving original franchise is Sonic, which has become its flagship non‑horror property. Meanwhile, Skydance’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. highlights a broader trend of debt‑laden media deals that could reshape asset ownership. Paramount’s reliance on aging IP underscores the challenge of competing with Disney’s event‑movie model.
CinemaCon 2026: A Merger Splits the House
CinemaCon 2026 highlighted a resilient theatrical market while exposing deep fault lines over the approved Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Industry leaders like MPA chair Charles Rivkin emphasized the cultural value of cinema and pushed for a federal film‑tax incentive, but...
AGON: Giulio Bertelli’s Debut Film Reframes Sport as Something Stranger and More Political
Italian director Giulio Bertelli’s debut feature *AGON* arrives on April 24, branding itself as “techno neorealism.” The film follows a female fencer, played by Olympic gold‑medalist Alice Bellandi, as she navigates a sport stripped of crowds, ceremonies and media framing. Bertelli, a...
Universal Shifts Star‑Studded Films, Delays MJ‑Butler to 202
Major reshuffle at #Universal’s release schedule, as just a day after confirming #MiamiVice85 to AUG 06, 2027, the studio just pushed #MichaelBJordan & #AustinButler to SUMMER 2028, now debuting on MAY 19, 2028. That slot belonged to #TheMummy sequel starring #BrendanFraser...
Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner Are Apparently Starring in Smile Director's Possession Remake
Paramount is moving forward with a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult horror Possession, enlisting Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner as the leads. The project is helmed by Parker Finn, the director of the recent hit Smile, and was first hinted at...
Critics Label 'Stranger Things: Tales From ’85' A Cynical Animated Retread
Variety’s Alison Herman panned the Netflix animated spin‑off 'Stranger Things: Tales From ’85', calling it a cynical retread that recycles the original story between Seasons 2 and 3. The review highlights the shift to animation, new voice talent, and the perception that...
Exclusive: Netflix’s Gears of War Movie Is Taking Time to Get It Right
Netflix is developing a live‑action Gears of War movie with director David Leitch, announced in 2025. 87North Productions’ co‑producer Kelly McCormick says the project is deep in the writing phase, prioritizing faithful character and world building over speed. The team...
How Did We End Up With Michael?
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, was originally planned for a 1993 release but now focuses on the artist’s 1988 rise. The film omits any reference to the late star’s child‑abuse allegations because a settlement clause...
Battlefield Movie Coming From Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is teaming with director Christopher McQuarrie to develop a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' Battlefield franchise. McQuarrie will write, direct and produce while Jordan will produce and may star, with EA also listed as a producer. The project is being...
The 10 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend
Vulture’s weekend roundup highlights ten must‑watch titles, headlined by Anne Hathaway’s new pop‑star film “Mother Mary.” The movie, directed by David Lowery, draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s rise and features original songs from Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX and FKA Twigs. The list also...
Massive Box Office Shows Fans Prefer Familiar over Critical Praise
With $12.6 million domestic (and around $31 million worldwide) heading into the weekend, even the most brutal pans declare that 'Michael' will give fans what they want while omitting what they don’t. As such, even the sharpest critical takedowns can...
'Michael' Box Office: Why Poor Reviews Are Helping
Lionsgate’s Michael, a Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antone Fuqua, opened to $8.8 million on Thursday and $12.6 million including Wednesday previews, setting a new benchmark for music‑focused biopics. Industry analysts project a domestic opening between $75 million and $95 million, potentially eclipsing the...
‘Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard And Soft’ To Premiere At Westwood Village Theatre Before Venue’s Fall Renovations
Paramount’s James Cameron‑directed concert film "Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)" will premiere on May 6 at the historic Westwood Village Theatre, a 95‑year‑old landmark operated by the American Cinematheque. Dolby has upgraded the venue’s...
Michael B. Jordan to Make Battlefield Movie that Definitely Won't Just Look Like Every Other War Film
Michael B. Jordan and acclaimed filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie are developing a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' long‑running Battlefield franchise. McQuarrie will write, direct and produce, while Jordan will produce and could also star. The move follows Battlefield 6 becoming the best‑selling video...
Myths in the Movies: Excalibur (1981)
The blog post dissects the 1981 film Excalibur, arguing that the movie frames monarchy as a sacred, almost organic system rather than mere politics. It highlights how the narrative ties the health of the land to the legitimacy of King...
Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel Stumble in Misguided Thriller 'Mother Mary'
David Lowery's latest film, 'Mother Mary', starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, has been panned as a thematically ambitious but narratively empty psychological thriller. The review highlights strong performances that are undermined by a script that never commits to either...
Kino Lorber Issuing 1991 Sean Young Thriller ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ on Blu-Ray May 12
Kino Lorber announced a Blu‑ray release of the 1991 romance thriller *A Kiss Before Dying* slated for May 12, 2026. The film, adapted from Ira Levin’s novel and directed by James Dearden, stars Sean Young, Matt Dillon and Max von Sydow. The edition...
