Today's Movies Pulse
Paramount cleared to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
The U.S. Justice Department approved Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, concluding it will not lessen competition in the media sector. Regulators noted the combined entity would create a strong alternative in the video‑streaming market while live‑programming and film‑studio competition remains robust.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Streaming on Crunchyroll Next Week
Crunchyroll announced that *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc* will debut on its platform on April 30, 2026. The release is timed with the service's Ani‑May 2026 event, which includes special subscription discounts. The film picks up immediately after the first season and the Katana Man arc, introducing the character Reze and a new antagonist. A new season of the anime is in development, though no launch date has been set yet.
Michael Set to Shatter Global Opening Records, Outpacing Oppenheimer
#MICHAEL poised to crush industry’s 75M-85M 5-day opening projections overseas, kicking off its Global #BoxOffice run grossing spectacular 18.5M on WED Opening day at intl. markets, including TUE Previews, already beating #Oppenheimer’s 15.9M WED+THU grosses in just one day. Opening could...
New Trailer for 'The Birthday Party' Island Drama with Willem Dafoe
Quiver Distribution released a fresh U.S. trailer for Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s drama The Birthday Party, starring Willem Dafoe as a 1970s Greek magnate hosting his daughter’s 25th‑birthday on a private island. The film, which debuted at Locarno in 2025, explores themes of power,...
2027 Oscar Predictions: The Awards Alchemist’s First Look at the 99th Academy Awards
The Awards Alchemist unveiled its first look at the 99th Academy Awards, naming Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey" as the front‑runner for Best Picture. The piece outlines a four‑point forecasting framework—director pedigree, cast strength, thematic relevance, and alignment with recent Academy...
‘The Midway Point’ Due Via On Demand May 19 From Level 33
Level 33 Entertainment is set to launch the coming‑of‑age drama *The Midway Point* on-demand on May 19, 2026. The film follows a young man on the autism spectrum navigating identity, friendship and first love in modern‑day California. It features a recognizable cast...
“Michael,” Reviewed: A Sanitized Bio-Pic That’s All Business
Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic “Michael” offers a polished, business‑focused look at the life of pop icon Michael Jackson. Critics describe the film as a sanitized portrayal that prioritizes brand protection over artistic depth. The project arrives amid a surge of...
Come to Venice with IndieWire
IndieWire has opened applications for its 2026 Future of Filmmaking Venice Intensive, a nine‑day program running September 1‑9 that grants participants full festival accreditation, eight nights of lodging, and curated cultural experiences on the Lido. Applicants must submit by the July 6...
A24’s ‘The Moment’ to Begin Streaming on HBO Max May 29
A24’s new film *The Moment* will debut exclusively on HBO Max in the United States on May 29, with a linear broadcast the following day. The movie follows a rising pop star confronting fame and industry pressure as she prepares for an...
Stream These Movies and TV Shows Before They Leave Netflix in May
Netflix will remove several high‑profile titles from its U.S. catalog on May 1, including the Oscar‑winning drama “12 Years a Slave,” the action‑packed “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation,” and Sofia Coppola’s biopic “Priscilla.” The departures reflect the end of licensing agreements that typically...
Sign Us Up for Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler’s Miami Vice Reboot
Universal Studios announced *Miami Vice ’85*, a reboot of the 1980s TV series slated for an August 6 2027 theatrical release. Oscar‑winner Michael B. Jordan will portray Tubbs opposite Austin Butler as Sonny, with Joseph Kosinski—director of *Top Gun: Maverick*—at the helm. The film is...
Travis Knight and LAIKA to Debut 'Wildwood' Footage and Exhibition at Annecy
LAIKA’s upcoming stop‑motion feature Wildwood will hit theaters on October 23, 2024, and the studio is debuting exclusive footage at the Annecy International Animation Festival (June 21‑27). Director‑CEO Travis Knight makes his first Annecy appearance to introduce a special exhibition that runs...
