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☆ ‘Jeopardy!’ is coming to Amazon Prime with a different version
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Amazon’s Prime Video has ordered a spin-off of the classic, called “Pop Culture Jeopardy!,” which marks the first-time “Jeopardy!” has created a version exclusively for a major streaming service. The categories will draw from pop culture, including music, sports, Broadway — and even just Zendaya. A premiere date wasn’t announced, but episodes will stream exclusively on Prime Video, which has about more than 200 million global subscribers. “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” isn’t the first spin-off of the quiz show to go streaming: A short-lived “Sports Jeopardy!” was released about a decade ago for Sony’s streaming service Crackle. To help offset that, ads were introduced this year to all Prime Video viewers.

Persons: ”, “, Michael Davies, wasn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, Amazon, Broadway Locations: New York, It’s

☆ Sony and Apollo’s Plan for Paramount: Break It Up
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Benjamin Mullin | Lauren Hirsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Shari Redstone helped build Paramount Global into a sprawling media empire, but if Sony Pictures Entertainment and private-equity giant Apollo Global Management succeed in acquiring it, they plan to break it all up, according to three people familiar with the matter. Paramount Pictures — home to blockbusters like “The Godfather,” “Top Gun” and the “Mission Impossible” franchise — would be combined with Sony’s existing business. They have not yet outlined this plan to Paramount or its advisers. CBS and Paramount have been controlled by the Redstone family for decades, since the media mogul Sumner Redstone assembled the sprawling conglomerate in a series of audacious deals. His daughter, Shari Redstone, championed a 2019 deal to reunite it through a merger with CBS, and remains Paramount’s controlling shareholder.

Persons: Shari Redstone, SpongeBob, Sumner Redstone Organizations: Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Apollo Global Management, CBS, MTV, Paramount Pictures, Sony

☆ Sony and Apollo in Talks to Acquire Paramount
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Benjamin Mullin | Lauren Hirsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Paramount has decided to formally open negotiations with a bidding group led by Sony Pictures Entertainment and the private equity giant Apollo, according to three people familiar with the matter. The move comes after a period of exclusive talks with the Hollywood studio Skydance lapsed on Friday night. A special committee of Paramount’s board of directors met Saturday and signed off on beginning deal talks with Sony and Apollo, which last week submitted a letter of interest valuing the company at $26 billion, the people said. The committee also decided to push for further negotiations with Skydance, a studio founded by the technology scion David Ellison. Any deal between the Sony group and Paramount faces hurdles.

Persons: David Ellison Organizations: Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Hollywood, Sony, Skydance, Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS, Paramount Pictures Locations: Japan, United States

Learn moreAmazon's Big Spring Sale features limited-time discounts on various products, from family apparel to popular tech items, including great headphone deals on several top models from brands we love. Highlights include the Soundcore Life Q30, our pick for the best budget noise-cancelling headphones, which are back down to an all-time low price. You can also get $100 off the high-end Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones or snag a pair of Apple's AirPods Pro for $60 off their full retail price. If you're not sure which pair is right for you, check out our guides to the best noise-cancelling headphones, best wireless earbuds, and best Apple AirPods to learn more. These wireless earbuds offer good sound with active noise cancellation, 11-hour battery life, and Fast Pair for quick, seamless switching between compatible Android devices.

Persons: it's, Anker, Bose Organizations: Business, Sony WH, Price Apple, Amazon Sony WH, WH, Sony, Soundcore Liberty, Liberty, Amazon Bose, Amazon, Wireless

☆ What’s next for movie theater operators like AMC after the ‘Barbenheimer’ money runs out?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

