Today's Movies Pulse
Paramount cleared to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, but states gear up for antitrust fights
The U.S. Justice Department approved Paramount Global's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, concluding it will not substantially lessen competition in the media sector. Regulators noted the combined entity would create a stronger streaming alternative while existing live‑programming and film‑studio competition remains robust. Meanwhile, California, New York and several other states are preparing separate antitrust challenges, hinting at a multi‑jurisdictional battle.
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25 Serial Killer Documentaries that Stay with You Long After Watching
Entertainment Weekly compiled a list of the 25 most compelling serial‑killer documentaries and docuseries, ranging from classic cases like H.H. Holmes to modern investigations such as the Golden State Killer. The collection highlights how DNA breakthroughs have turned cold cases into solved crimes, exemplified by HBO’s *I’ll Be Gone in the Dark*. Streaming platforms—Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and others—provide easy access, fueling a surge in true‑crime consumption. Each title offers a distinct lens, from forensic science to the societal impact on victims and communities.
The Drama Criticised over 'Misleading' Marketing Campaign: "We Expect Better"
A24’s new thriller *The Drama*, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, has drawn fire from gun‑violence‑prevention group March for Our Lives for its trailer’s handling of a teen‑planned school shooting. The organization argues the marketing downplays the seriousness of gun violence...
Talking Link Could Ruin the 'Zelda Magic' For Live-Action Movie, Says Majora's Mask Creator
Veteran Nintendo art director Takaya Imamura, famed for crafting Majora’s Mask, warned that giving Link a voice could erode the franchise’s mystique. He acknowledged Link will likely speak, but emphasized a taciturn portrayal to preserve the character’s iconic silence. The upcoming...
Head to Head (2023) by Malik Nejer Film Review
Saudi Arabia’s cultural liberalization is fueling a surge in homegrown cinema, and Malik Nejer’s live‑action debut, “Head to Head,” exemplifies this shift. The black‑comedy thriller follows a delusional chauffeur and his mechanic friend through a neon‑lit, neo‑noir town, blending slapstick,...
Funky Freaky Freaks (2025) by Han Chang-Lok Film Review
Han Chang‑lok’s "Funky Freaky Freaks" captured the Special Jury Award at Busan before debuting internationally at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The Korean indie drama follows three high‑school outcasts navigating bullying, anorexia, catfishing and violent masculinity. Its raw, punk‑infused...
Sony Will Lay Off Hundreds Of TV & Movie Studio Employees
Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a restructuring that will eliminate several hundred jobs across its film, television and corporate divisions, affecting a modest slice of its 12,000‑plus global workforce. The changes follow the appointment of Ravi Ahuja as chairman and CEO,...
Ken Burns Thrives on Big, Intimidating Historical Projects
Some ideas are so big… they’re a little intimidating. Ken Burns (@kenlburns) finds the best ones are “large enough to be afraid of.” For more than 50 years, Ken has tackled some of the most significant moments in U.S. history, becoming...
Netflix's One Piece Season 3: What Is The Battle Of Alabasta, And Why Are Fans So Excited?
Netflix announced that its live‑action "One Piece" will return with Season 3 in 2027, just a year after the second season. The new season will adapt the pivotal Battle of Alabasta arc, pitting the Straw Hat crew against Sir Crocodile and...
Puppeteer James Ortiz on Becoming Rocky, the Adorable Alien in 'Project Hail Mary'
James Ortiz, a veteran puppeteer with over 15 years of Broadway experience, served as the principal puppeteer and voice of Rocky, the stone‑like alien in the film adaptation of Andy Weir’s "Project Hail Mary." He coordinated a team of three...
Madonna Biopic Lives (Sort Of): How ‘The Studio’ Season 2 Revives the Axed Movie and Ends the Icon’s 23-Year Acting...
Madonna returns to the screen in a two‑episode arc of Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ series “The Studio” Season 2, playing herself alongside Julia Garner. The storyline re‑imagines the abandoned Universal biopic, positioning the fictional Continental Studios as its producer and filming...
The Mighty Amazon by Paul Risker
Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro’s new drama *The Blue Trail* follows 77‑year‑old Tereza as she rebels against a government‑mandated relocation of seniors to remote colonies, turning the Amazon river into a road‑trip of self‑discovery. The film blends dystopian and coming‑of‑age tropes,...