The Next Best Picture Podcast – Interviews With “Fuze” Stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sam Worthington, And Director David Mackenzie
British crime‑thriller "Fuze," directed by David Mackenzie and starring Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Sam Worthington and Theo James, debuted at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews for its tense action and twists. The plot centers on a citywide evacuation...
Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders Approved the Paramount Merger — What Happens Next? And How Soon?
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the $111 billion merger with Paramount‑Skydance, creating a combined studio under CEO David Ellison. The parties aim to close the transaction by the third quarter of 2026, subject to remaining regulatory approvals. Federal...
Andy Serkis Defends His Animal Farm Movie as What Orwell Wanted
Andy Serkis has launched an animated version of George Orwell’s *Animal Farm*, injecting rap verses, sci‑fi visuals, a pronounced fart joke and a markedly happier third act. Early reviews are sharply divided, with some critics applauding the bold reinterpretation while...
Kat Graham’s Diana Ross Was Cut From Michael
Kat Graham disclosed that her portrayal of Diana Ross was removed from the Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" after legal considerations forced the cut. The film, slated for an April 24 release, has already omitted several Jackson family members, including Janet,...
Overland Expo Presents the Film Festival Lineup for West 2026
The Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona (May 15‑17, 2026) will host the 12th season of the Overland Expo Film Festival, sponsored by Remote Vans. Opening night features the debut of Desk to Glory’s Season 2 episode “Why We Overland: For...
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Kat Graham Says Role as Diana Ross Was Cut From Michael Jackson Biopic over 'Certain Legal Considerations'
Kat Graham disclosed that her scenes as Diana Ross were cut from Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," after undisclosed legal considerations emerged. The film, starring Jaafar Jackson as the pop icon, is slated for an April 24 theatrical release. A...
Lake Bell Signs With Gersh
Actress‑writer‑director Lake Bell has signed a multi‑platform representation deal with Gersh, the agency known for high‑profile film and TV talent. Bell’s recent credits include HBO’s The Chair Company, which earned two 2026 WGA nominations, and a supporting role in Black...
‘Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul,’ Documentary On Rock Music Legend, Lands June Theatrical Release
The documentary *Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul* opens nationwide on June 17, debuting with one‑week engagements in Los Angeles and New York and one‑night screenings across the U.S. Directed by James Keach, the film weaves archival footage, interviews and live...
Artists First Signs ‘Crackhead’ Creator/Star Holly Shervey
Artists First has signed New Zealand actor‑writer Holly Shervey to its management roster. Shervey is the creator and star of the dark comedy series "Crackhead," which debuted in March on HBO Max Australia and Channel Three in New Zealand. She brings a prolific track record,...
Half Man Doesn’t Age Well
Half Man, HBO’s six‑episode miniseries, follows brothers Ruben and Niall from a volatile 1980s adolescence into tangled adulthood. Created by Richard Gadd, who previously earned six Emmys for Baby Reindeer, the show blends dark comedy with a raw look at...
How To Watch Pixar's Hoppers At Home
Pixar’s new original animation *Hoppers* is set for a digital premiere on April 28, 2026, followed by a 4K Ultra HD, Blu‑ray and DVD release on June 2, 2026. The film has been lauded as an “instant classic,” helping the studio...
Review: Over Your Dead Body
Jorma Taccone’s long‑awaited feature *Over Your Dead Body* adapts the Norwegian thriller *I onde dager* into a black‑comedy murder‑marriage satire starring Jason Segel and Samara Weaving. The film mixes over‑the‑top gore with rapid‑fire jokes, delivering a high laughs‑per‑minute ratio despite...
Travis Barker Announces New Doc Louder Than Fear
Travis Barker, the famed Blink‑182 drummer, announced his upcoming documentary *Louder Than Fear* will debut on Hulu in summer 2026. The film, revealed at Hulu’s Get Real House Party in Los Angeles, chronicles his life after the 2008 plane crash...