How Over Your Dead Body Reinvented the Action-Comedy (Again)
Jorma Taccone’s latest film, Over Your Dead Body, blends Hong‑Kong‑inspired action with his signature millennial comedy, turning a home‑invasion thriller into a blood‑soaked laugh‑fest. Co‑produced by 87North, the stunt‑heavy outfit behind John Wick, the movie debuted at SXSW and is now...
Matthew Rhys Teases Unique Tone of Apple TV’s ‘Widow’s Bay’: “I’ve Never Read Anything Like This”
Apple TV+ unveiled the horror‑comedy series "Widow’s Bay," starring Matthew Rhys, who also executive‑produces. Created by Katie Dippold and directed by Emmy‑winner Hiro Murai, the show blends genuine scares with hard‑edged comedy, a tone both leads described as unlike anything...
From Michael to Back to Black, Authorised Music Biopics Are Becoming Bland, Blatant Propaganda. Audiences Deserve Better | Simran Hans
The article argues that authorized music biopics, exemplified by the upcoming Michael Jackson film, have become formulaic vehicles for estate‑driven profit rather than honest portraits. It notes that "Michael" sidesteps the singer’s long‑standing abuse allegations, focusing instead on a glossy...
Hollywood's Triple Crisis Sparks Creative Renaissance via Gaming
New pod: THE TRIPLE CRISIS IN HOLLYWOOD—AND THE FUTURE OF MOVIES, WITH @SeanFennessey Just a really fun conversation about the state of film, the evolution of media, and the future of culture. Feat.: The triple crisis - Ticket sales per capita down...
John Carney’s ‘Power Ballad’ with Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas to Open May Release
John Carney’s musical comedy ‘Power Ballad,’ starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, will roll out in a limited theatrical release this May. The film debuted at SXSW with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, positioning it as a potential feel‑good hit...
Matthew Rhys' Horror Series 'Widow's Bay' Is Apple TV's Weirdest, Boldest Show Yet | Review
Apple TV is launching "Widow's Bay," a ten‑episode horror‑comedy starring Matthew Rhys as Mayor Tom Loftis. Created by comedy writer Katie Dippold, the series follows a pragmatic mayor battling superstitious townsfolk and a lingering curse in a New England seaside...
Excited for Devil Wears Prada 2 and Godzilla Showdown
Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially happening and I need to talk about it. The original is one of my all time favorites. In high school I did a drama class project based on the transition scene with all her outfits...
Park Chan Wook to Direct Western Thriller with McConaughey
EXCLU with @AndreasWiseman : We have our first major Cannes package to hit the market as Park Chan Wook is set to direct the western thriller BRIGANDS OF RATTLECREEK with Matthew McConaughey, Pedro Pascal and Austin Butler attached to...
What's New on HBO Max This May
HBO Max’s May slate adds a wave of original series, specials and films, including the second season of the Max Original docuseries *On the Roam*, comedy special *Josh Johnson: Symphony*, and the sports documentary *U.S. Against the World*. New movies such...
Universal Pushes Miami Vice 85 to May, Signaling Confidence
Looks like Universal has more faith in #MiamiVice85 than at first as they slide it to May, encouraging sign https://t.co/aChD5o2byr
Wuthering Heights Streams on HBO Max After 77‑day Window
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of #WutheringHeights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will begin #streaming on #HBOMax on Friday, May 1. Its linear television premiere will be the following day on #HBO. That’s a 77-day window between US-wide theatrical release and SVOD....
8 Years Ago Today, Marvel Released Its Greatest Film and Has Been Chasing That High Ever Since
Eight years after its April 2018 debut, Avengers: Infinity War still ranks among the highest‑grossing films in Marvel history, delivering a true cinematic event that reshaped the MCU. The film’s dark climax—Thanos’ snap—set a narrative precedent that carried through Endgame and...
Tony Leung’s Career Retrospective Trailer Premieres in NYC
NYC's 'The Grandmaster: Tony Leung' A Career Retrospective Trailer https://t.co/Et87KaddRn #NYC #FilmLinc #TonyLeungChiuwai #SilentFriend #cinema https://t.co/OeLZydl4Mn
Canadian Thriller “Best Boy” Trailer Reveals Twisted Family Games
Official Trailer for Twisted Family Games Film 'Best Boy' from Canada https://t.co/eciPpjKpqJ #BestBoy #thriller #Canada #indiefilm #family #AaronAbrams https://t.co/TvH0cjUMaG
"Wuthering Heights" Begins Streaming Exclusively on HBO Max May 1
Warner Bros. Pictures' adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, will debut globally on HBO Max on May 1, 2026, with a linear broadcast the following night. HBO Max will also launch an American Sign Language version featuring Leila Hanaumi...
Exploring Whether History Was Truly Less Violent
Is It True That... the Past Was Less Violent? - Watch the full documentary (but not in the US, unfortunately - seems to be Europe-only). | ARTE in English https://t.co/yxWj1xlBBx
Hollywood's Unfixable Box Office Weakness Exposed
New Box Office Behavior essay coming Monday. I like this one as it hits on a major Hollywood weakness that has no clear fix (yet). Stay tuned.