Even Service Dogs Prefer Movies over Books
I went to see Project Hail Mary. Great movie, I highly recommend it. The less you know about it going in, the better. Trust me. The guy in front of me in the theater brought his dog in to see the...
SeriesFest Sets Lineup With ‘The Four Seasons’, ‘The Testament’s & ‘Ponies’ Panels
SeriesFest, the Denver-based television festival, announced its twelfth edition lineup for May 6‑10, 2024. The schedule includes screenings of Netflix’s *The Four Seasons* (season 2), Hulu’s *The Testaments*, and Peacock’s *Ponies*, followed by conversations with creators and stars. Additional panels feature industry...
GSN President John Zaccario & Sony TV Head Of Comedy Colin Davis Leaving Amid SPE Layoffs; Studio Shuts Down Wardrobe...
Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a wave of layoffs that includes the departure of John Zaccario, president of Game Show Network, after 18 years, and Colin Davis, EVP of Comedy Development at Sony TV. The cuts also signal the shutdown of...
The MCU’s X-Men Movie Officially Has Writers
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe is moving closer to an X‑Men standalone film as director Jake Schreier confirms that acclaimed TV writers Lee Sung Jin of *Beef* and Joanna Calo of *The Bear* have been hired to script the project. The...
Netflix Doubles Down on Rom‑coms with New 'Court Date' Pickup
Excl: Netflix leaning hard into rom-coms, with its latest move being a pick up of a pitch titled COURT DATE from rising writer Michael Montemayor. Berlanti/Schechter Films is on board to produce. https://t.co/60L4PtCqtH
Trainspotting Returns in Stunning 4K 30th Anniversary Trailer
New Trailer for Boyle's 'Trainspotting' 30th Anniversary 4K Update https://t.co/HIw78wEeO2 #Trainspotting #DannyBoyle #EwanMcGregor #EwenBremner #JonnyLeeMiller #KellyMacdonald #Edinburgh https://t.co/M3IRzoTiIz
New Trailer for Boyle's 'Trainspotting' 30th Anniversary 4K Re-Release
Sony Pictures Classics released a new trailer for the 30th‑anniversary 4K restoration of Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, slated to hit U.S. theaters on June 5, 2026. The iconic 1996 film, which debuted at Cannes and opened in the United States in July 1996, is...
Why You Should Actually Get Excited For Marvel’s X-Men Movie Reboot
Marvel Studios confirmed a full X‑Men reboot for the MCU, appointing Jake Schreier—fresh from his work on Thunderbolts—to direct the first film. Kevin Feige announced that a script is already in development and that the new movie will target a younger...
Noah Hawley to Direct Warner Remake of Terrified
Excl: ALIEN-EARTH & FARGO show creator Noah Hawley is taking another stab at movies, setting up a remake of Argentinian supernatural horror feature TERRIFIED at Warners. Hawley will direct & produce. Via Mia Galuppo. https://t.co/tJy6mjKZ6W
Manager J.M. Stodola Joins Arsonhouse Entertainment
J.M. Stodola has joined Arsonhouse Entertainment as a manager after a four‑year stint at Sugar23, where he advanced from assistant to manager. He arrives with a roster of comedy talent that includes London Brown, Erica Rhodes, and several stand‑up creators....
Amazon MGM’s Thriller ‘Ally Clark’ Rounds Out Cast With Six Additions
Amazon MGM Studios announced that its upcoming thriller "Ally Clark" has added six new cast members, including Jefferson White and Chris Sullivan. The series stars Viola Davis as the titular investigator, with Jason Clarke and Benjamin Bratt also attached. Filming...
Ogilvie Originally Had a Much-Different Ending on The Pitt
Season two of the medical drama *The Pitt* introduces fourth‑year student James Ogilvie as a know‑it‑all who initially alienates his colleagues. Over the arc, mentorship from Drs. McKay and Whitaker and the death of patient Mr. Green force Ogilvie to...