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See the Cast of “Street Fighter” Side-by-Side with the Video Game Characters They Play
Kitao Sakurai’s new Street Fighter film, slated for Oct. 16 2026, brings together a sprawling cast of Hollywood actors, professional wrestlers and musicians. Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji lead as Ken Masters and Ryu, while Cody Rhodes, Jason Momoa, 50 Cent and others fill iconic roles....
‘Bernstein’s Wall’ Review: A Doc Tribute to the Consummate Conductor Who Subverted Radical Chic
The documentary "Bernstein’s Wall" opens at New York’s Film Forum on April 24, 2026, offering an archival‑driven portrait of Leonard Bernstein. It foregrounds his political activism, notably the 1970 Black Panther benefit that sparked the "radical chic" debate, while also touching on his...
Hollywood Overbudgeted Films Expecting Endless DVD Revenue
With due respect to Matt Damon, there were no DVDs in most of the 90s. The first mainstream DVD release was 1997. Yes, the heat of Damon’s early career was in the DVD era, The Departed coming as it dissipated....
‘Off Campus’ Trailer: Prime Video Unveils Elle Kennedy Adaptation Ahead of May 2026 Premiere
Prime Video has dropped the official trailer for “Off Campus,” a new series adapting Elle Kennedy’s bestselling college‑romance novels. The show, created by Louisa Levy and co‑executive‑produced by Gina Fattore, follows the high‑stakes world of an elite university ice‑hockey team...
Animated Films, Including ‘The Simpsons Movie 2’ and ‘Phineas and Ferb,’ Now Qualify for California Tax Credits
Governor Gavin Newsom’s expanded California Film & Television Tax Credit program now includes animated feature films, with 38 projects—among them “The Simpsons Movie 2,” a “Phineas and Ferb” movie, and a DreamWorks picture—receiving credits. The round is projected to generate almost...
Cold War Space Race Gets a Twist in First Trailer for Apple TV’s Star City
Apple TV+ unveiled the first trailer for "Star City," an eight‑part alt‑history drama set in the same universe as "For All Mankind." The series flips the Cold War space race, depicting a Soviet Union that lands on the Moon before...
Some Music Biopics Are Embraced By The Academy While Others Aren’t – What Does This Mean For “Michael?”
Musical biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis have shown that massive box‑office success can translate into Oscar recognition, even when critics are lukewarm. However, other high‑grossing titles like Straight Outta Compton, Rocketman, and Bob Marley: One Love received few...
With the Animated Epic, More Than One Version of the Odyssey Is Headed to Movie Theaters
Jorge Rivera‑Herrans’ TikTok‑born musical series *Epic*—a nine‑part retelling of Homer’s *Odyssey*—has amassed billions of streams and topped iTunes soundtrack charts, even nudging Taylor Swift from the top spot. The project, which began as a senior thesis and leveraged fan‑driven casting, is...
Fonda Warns Warner‑Paramount Merger Threatens Media Diversity
Jane Fonda on WBD-Paramount shareholder vote: "Today’s decision by Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders to advance a merger with Paramount is a serious setback — for our industry, for the workers who sustain it, for consumers, and for the fundamental democratic values...
Willem Dafoe Returns in New “Birthday Party” Trailer
New Trailer for 'The Birthday Party' Island Thriller with Willem Dafoe https://t.co/6Pwujdt01Z #TheBirthdayParty #indiefilm #WillemDafoe #VicCarmenSonne #Greece https://t.co/eoxesnUjXG
Red Rocks to Take Part in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight - Cannes 2026 – Directors’ Fortnight
French auteur Bruno Dumont’s 12th fiction feature, *Red Rocks*, has been selected for a Special Screening in the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes 2026. The film, his fourth Fortnight entry, follows two child gangs playing on the red cliffs of the...