Mamitha Baiju Reacts to Controversy over Casting Non-Tamil Actor in Kara: ‘Entirely the Makers’ Decision’
Mamitha Baiju, a Malayalam actress, has been cast in the Tamil action drama *Kara*, sparking debate over non‑Tamil actors playing regional roles. Director Vignesh Raja defended the decision, saying she outperformed 20‑25 auditionees and was chosen on merit. Baiju responded...
Movie Buzz Now Drives Marketing Beyond Opening Weekend
Fascinating good news. People like movies and talk about them, and that's beginning to change marketing so it's not all about the opening weekend. https://t.co/opCwaLv7IT
Early IMAX Fans Give Michael an A‑Minus
CinemaScore did special early polling for #Michael on WED APR 22 at IMAX & PLF early access shows. Those first fans polled gave a grade of A-. Standard polling will be done tonight on usual FRI evening opening day shows. Final...
Billie Eilish Shares "INTRO" As the Latest Teaser for Her Upcoming Tour Film
Billie Eilish has released a visualizer for "INTRO," the opening piece of her upcoming concert film "Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Live in 3D," which will debut in cinemas worldwide on May 8. The film, co‑directed...
New Trailer Reveals Modern Take on Zombie Classic
New Remake of Zombie Classic 'Night of the Living Dead' Full Trailer https://t.co/Y34fcvVP2e #horror #NightoftheLivingDead #zombies #VivicaAFox #remake https://t.co/OlmqS2UtQU
Kogonada Unveils First Trailer for Hong Kong Film Zi
First Trailer for Kogonada's Hong Kong Film 'Zi' with Haley Lu Richardson https://t.co/6q5sssrgpQ #Kogonada #Zi #MichelleMao #HaleyLuRichardson #HongKong #Sundance2026 https://t.co/SW413rQONp
Marvel Looks Like It’s About to Abolish the Multiverse Saga. Isn’t that Cheating?
Marvel Studios announced a re‑release of *Avengers: Endgame* this September, inserting new footage that links directly to the upcoming *Avengers: Doomsday*. The move suggests the studio is using the blockbuster as a bridge, effectively sidelining the sprawling multiverse narrative that...
Rush Hour 4 Stalls as Tucker, Chan Reject $8M Offers
Brett Ratner’s Trump-endorsed Rush Hour 4 was supposed to shoot in spring. Now it’s September, and still no deals with stars Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan after $8m offers were rejected. Details ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/sDWXXmqJcV
Critics Turn Sour as Thriller Nights Smashes Preview Box Office
A bunch of critics will be rewriting their reviews to make them nastier now. Thriller Nights: ‘Michael’ Dancing To $12.5M+ In Previews, Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score At 96% – Box Office Update https://t.co/GkFDMMwYTr via @Deadline
Is Cyrus Sahukar’s Flamboyant Film Star Character Maqsood in Matka King Inspired by Mehmood?
Amazon Prime Video’s period drama “Matka King” premiered on April 17 and quickly became a hit, ranking #1 in 17 countries during its opening week. The series follows Brij Bhatti, the creator of the matka gambling game, and features a flamboyant...
New Stranger Things Spin‑off and Marty Supreme Lead Releases
From Stranger Things' latest spin-off to Timothee Chalamet's Marty Supreme, these are the biggest releases of the last few days. https://t.co/CIcchNrW5q
Diego Luna & Karla Souza Lead Netflix’s “Mexico 86” Trailer
Diego Luna & Karla Souza in Soccer Movie 'Mexico 86' Official Trailer https://t.co/5uVF2yv5Hd #Netflix #Mexico86 #DiegoLuna #WorldCup #KarlaSouza #DanielGiménezCacho https://t.co/S3KzRehFmQ
Netflix’s ‘Apex’ Thrills with Australian Wilderness in Strong Debut
Netflix released the survival thriller “Apex” this week, featuring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton and debuting in both streaming and a handful of theaters. Critics highlighted the film’s immersive Australian wilderness, noting director Baltasar Kormákur’s commitment to practical, on‑location shooting....
Salman Khan Confirms Eid 2027 Release for Next Action Entertainer with Vamshi Paidipally; Shares Update
Salman Khan has officially secured the Eid 2027 release window for his next action‑drama, tentatively titled SVC63, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju. The film marks Khan’s first collaboration with the Telugu‑film director and pairs him with...
Campus Beats Returns Trailer Out: Anupamaa Fame Paras Kalnawat and Chandni Sharma Join Youth Show; to Start Streaming From April...
Amazon MX Player has released the trailer for Campus Beats Returns, the sixth season of its flagship youth series. Produced by Banijay Asia, the show introduces Paras Kalnawat and Chandni Sharma alongside the existing cast, expanding the drama and dance‑centric...
SCOOP: Pen Marudhar in Talks to Acquire Welcome To The Jungle’s Overseas Rights; JioStar Bags Domestic Theatrical, OTT and Satellite...
Pen Marudhar is in final talks to acquire the overseas theatrical distribution rights for the upcoming comedy caper *Welcome To The Jungle*, slated for a June 26 release. Meanwhile, JioStar’s Disney‑backed arm has secured the all‑India theatrical, satellite and OTT...