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☆ The Hollywood box office is slumping. 'The Fall Guy' could change that.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But the Hollywood strikes pushed the release date for "Deadpool & Wolverine, so "The Fall Guy" stepped in. 2012's "The Avengers" brought in $207 million opening weekend and grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide. 'The Fall Guy' doesn't need to earn what past Marvel titles did to be successfulRyan Gosling in "The Fall Guy." There have to be other big winners, and that's where "The Fall Guy" comes in. "The Fall Guy" is tracking in the mid-$30 million range for this weekend, multiple industry sources told BI.

Persons: Guy, —, David Leitch, Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Tim Handren, Hadren, Jeff Bock, Bock, Max Organizations: Marvel, Service, WGA, SAG, Santikos Entertainment, Marvel Studios, Hollywood Locations: Hollywood, Antonio

☆ Meet Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's kids, all of whom had roles in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Actors Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, who have been married since 2010, have three children. Their eldest child, a daughter named India Rose, starred alongside Hemsworth in "Thor: Love and Thunder." download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementChris Hemsworth is known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his kids are unfazed by his A-lister status. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky, India Rose, Hemsworth, Sasha, Tristan, —, Thor, lister Organizations: Service, Marvel, Entertainment, Business Locations: India

☆ Robert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth that he was 'replaceable' as Thor, said he has 'most complex psyche out of all us Avengers'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Robert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth, who said he was "replaceable" as Thor. AdvertisementRobert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth after the "Thor" star said he was "replaceable" in the "Avengers" movies. "Hemsworth is, in my opinion, the most complex psyche out of all us Avengers. He's got wit and gravitas, but also such restraint, fire, and gentleness," Downey Jr. continued, before describing Hemsworth's work in "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame" as a "formidable hat trick." Downey Jr. and Chris Evans both left after "Endgame," and Scarlett Johansson exited following 2021's "Black Widow."

Persons: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Thor, Hemsworth, —, You've, Downey, Kenneth Branagh, Ken Branagh, He's, Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Anthony Hopkins, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Marvel Organizations: Service, Marvel, Fair, Marvel Studios

☆ Disney just named 2 new top execs to advise on strategy and M&A as it considers its future: Read the memo
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Disney has appointed two senior executives to oversee corporate strategy as it considers the future of its linear business and contends with streaming losses. Veteran Disney exec Justin Warbrooke, meanwhile, was named EVP and head of corporate development, overseeing M&A as well as divestitures, among other areas. Mayer was Disney's EVP of corporate strategy and business development before going on to run strategy and the DTC and international businesses. As such, we are evolving the Corporate Strategy function to better align with this vision, which includes two leadership roles — one focused on Corporate Strategy and another focused on Corporate Development — both reporting directly to me. In addition to strategy, Andre has advised clients on the topics of operations, organization, customer journey design, and M&A.

Persons: Disney, Nelson Peltz, It's, Bob Iger, Bain, Andre James, Justin Warbrooke, James, Marvel, Hugh Johnston, Kevin Mayer, Mayer, Iger, Tom Staggs, —, Andre, Justin, Hugh Organizations: ESPN, Business, Veteran Disney, Coopers, Lybrand's, DTC, Century Fox, Disney, Media, Walt Disney Company, Corporate, Strategy, Development, of Media, Entertainment, Bain & Company, Consumer, Marvel, Reliance, Fox, Warner Bros . Discovery, Finance Locations: Hulu, India

☆ Airbnb’s Icons allow you to drift off in the ‘Up’ house or rest in Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ mansion
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —If you have ever wanted to dream in the balloon-lifted “Up” house, party with Kevin Hart or jam with Doja Cat, Airbnb has just the thing. With Icons, we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth.”Here are some of the entertainment-focused Icons announced so far:An actual photo of the Airbnb house recreated to look like the home in the Disney/Pixar movie "Up" -- both the interior and exterior. Ryan LowryDrift off in the “Up”house - “Sleep inside one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic homes – and yes, it floats. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable living room performance from the Grammy-winning artist, including her favorite songs and tracks from her latest album.”"Purple Rain" House - AirBnb Icons Eric OgdenStay in Prince’s “Purple Rain” house - “Prince purchased the Minneapolis, Minnesota home featured in the legendary film ‘Purple Rain,’ but it’s never been available to the public until now. Explore the home and go crazy for rare and special tracks from Prince’s world in an exclusive studio session.