Tommy Harper Aims to Build HBO‑Style Micro‑Drama App
Exclusive: 'Star Wars' and 'Top Gun' producer Tommy Harper wants to make the 'HBO' of micro dramas with a new app. Read my interview with him and the pitch deck here 👉 https://t.co/kblixmikVy
🎧 Steven Soderbergh on Art, Commerce & Legacy
Steven Soderbergh discusses his legacy, emphasizing how he wants to be remembered for his ideas about filmmaking and industry ethics rather than his filmography. He promotes his latest Neon release, "The Christophers," a satire on art, commerce, and generational conflict...
Gulf Backers Invest $24 Billion in Paramount’s Deal for Warner Bros.
Paramount Skydance secured roughly $24 billion from Gulf sovereign‑wealth funds to finance its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will provide about $12 billion, while Abu Dhabi and Qatar each pledge $6 billion. The deal also relies on $45.7 billion...
50 Cent Documentary Series Set At Hulu
Hulu has green‑lit a three‑part documentary series on rapper‑entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, reportedly paying $75 million for the project. The series will trace his journey from Queens streets, through a near‑fatal shooting, to his record‑selling music career and expansion into television...
'My Undesirable Friends' Director Julia Loktev
In this episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit Podcast, host Chris Ofaltov talks with director Julia Loktev about her five‑hour documentary series *My Undesirable Friends* (Part 1: Last Air in Moscow). The film follows independent journalists in Moscow as they are labeled...
Watch: How Disparate Storytelling Styles Can Help Us ‘Always Remember’
Film Independent’s free "Always Remember" series is streaming two new Holocaust‑focused films, Oscar‑winner Michel Hazanavicius’s animated short "The Most Precious of Cargoes" and Dara Bratt’s documentary "Inked: Our Stories Remarked." Hazanavicius chose animation to suggest tragedy without pretending realism, while...
Star‑Studded “The Firm” Disappoints, Only Cameos Shine
The Firm (1993): Sydney Pollack, Robert Towne, John Seale, Gene Hackman, Tom Cruise coming together as legends to make an absolute stinker. Only good scene is when Gary Busey and Holly Hunter show up. Turned it off after an hour...
Bill Ackman Strikes a Chord with Universal Bid
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square has unveiled a multi‑billion‑dollar bid for Universal, offering a premium that exceeds the current market valuation. The proposal targets Universal’s music‑streaming, publishing and recorded‑music divisions, which Ackman argues are undervalued. The bid, if accepted, would represent...
The Coolest Part Of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Had Nothing To Do With Mario
The Super Mario Galaxy movie features an unexpected cameo by Fox McCloud, the Star Fox pilot, in a striking 2D anime‑style sequence. The brief segment, crafted by supervising animator Benjamin Faure, showcases Fox recounting his interdimensional backstory to Peach and Toad. Critics praised...
Christina Hendricks Signs With Independent Artist Group
Actress and producer Christina Hendricks has signed with Independent Artist Group (IAG) for representation across acting, producing, and brand endorsement work. IAG will collaborate with Hendricks to broaden her producing slate and secure new commercial partnerships. Hendricks, known for her...
IFF Panama Closing Night Film ‘Milly, Queen of Merengue,’ About the Four-Time Latin Grammy Winner, Spins a Tale of Grit...
Dominican director Leticia Tonos debuts her first bio‑musical, "Milly, Queen of Merengue," as the closing night film of the 14th Panama International Film Festival. The movie chronicles four‑time Latin Grammy winner Milly Quezada’s escape from Dominican civil war, her rise...
‘This Film Is Urgent,’ Says the Panamanian Director of ‘Culebra Cut’ as the U.S. Military Conducts Exercises on Bases It...
Panamanian director Ana Elena Tejera is filming “Culebra Cut,” a fiction feature set in 2000 that revisits the Panama Canal Zone’s handover after a century of U.S. occupation. The story follows a young soldier confronting the lingering wounds of displaced...
Alana Haim’s Rachel Might Be the Secret Villain of The Drama
Kristoffer Borgli’s dark satire *The Drama* has ignited widespread discussion, not only for its provocative premise—an engaged bride confessing a teenage mass‑shooting plan—but also for the unexpected emergence of Alana Haim’s character, Rachel, as the film’s covert antagonist. Rachel, the...
2026 Peabody Award Nominees Include ‘No Other Land,’ ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ and More
The 2026 George Foster Peabody Awards announced a slate of 22 documentary nominees, including Oscar‑winning titles “No Other Land” and “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.” The nominations span a wide range of topics—from climate‑driven conflict in “2000 Meters to Andriivka” to the social...
