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 avoided the merger discussion. Cinema United’s Michael O’Leary announced a push for longer exclusive windows, citing a 45‑day floor and a 90‑day post‑theatrical gap, while Paramount pledged 30 films a year with a 45‑day window. The split was underscored by contrasting views from AMC’s Adam Aron, who backs the merger, and exhibitors wary of consolidation’s impact on revenue and independent film access.
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...
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...
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,...
Inside Trump and David Ellison’s Private Party in Washington
Paramount Pictures CEO David Ellison hosted a private dinner in Washington that included President Donald Trump, senior administration officials, and CBS News executives as the studio seeks federal approval for its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Attendees also included...
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...