Persons: Kevin Hart, Airbnb, Brian Chesky, we’ve, Ryan Lowry, ”, You’ll, Kevin, Doja, Eric Ogden, “ Prince, it’s, Khaby, Holly Andres Step, Marvel, you’re, Joy, Janhvi Kapoor Organizations: CNN, Wednesday, Disney Locations: Abiquiu , New Mexico, Minneapolis , Minnesota, Milan, Italy, Westchester , New York, Paris

☆ Chris Hemsworth says he regrets 'Thor: Love and Thunder' because he 'became a parody' of himself
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Chris Hemsworth says he regrets leaning too far into comedy for "Thor: Love and Thunder." The Marvel star says he "became a parody" of himself with the sequel. AdvertisementChris Hemsworth says he regrets "Thor: Love and Thunder" because he "became a parody" of himself in what was his ninth appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 40-year-old star first played Thor hero in 2011's "Thor" and he reprised the role in three sequels and all four Avengers movies. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Chris Hemsworth, Hemsworth, —, Max Organizations: Service, Marvel, Business

☆ Showcase for Antebellum Homes Displays Their Finery. But What About the History?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Rick Rojas | Kate Medley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

WHY WE’RE HEREWe’re exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. In Mississippi, a tradition of house tours is about more than architecture. It’s a window into how a city sees its past and its ambitions for the future. It was also a highlight of the longstanding tradition known as Pilgrimage. Every spring, the city’s finest antebellum homes are opened to the public for a few weeks, inviting people in to marvel at the craftsmanship and the opulence.

Organizations: . Homeowners Locations: Mississippi, Riverview, Southern, Columbus, Alabama

☆ I've been to more than 30 countries, but I'll always think this European city is the best destination for children of any age
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Erika Ebsworth-Goold | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAs a travel writer, one of my greatest loves is experiencing a new country, region, or city with my son. But if you ask me, London is also the best spot to bring your kids, especially if they range in age. Here's why I'll always believe London is a terrific destination for children of any age. Children under 11 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and discounts are available for older kids. The city is full of parks for children to play inLondon has incredible green space for such a large city.

Persons: —, I've, Erika Ebsworth, Big Ben, we've, Gordon Ramsay's, Martin Organizations: Service, London, Business, Transportation, Heathrow Express, Airport, Paddington Station, Hyde Park, Royal Observatory, Prime Meridian, Food, British Museum, Magna Carta, Tate, Eurostar Locations: London, Hyde, Greenwich, London . London, Ethiopian, Harrods, St, Trafalgar, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Birmingham, Brighton, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam

When Scarlett Johansson announced in June of 2022 that she was launching a skincare line, I wasn't just skeptical; I was confused. However, Scarlett Johansson's skincare label, The Outset, was one career move I didn't see coming, despite the fact the Marvel actor has an undeniably glowing complexion. So, you can imagine my surprise when it proved to be one of the best skincare brands I've tried in my eight years of testing and reporting on all things beauty. A close-up of The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream texture. Its first collection included a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, vitamin C eye cream, and night cream that, when used together, create a complete regimen you can use day and night.

Persons: Scarlett Johansson, Gwen Stefani's, Scarlett Johansson's skincare, I've, Julia Guerra, Kate Foster Organizations: Business, Marvel

☆ Every single Zendaya movie, ranked
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Savanna Swain-Wilson | Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

She also returned as MJ in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021). Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Courtesy of Sony PicturesAudience score: 98%In this follow-up to the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe film, the hero's identity is revealed. Again, like the previous installment, the film was lauded by both critics and audience members, with some even calling it the "best" "Spider-Man" movie of all time. Keep in mind this list doesn't include movies that she wasn't credited in, nor does it include films without a score.