The Devil Wears Prada 2 North America Box Office Projection: Could Deliver The Second Biggest Opening Weekend This Year?
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is projected to open in North America between $80 million and $95 million, potentially securing the second‑largest debut of 2026 after the $131.7 million Super Mario Galaxy opening. The sequel, featuring the original cast plus newcomers Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh, is slated for...
Indie Horror Trailer: Chaotic “Buffet Infinity” Restaurant Battle
Wacky Weird 'Buffet Infinity' Restaurant Battle Indie Horror Film Trailer https://t.co/XVZtiwtUKm #horror #indiefilm #BuffetInfinity #Canada #SimonGlassman https://t.co/qp2hTjUwHM
The Batman: Part II Confirms Major Cast Return as It Gets Exciting Filming Update
The Batman: Part II has confirmed Andy Serkis will reprise Alfred Pennyworth alongside Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne. Matt Reeves returns as director and co‑writes the script with Mattson Tomlin. The sequel, now scheduled for an October 1, 2027 theatrical release, will begin shooting in London in June 2026 after...
Why Director Genki Kawamura Threw Out the Video Game Film Adaptation Playbook with ‘Exit 8’
Director Genki Kawamura’s "Exit 8" redefines video‑game film adaptations by staying true to the source’s minimalist horror. The movie, based on the 2023 indie walking‑sim "The Exit 8," debuted in Japan in August 2025 and will hit North American theaters...
Sony Pictures Cuts Hundreds in Sweeping Reorganization
Sony Pictures Entertainment to Lay Off Hundreds in Massive Reorganization Across TV, Film and Corporate https://t.co/pS2l98bQdA via @variety
Critics Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television Honorees: Hannah Einbinder, Dan Levy, Bre-Z, ‘Heated Rivalry’ Creator Jacob Tierney and...
The Critics Choice Association announced the honorees and date for its third annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television, set for May 29, 2026 in Los Angeles. The ceremony will recognize both emerging and established talent, awarding Jane Lynch with...
Andy Serkis Set to Return as Alfred in The Batman II
Andy Serkis will reprise his role as Alfred Pennyworth in Matt Reeves' The Batman II, with production slated to start in June in London. The casting confirmation comes as the franchise rides on a $772 million worldwide box‑office haul and a...
Michael Will Conclude the King of Pop's HIStory at a Very Opportune, Legally Approved Point
The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" is set to open this month with studios targeting a $700 million global box office, but the film’s finale was completely re‑shot to remove any reference to the child‑abuse allegations. The Jackson estate spent roughly $50 million...
Downton Abbey Star Backed to Replace Daniel Craig as the Next James Bond
Fans of the upcoming James Bond film have rallied behind Arty Froushan, the 32‑year‑old actor known for his recent turn as Noël Coward in *Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale*, as a potential successor to Daniel Craig. The speculation comes amid...
VODepths: What to See (and Avoid) on Demand This Week
This week’s VOD slate offers a mixed bag, ranging from the abysmal Russian family comedy “Papa Bear” to the modestly entertaining body‑horror “Thinestra.” The releases include a self‑referential horror‑romance, a spaghetti‑Western‑tinged drama starring John C. Reilly, and a teen radio‑show...
“BEAST”
The Australian‑produced film “Beast” follows former MMA star Patton James, played by Daniel MacPherson, as he returns to the cage to rescue his brother and faces ONE Championship champion Xavier Grau. Directed by Tyler Atkins and co‑written by David Frigerio and Russell Crowe,...
First Trailer Drops for Richard Gadd’s ‘Half Man’
First Trailer for Richard Gadd's New Series 'Half Man' with Jamie Bell https://t.co/JCrmTXwsp8 #HalfMan #JamieBell #RichardGadd #brothers #HBO #BBC https://t.co/AwzY0ZDBOE
Marvel’s X-Men Film Has Two New Writers
Marvel’s next X‑Men film has tapped Lee Sung Jin, creator of the hit series Beef, and Joanna Calo, writer‑co‑showrunner of The Bear, to rewrite the screenplay. Director Jake Schreier, fresh from the blockbuster Thunderbolts, will helm the project, which has already seen multiple script overhauls...