AMC Entertainment, often viewed as a bellwether for the industry as the world’s largest movie theater chain, is not immune to those challenges. Taylor Swift attends "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" Concert Movie World Premiere at AMC The Grove 14 on October 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. While box office revenues have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels, until this year, they had been on an upward trajectory. Wold lowered his projection for the domestic box office to $8.6 billion, down from $8.9 billion earned in 2023. Upping the showmanshipDespite the box office slowdown this year, AMC found itself at the center of yet another viral moment earlier this month.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, “ Oppenheimer, ”, ’, It’s, “ Barbenheimer, Taylor, Taylor Swift, Matt Winkelmeyer, Adam Aron, ” Aron, “, Paul Dergarabedian, Eric Wold, Riley, Wold, Barbie, Iris Schneider, Dergarabedian, “ There’s, Deadpool, Barbie ”, Alicia Reese, Michael O’Leary Organizations: CNN, AMC Entertainment, AMC, Hollywood, ZUMA, Warner Bros, Dodge, Wedbush, Dolby, National Association of Theatre Owners Locations: Los Angeles , California

☆ Weekend Box Office: ‘Madame Web’ struggles to get off the ground, ‘One Love’ soars
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —“Madame Web” swung to No. In November, “The Marvels” saw a lackluster $47 million in domestic sales its opening weekend, and DC’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” opened in December to a feeble $27.6 million. It’s still too soon to estimate gross domestic sales for “Madame Web,” but, by the time it exited theaters, “Morbius” had made just $73 million. But “Madame Web,” which released February 14, struggled to gain upward momentum even along its six-day opening, which straddled two holidays: Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Recent months have seen musical box office hits like “Wonka,” “Mean Girls,” and successful concert films from both Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Persons: ”, Bob Marley, Web, “, BoxOffice, Shawn Robbins, Madame Web’s, ” theatergoers, DC’s, Paul Dergarabedian, ‘ Deadpool, Venom ”, It’s, Madame, Morbius ”, Robbins, “ Wonka, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Bob Marley’s, ” Dergarabedian, Compton ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Sony Pictures, Disney’s Marvel Studios, Marvel, Sony, BoxOffice Pro, Avengers, Warner Bros, CNN, Comscore, ’ Locations: New York, Comscore

NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” outperformed expectations to debut at No. But on a weekend that was once expected to go to “Madame Web,” “One Love” emerged as the much-preferred option in theaters, despite largely poor reviews. Over six days, Sony is estimating a $15.2 million weekend and a six-day $25.8 million haul. “Madame Web” still couldn’t come close to the $39 million domestic opening weekend for “Morbius.” In 61 overseas markets, “Madame Web” added $25.7 million. The 2024 box office has gotten off to a sobering start for Hollywood, and the disappointing result for “Madame Web” won’t help.

Persons: Bob Marley, Sony’s, ”, Kingsley Ben, Marley, Elvis, Chris Aronson, Bob Marley’s, Aronson, “, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Ziggy, Rita, Ziggy Marley, bode, Madame, Dakota Johnson, Paul Dergarabedian, Morbius ”, Morbius, Annie Awards, —, Annie, Moviegoing, Comscore, “ Wonka, “ Lisa Frankenstein, Jake Coyle Organizations: — Paramount, ” Paramount, President’s, Paramount, Rotten, Sony, Academy, Hollywood Locations: Jamaica, New York, “

Clarkson about “Madame Web” was that this was a superhero who did not have superhuman strength. Clarkson had long admired Dakota Johnson as an actor and was thrilled to get the chance to direct her. “It was important to me that we didn’t sort of, like, take ourselves too seriously. It really was a bit like clairvoyance for her in that she didn’t actually get to see it,” Clarkson said. But for Johnson and Clarkson, the ultimate goal to was to create something fresh.