Persons: Tom Holland, Peter Parker, Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch, wasn't, Read Organizations: Sony Locations: Holland

☆ ‘Avengers Assemble:’ Five years after ‘Endgame,’ the box office needs more than just a blip
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

For many it felt like a soothing balm, underscoring the kind of communal experience people were missing as the still-new coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters. Even allowing for that, the operatic heights achieved by “Endgame,” which grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, would have been difficult to replicate. Such a concept would have sounded particularly foreign in the run-up to “Endgame,” when Marvel and its leader, Kevin Feige, appeared to possess a Midas touch. Venezuelan filmgoers watch the first screening in Venezuela of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Endgame" at a cinema in Caracas on April 26, 2019. Unlike “Endgame,” the challenges that face the movie business can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers.

Persons: Captain, Thanos, ”, Marvel, Kevin Feige, Federico Parra, Joe, Anthony Russo, America, Russo, Joe Russo, Barbie ”, Captain America Organizations: CNN, Captain America, Marvel Studios, Marvel, DC, Warner Bros, Hollywood, “, Getty, Film, Captain, Disney Locations: Venezuela, Caracas, AFP

☆ In 'Tortured Poets' Lyrics, Taylor Swift Finally Criticized Her Own Fans
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Callie Ahlgrim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Taylor Swift is not known to bite the hand that feeds her. Taylor Swift built her brand as a friendly and relatable pop starA young fan exchanges friendship bracelets with Taylor Swift during The Eras Tour" in Sao Paulo, Brazil. But nearly two decades into her career, the business of Being Taylor Swift has become a billion-dollar industry whose parasocial peanut gallery has grown in size to match. With 'The Tortured Poets Department,' Swift is telling fans they don't actually know herTaylor Swift greeting fans at the 2019 VMAs. John Shearer/Getty Images"The Tortured Poets Department" allows a peek into the inner turmoil of Being Taylor Swift, with all the attention, venom, and possessiveness she attracts.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, Taylor, Little, that's, fame's downsides, Kanye, John Shearer, Matty Healy, Joe Alwyn, Healy, who'd, Swifties, Healy didn't, she's, Swift — Organizations: Recording Academy, Poets Department, Marvel, Department, Spice Locations: Sao Paulo, Brazil

☆ I visited Dollywood's sister theme park in the Ozark mountains. The hidden gem's attractions and food were just as good as Disney's.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Carly Caramanna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewOne of my favorite hidden-gem theme parks is Silver Dollar City, nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri. Both are owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, though Silver Dollar City opened first in 1960. I've visited theme parks all over the world and this now ranks as one of my favorites. There are also unique attractions at Silver Dollar City that I haven't experienced anywhere else — Grandfather's Mansion was one of my favorites. The food is fantastic and uniqueCarly CaramannaI'm a big foodie — especially at theme parks — and I was happy this park's eats lived up to the hype.

Persons: —, It's, I've, Carly Caramanna, I'd, Carly Caramanna It's, Carly Caramanna Grandfather's, that's, Carly Caramanna I'm, Delilah's, Dickens, Carol, An, Ward, She's, Dolly Parton's Organizations: Service, Dollar, Herschend Family Entertainment, Dollar City, Disney, Business, Silver Dollar, Marvel Locations: Ozark, Branson , Missouri, touristy, Branson there's

☆ ‘Tortured Poets Department’: A listener’s guide to references hidden in Taylor Swift’s lyrics
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

CNN —Taylor Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” on Friday, a 31-track surprise double album, and she’s clearly in an emotionally evolved era. Either way, as the title suggests in this song, she’s determined to get him back. ‘I Hate it Here’“This place made me feel worthless,” Swift sings. Others have connected the Cassandra that Swift sings about to the figure in Greek mythology, a priestess whose accurate prophecies were not believed. ‘The Bolter’“As she was leaving it felt like breathing,” Swift sings.

