Hollywood's summer movie season is packed with big names and franchises. Universal Pictures is releasing Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day.” Franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Minions,” “Star Wars,” and “Toy Story” are also set to draw crowds. This year, Disney kicks off the season with “The Devil Wears Prada 2" instead of a Marvel film. The industry is adapting to changes, with streaming and altered viewing habits impacting box office numbers. Despite challenges, directors like James Cameron remain optimistic about the future of theatrical releases. The summer movie season runs from May through August.
“Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics. A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, “Michael” far surpassed previous biopic top performers like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” International sales were also strong. “Michael” collected $120.4 million overseas to give it a $217.4 million global opening — a new high for a music biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.
HBO Max, “Harry Potter,” “Top Gun,” CBS and CNN may all be placed under the control of the upstart Paramount Skydance soon. That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an $81 billion sale of the company on Thursday. The deal, including debt, is valued at nearly $111 billion. While the megamerger faces ongoing regulatory review, it could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape. It would further consolidate power in an industry already run by just a handful of major players. Paramount itself was acquired by Skydance just last year. Here’s what a Paramount-Warner combo could look like for streaming, movies, news and more.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Project Hail Mary” continue to lead the North American box office. The Mario sequel has topped the charts for three weekends, adding $35 million and reaching $747.5 million globally. “Project Hail Mary” dropped only 15% in its fifth weekend, earning $20.5 million domestically and bringing its worldwide total to $573.1 million. Meanwhile, “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” debuted in third place with $13.5 million. Despite mixed reviews, it has a worldwide total of $34 million. The overall box office is up 16% from last year, with more big releases expected soon.
Eddie Murphy receives life achievement award by AFI, drawing standing ovation at star-filled tribute
Eddie Murphy has received the American Film Institute's life achievement award at a star-studded ceremony. The event, held Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre, featured appearances from Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and more. Murphy, known for his roles in "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Shrek" over a nearly 50-year career, expressed gratitude for his family and career. Spike Lee praised Murphy's cultural impact, while Chris Rock and others highlighted his influence across generations. The tribute, which will air on Netflix, also included performances by Jennifer Hudson.
Nathalie Baye, a French actor known for her versatility and charm, has died at 77. French media reported she died Friday in Paris from a neurodegenerative disease. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, highlighting her impact on cinema. Baye starred in over 80 films, effortlessly moving between comedies and auteur films. She won two César Awards for Best Actress. She gained international recognition as Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen mother in "Catch Me If You Can." Her career spanned five decades, working with renowned directors and emerging filmmakers, leaving a lasting legacy in French cinema.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is dominating the box office in its second weekend. Universal and Illumination's sequel added $69 million from 4,284 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. Its domestic total now stands at $308.1 million, with a global total of $629 million. The figures mark a 48% drop from its first weekend, which is modest for a blockbuster. The sequel cost $110 million to produce and is being considered a hit despite not matching the first film's initial success. Meanwhile, Universal's “You, Me & Tuscany” debuted in fourth place with $8 million. The romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page is getting mixed reviews but positive audience feedback.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has scored the biggest opening of the year for a Hollywood film. Studio estimates on Sunday say the Illumination and Nintendo co-production earned $130.9 million over the weekend and $190.1 million in its first five days in North America. Released globally on Wednesday, the film capitalized on kids’ spring break vacations. It earned an estimated $182.4 million from 80 overseas markets, totaling a $372.5 million debut. Despite mixed reviews, audiences were enthusiastic. The movie features returning voice actors like Chris Pratt and Jack Black. It played in over 4,000 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over the movie “It Ends With Us" but left intact claims for retaliation. The written ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan was released late Thursday. Lively will still be allowed to put many of her allegations before a jury. Her lawyer says she looks forward to testifying. Lively sued Baldoni last December, alleging sexual harassment. Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios countersued Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed Baldoni’s claims in June.