Audiences Adore New Michael Film, Critics Remain Lukewarm
And to no surprise, audiences are liking new #Michael movie WAY more than film critics did. https://t.co/inMzQo06Yz
Must‑Watch Documentary Featuring Hilarious Xan
If you haven’t seen this (or if you have), go see this. Great doc. Great moment in history. Xan is a hoot and a half. https://t.co/Bivoh0PalA
Annecy Solidifies Its Reign: The €54 Million Global Hub for Animation Opens Its Doors
France’s Annecy will officially open the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation on June 19, just before the annual Annecy International Animation Festival. The €54 million (≈ $59 million) complex, located beside the festival’s venues, offers production studios, post‑production labs, and a dedicated training academy....
Director Angel Manuel Soto Hosts CCXP Mexico Panel
If you’re going to CCXP Mexico City this weekend, I’m hosting my director panel with @angelmanuelsoto on the Thunder Stage on Sunday at 12:45pm. Angel will discuss 'Blue Beetle,' 'The Wrecking Crew,' and so much more. He's also going to...
New Book Exposes Unreported Hollywood Writers' Strike Showdown
I have one last excerpt from my new book out today--this one about the Hollywood writers’ strike in 2023. It includes some previously unreported material about the showdown b/w the writers and prominent studio execs like Ted Sarandos and David...
Hitting the Subsidy Ceiling: Why the Brussels Short Film Festival Is Turning Down Growth
The 29th Brussels Short Film Festival (April 22‑May 2) is forced to curb its expansion after hitting the European Union’s subsidy ceiling. Despite record attendance and a surge in submissions, the festival can no longer secure additional public funding. Organizers announced a...
Introducing the Villains of Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Noir
Meet the Villains in Featurette for Nicolas Cage's 'Spider-Noir' Series https://t.co/YNqmktSm8T #SpiderNoir #NicolasCage #villains #Silvermane #Sandman #PrimeVideo https://t.co/LTIJ9sM9p7
CinemaCon Signals $10 B Domestic Box Office by 2026
Big guns came out for #CinemaCon this year and it's truly looking like a bullish #boxoffice ahead for 2026! Could we be on track to hit $10B domestic?? https://t.co/9U8i4BjIt2
Hollywood Stars Rally Against Paramount‑Warner Merger, 4,000 Sign
Hollywood Petition to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Tops 4,000 Names as Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Holly Hunter and More Join the Fight https://t.co/MUBlyV48X0 via @variety
Oscar‑Winning Production Designer Dean Tavoularis Dies at 93
One of the all-time greats. Dean Tavoularis Dies: Oscar-Winning ‘Godfather’ & ‘Apocalypse Now’ Production Designer Was 93 https://t.co/T9bK4Xdwwa via @Deadline
Shareholders OK Paramount‑Skydance Deal, Awaiting Regulators
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount Skydance's acquisition. Now the deal is just awaiting regulatory approval.
Warner Bros Acquisitions Crash, Raising Prices and Layoffs
My colleague Patrick Gallaher traces the history of the last decade of Warner Bros. acquisitions. TL;DR, every super-genius who bought this company crashed like Acme rocket roller-skate users, but we all got burned with higher prices and massive layoffs
Warner Bros Shareholders Approve $111B Paramount Takeover Despite Backlash
News: Warner Bros. shareholders overwhelmingly approve controversial $111-billion Paramount takeover amid growing opposition in Hollywood and beyond. https://t.co/iHnN5ov2ML
Warner Discovery Shareholders Overwhelmingly Back Paramount Merger
Warner Discovery stockholders overwhelmingly approve sale to Paramount, WBD says. "Based on the preliminary vote count from today's Special Meeting, WBD stockholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the adoption of the merger agreement with Paramount."
New Action-Packed Trailer Reveals Masters of the Universe
Another Action-Filled Trailer for 'Masters of the Universe' Fantasy Movie https://t.co/tjSKuDFHiP #MastersoftheUniverse #NicholasGalitzine #HeMan #CamilaMendes #IdrisElba #AmazonMGMStudio https://t.co/YJdJw1xdNO