Persons: CNN — Taylor Swift, Department ”, you’ll, Post Malone, Swift, “, pining, ” “ I’ve, ”, ‘, Matty Healy, Joe Alwyn, Healy, Lucy, Jack –, Lucy Dacus, Jack Antonoff, –, Charlie Puth, ” Swift, iHeartRadio, ’, Alwyn, Swift’s, Taylor Swift, Christopher Polk, Orville Peck, Florence, Florence Welch, you’d, Welch, Emma Stone, “ Who’s, Edward Albee’s, Virginia Woolf, We’ve, Rich Polk, Aaron Dessner, ” Ouch, frontman’s, Travis Kelce, ‘ Clara Bow ’, Stevie Nicks –, Ryan Reynolds ’, Clara Bow, Swift longingly, doesn’t, ’ Swift, ‘ Nuff, Chloe, Sam, Sophia, Marcus ’, Reynolds, Blake Lively’s, Betty, James, Inez –, you’re, Kelce, Ezra Shaw, aIMee ’, Aimee, Kim Kardashian, she’s, “ KIM, you’ve, ‘ Cassandra ’, Kardashian, Cassandra, ‘ Peter ’, Peter Pan, Peter ”, Peter, Dessner, ‘ Robin ’ Organizations: CNN, Department, GQ, NBC, NBCU, Bank, Getty, YouTube, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Marvel, Windows, Disney Locations: British, London, Beverly Hills, ‘ Florida, Florida, Anaheim, London’s Vauxhall, Las Vegas, Cardigan

☆ Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger demolished a 1950s LA architectural gem they bought for $12.5 million, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Rebecca Rommen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger face backlash for demolishing a historic 1950s house. The couple paid $12.5 million for the Zimmerman house in LA, designed by renowned architects, say reports. AdvertisementActor Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, decision to raze a historic 1950s house in LA to build a contemporary mansion has upset architectural enthusiasts, say reports. AdvertisementArchitect Craig Ellwood designed the Zimmerman house with Emiel Becsky, and the landscape was designed by Garrett Eckbo, per USModernist Archives. Living room of the Zimmerman House designed by Craig Ellwood (Los Angeles, Calif.), 1953.

Persons: Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Zimmerman, —, Robb, Pratt, Craig Ellwood, Emiel Becsky, Garrett Eckbo, Julius Schulman, J, Paul Getty, Ellwood, Katherine Schwarzenegger's, Maria Shriver, Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Arianna Huffington, Sofia Richie, Bel, Hilda Rolfe, Sam Rolfe, Schwarzenegger Organizations: Service, Marvel, Guardian, Paul Getty Trust, Getty Research Institute, Los, Eichler Network, Bel Locations: LA, Los Angeles, Calif, Brentwood, California, Pacific Palisades

☆ ‘I didn’t know it would cause such a stir’: Serena Williams reveals how catsuit became an iconic fashion moment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Amanda Davies | Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Instead, the conversation largely revolved around what she was wearing: the now iconic superhero ‘catsuit.’And, boy, was there a conversation. “I didn’t know it would have such an impact,” Williams tells CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. “Here I am, just trying to be healthy, I was a new mom and just trying to be me. I didn’t know it would cause such a stir.”Williams was banned from wearing the catsuit at future French Open tournaments after French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli said that Roland Garros would be introducing a dress code. Serena Williams wore the now iconic catsuit at the 2018 French Open.

Persons: Serena Williams, Kristýna, “, ” Williams, Amanda Davies, Bernard Giudicelli, Roland Garros, ” Giudicelli, Billie Jean King, Williams, Giudicelli, Tim Clayton, Corbis, ”, we’ve, –, Chaz Niell, “ Don’t, “ I’d, MICHAEL BRADLEY Organizations: CNN, French Tennis Federation, Marvel, Nike, Getty Locations: Wakanda, Olympia, AFP

☆ Tom Holland’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ costar Francesca Amewudah-Rivers receives support after her casting sparks racist remarks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Elizabeth Wagmeister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —More than 800 Black actors are denouncing backlash aimed at actor Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was cast to play Juliet opposite Tom Holland in an upcoming stage production of “Romeo & Juliet” in London’s West End. “When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news,” the letter, organized by playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton, stated. “For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse. When The Jamie Lloyd Company issued its tweet decrying the online behavior, the theater company said, “This must stop… Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. “Romeo & Juliet” opens on May 23 and will play through August 3.

Persons: Francesca Amewudah, Juliet, Tom Holland, Romeo, Juliet ”, Jamie Lloyd, ”, Jamie Lloyd’s, Somalia Nonyé Seaton, “, –, Francesca, James Bond ”, Lashana Lynch, Freema, Who, Susan Wokoma, Enola Holmes, Sheila Atim, Oscar, Marianne Jean, Baptiste, Lolly, Jamie Lloyd Company, Holland, Jamie Lloyd Company’s, London’s Duke, “ Romeo Organizations: CNN, Jamie Lloyd Company, London’s, York’s Locations: Rivers, London’s, Amewaduh

☆ A complete timeline of Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's relationship
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +32 min

Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson and director Sam Taylor-Johnson have been married since 2012. AdvertisementActor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 33, and director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, have been together for more than a decade. 2009: Aaron proposes to Sam after wrapping the filmSam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in September 2009. February 2017: Aaron says that the public's fixation on their relationship is 'intrusive'Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in April 2014. March 2021: It's reported that Sam and Aaron will team up for another film togetherSam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in February 2019.

Persons: Aaron Taylor, Johnson, Sam Taylor, Aaron, Sam, —, Here's, John Lennon, Dave M, née Taylor, Wood, Jay Jopling, Anjelica, Jessie Phoenix, Anjelica Jopling, John Lennon's, Julia, Harper's, Sam I'd, –, Mike Marsland, IndieWire, Pascal Le Segretain, I'm, We've, Aaron didn't, Simon Hattenstone, Hattenstone, Jonathan Ross, Sam's, Wylda Rae, Peter Kramer, Wylda, R.E.M, Romy Hero, Sang Tan, Taylor, Johnson Sam Taylor, Stewart Wilson, London's, Jordan Strauss, We're, Charles Sykes, Anna Karenina, Aaron Johnson, Angus, Thongs, Tom Ford's, Eric Charbonneau, Jesus, Romy, Joel Ryan, Aaron gushes, Mr Porter, Benjamin Button, she's, HBD, Zoë Kravitz, Karl Glusman's, aron, ohnson, aron T aylor-, aid., ames, ieces', ike, elationship, aron d anced, ong, rowe, eing, ove ✍ 🏼 f, m., Jo, " Sony, ted the of, tarr, Aaron T aylor, ady, roper, I w, hie Turner, elebr, 0s, I, cott, Adve, , ', hou Organizations: Service, Nowhere, Hollywood Reporter, The Telegraph UK, Sunday Times UK, Telegraph UK, The Telegraph, Guardian, Globe, New York Magazine, Hollywood, Artist &, ust, ici, ntr Locations: Jopling, Liverpool, London, Somerset, England, Phoenix, Paris, ife, gan

☆ What putting up a bird feeder can lead to
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Aj Willingham | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Blame the bird feeders — all three of them (plus a bird bath and a hummingbird feeder, of course). It’s hard to describe what happens, but it comes upon you like a cascade of feathered dopamine: You get a bird feeder. Then, the birds start to come to your bird feeder! While you can certainly outfit your bird community with top-of-the-line accoutrement, it’s not that expensive — and just as satisfying — to just have a single feeder. Even the most humble sparrow or house wren has its own little personality, its own little dramas and peculiarities.

Persons: can’t, I’ve, Cardinal, I’m, It’s, birdsong, you’re, it’s Organizations: CNN, Bravo

☆ No jail for Marvel actor Jonathan Majors after judge agrees to DA-recommended domestic-violence program
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Jonathan Majors got a no-jail sentence for a fight last year with his then-girlfriend. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementThe former Marvel star Jonathan Majors was sentenced Monday to attend a 52-week domestic-violence program in lieu of jail for a violent fight in New York City's Chinatown last year with his then-girlfriend. If he fails to attend the program and continue therapy, Majors, a Los Angeles resident, faces up to a year in a New York jail. She dabbed at both her eyes with her fingers when the judge said he would not be sending Majors to jail.

Persons: Jonathan Majors, Grace Jabbari, —, Jabbari, Michael Gaffey, Majors, Priya Chaudhry, Meagan, Kang, Chaudhry Organizations: Service, Marvel, ABC News, Jabbari, Majors Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Chinatown, London

☆ Disney's parks are its top money maker — and it plans to spend $60 billion to keep it that way
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

It had been more than a year since the Covid pandemic had forced Disney's domestic parks to shutter, but D'Amaro, chair of Disney's experiences division, was confident guests would flood back in when the gates reopened. Revenues fell 35% in 2020, a nearly $10 billion decrease from the $26.2 billion the experiences division had tallied in the year before the pandemic. The experiences division posted record revenue of $32.5 billion in fiscal 2023, a 16% increase from the prior year. Its innovations, from ride mechanics and animatronics to creature design and immersive architecture, have made Disney's parks a standout in the industry. Storytelling is at the heart of everything across Disney's experiences division.

Persons: Mickey Mouse, Ian Langsdon, Josh D'Amaro, D'Amaro, Bob Chapek, D'Amaro —, Walt Disney, King Arthur Carousel, Christian Thompson, you've, it's, Bob Iger, Nelson, Walt Disney Imagineering, Rey, Kylo Ren, Judy Hopps, Imagineers, CNBC —, Lewis, Disney, Imagineering, Matt Stroshane, Alan Bergman Organizations: Paris, Afp, Getty, Gibson, Disney, Walt Disney Imagineering, Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney, Guardians, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Star Wars, California Disneyland's, Walt Disney Imagineering's, Disney Engineers, Force, Southwest, CNBC, Galactic, Marvel Locations: California, Burbank, Disneyland, Hong Kong, Shanghai Disneyland, Florida, Epcot, Magic, Wharf, Disneyland's, Disney's, Edge

☆ Opinion: ‘Monkey Man’ knocks James Bond out of the ring
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Opinion Noah Berlatsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

“Monkey Man” is set in a semi-fictionalized Mumbai, replete with homelessness, crime and swooping, askew camera angles. Action movies — even relatively gritty ones without fanciful superhero CGI — require a bigger outlay for location and stunts. “Monkey Man” was plagued by production difficulties and financial struggles. Mindless s**t. I wanted to give it soul.” That’s an admirable sentiment — and one that isn’t just restricted to action movies. “Monkey Man” growls and spits and beats its chest and leaps you’re never quite sure where.

Persons: Noah Berlatsky, …, Dev, Jordan Peele’s, Noah Berlatsky Noah Berlatsky, Peele, Patel, Dev Patel, Rana, Sikandar Kher, gyrating, John Wick, Gordon, James Bond, Chris Hemsworth’s Tyler, slogs, Paul Atreides, Jordan Peele, Vianney Le Caer, —, Bruce Lee’s, Carl Franklin’s, Alice Wu’s, Jordan, didn’t, ”, We’re, there’s, “, Peele hadn’t, ” Patel, you’re Organizations: CNN, Universal Pictures, Everett, Marvel Cinematic, Netflix Locations: Chicago, Mumbai, East Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, London, White, Hollywood

☆ 'Mandalorian & Grogu,' 'Toy Story 5,' and another 'Tron' coming to theaters from Disney
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Mandalorian and the Child (Grogu) on Disney+'s "The Mandalorian." The Walt Disney Company on Friday revealed its new theatrical schedule, which will feature a film about the Mandalorian and Grogu, a fifth "Toy Story" film, and another "Tron" flick before the end of 2026. The company's theatrical business has struggled in the wake of pandemic shutdowns and dual Hollywood labor strikes, as productions stalled and moviegoers' box-office habits shifted. Disney teased that one of its 2026 Star Wars films would feature the iconic duo from its Disney+ series "The Mandalorian" and revealed its title will be "The Mandalorian & Grogu." A fifth "Toy Story" film is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, and "Tron: Ares" is slated for Oct. 10, 2025.

Persons: Disney, Bob Iger, He's, Iger, Oscar, Rami Malek, Amy Adams Organizations: Disney, Walt Disney Company, Marvel

☆ Why the DC Universe reboot could give WBD's streaming business a much-needed jolt
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

However, WBD's upcoming reboot of the DC universe may help move the needle for Max, according to Bank of America lead media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich. AdvertisementWBD is now rebooting its superhero franchise with the DC Universe, or DCU for short, which will have films with interconnected storylines like Marvel has. Reif Ehrlich said new DC films and series could be cross-sold across Max, cable, and free, ad-supported streaming TV channels. AdvertisementAlthough WBD's cable channels are suffering as millions of US households cut the cord, Reif Ehrlich said this dual-distribution method is an effective marketing mechanism. "WBD can employ this same playbook to promote the launch of the new DC universe and other high-value content," Reif Ehrlich wrote.

Persons: —, WBD's, HBO Max, Max, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, WBD, Marvel, James Gunn —, Reif Ehrlich, Kate Taylor, David Zaslav Organizations: Service, Warner Bros, Netflix, HBO, Warners, Nielsen, Business, Bank of America, Disney, Marvel, DC, DCU, Max, Hollywood, HGTV, Food Network

☆ NASA’s space shuttle program reimagined rocketry. What went wrong?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

The CNN Original Series “Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” uncovers the events that ultimately led to disaster. Deemed an “engineering marvel,” the first of five winged orbiters — the space shuttle Columbia — made its inaugural flight in 1981. Crews aboard the recovery ships Liberty Star and Freedom Star retrieve a reusable right solid rocket booster (below) after a space shuttle mission. Space Shuttle Columbia launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 10:39 a.m. NASA Space Shuttle Columbia lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 16, 2003.

Persons: ”, Sean O’Keefe, Casey Dreier, Crews, O’Keefe, Scott Andrews, NASA's, Michael P, Anderson, William C, McCool, Rick D, David M, Brown, Laurel, Ilan Ramon, Kalpana Chawla, Joe Skipper, Karl Ronstrom, Ramon, NASA Chawla, Clark, Chawla, Robert Giroux, Kathryn O'Neill, Zachary, Brett Coomer, Florida Sen, Bill Nelson, Matt Stroshane, Tommy Peltier, Eric Gay, Smiley, Gene Theriot, Sean O'Keefe, George W, Bush, Ron Dittemore, Joe Cavaretta, O'Keefe, Mannie Garcia, NASA Sandy Anderson, Carlos Noriega, Michael L, Coats, Evelyn Husband, Thomas, John Raoux, Glenn Benson, Kim Shiflett, Rodney Rocha, Columbia’s, Rick Husband, “ Roger, Sen, Mark Kelly, “, ” Kelly Organizations: CNN, Shuttle Columbia, Sunday, NASA, Columbia, America’s, Planetary Society, European Space Agency, Space, International Space, Hubble, Liberty Star, NASA’s Ames Research Center, Space Shuttle Columbia, Kennedy Space Center, Reuters Space Shuttle Columbia, Scott Andrews People, Control Center, Getty, NASA Space, Israeli Air Force, Space Shuttle, Red Team, Blue Team, Johnson Space Center, Former, Houston, Houston Chronicle, People, US Navy Corps, Columbia Reconstruction, NASA Workers, Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Reuters, Bannock, Bannock Junior, Senior, Bannock High School, Johnson Space, Challenger, Shuttle, East Texas Locations: Columbia, America’s Soviet, Florida, Houston, Israel, SPACEHAB, New York, Laguna Hills , California, Texas, San Augustine , Texas, Washington ,, Shoshone, Fort Hall , Idaho, New Mexico, East

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