Persons: S.J, Clarkson, ”, couldn’t, Cassandra Webb, ” Clarkson, Nicolas Roeg’s “, ” Christopher Nolan’s, “, Venom, Morbius, Dakota Johnson, she’s, ” Johnson, Johnson, It’s, didn’t, Sydney Sweeney, “ Dexter, Netflix’s, she’d, Marvel’s “ Jessica Jones, ” She’s, Marvel, Madame Web’s, Denny O’Neil, John Romita Jr, that’s Organizations: ANGELES, Associated Press, ”

☆ Sony’s $10 billion India media deal with Zee ends in ugly breakup
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New Delhi CNN —A dramatic acquisition saga in one of the world’s fastest growing media industries is headed for a bitter ending. Sony Group (SONY) has called off the merger between its India unit and Mumbai-based Zee Entertainment, the Japanese company said on Monday. Sony’s move to end talks comes at a time when Disney (DIS) and Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries are discussing combining their Indian media businesses. Zee “categorically denies all the assertions … including their claims for the termination fee,” the statement added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government expects the nation to soon become the world’s third largest media and entertainment market, from fifth currently.

Persons: Sony’s, Mukesh Ambani’s, Zee, Punit Goenka, Zee “, Narendra Modi’s Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN, Sony Group, SONY, Zee Entertainment, Netflix, Disney, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, Sony, Reuters, Zee, Reliance Locations: New Delhi, India, Mumbai

☆ All kids want for Christmas this year … Robux and gaming subscriptions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Nicole Randol — a Missouri-based mother of two boys, ages 6 and 10 — recently posted a message on a popular Facebook parenting group about Robux, the virtual gaming currency for the platform Roblox: Target was having a 40%-off sale for Robux. “I expect it to be the most exciting thing they open [on Christmas],” Randol, who bought two $100 Robux cards, told CNN. Gaming subscriptions continue to gain popularity, too. “What’s changed, naturally, is the games that families are playing.”According to ESA, more than 212 million Americans play video games on a regular basis. Still, with the rise of subscriptions and gaming currency, what lands under the Christmas tree may be smaller in size than years before.

Persons: CNN — Nicole Randol —, —, ” Randol, Fortnite, trumping, ”, Christopher Byrne, Guy, “, ” Roblox, Robux, Michael Inouye, Cozy, Byrne, “ What’s, ” Byrne, Jim Silver, Bitzies, ” Bryne, Parija Kavilanz Organizations: CNN, Robux, Entertainment Software Association, Epic Games, PlayStation, Pro, Apple, ABI Research, National Retail Federation, ESA, Gaming Locations: Missouri

☆ The 29 Best Holiday Gifts to Shop This Black Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Buy Side Staff | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +15 min

To help you shop for nice prices, we limited our list to our favorites that are on sale now for Black Friday. One thing I have my eye on is this Nyx Butter Gloss Holiday Gifts Set with 14 full-size lip glosses in a variety of colors. She loves color, but she also has a goth streak, so I wasn’t surprised she asked for black nail polish. It would make a great gift for a college student, new grad or really anyone who could use a travel gear upgrade. It’s a great set to update your kitchen or give as a gift this holiday season.” —Emily Welsh, VP and general manager

Persons: We’ve, I’ll, Harry Potter, ” — Aly J, Barbie Dreamhouse, I’d, Barbie, Don’t, Emily Welsh, ”, Emily Schwartzberg, Matte Black, Matte White, Madeline Diamond, Tween, Olive, Jessica Woodbury, cocotte, Staub, Astrid Stawiarz, Nick Guy, ” — Ian Salisbury, Cashmere, I’ve, PJs, ” — Emily Welsh, Charming, Mario, ‘, Cozy, it’s, Susan “, Susan, Anaya, There’s, ” — Leslie Yazel, we’ll, Philip Asquith, It’s, ” — Bellamy Richardson, I’m, Buddy, nutcrackers, Luxe, Augustinus Bader, Rich Cream, ” — Irma Sahinovic, they’re, Brittany Nguyen Organizations: Side, Black, Yale, Bluetooth, Apple, Mario Kart, PlayStation, Target, Saks, Olive Oil, Amazon, Chic Locations: Ulta, Pima, Los Angeles, Olive, Ojai , Calif, Europe, The

☆ The Holiday Gifts Buy Side Staffers Are Buying This Black Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Buy Side Staff | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +12 min

By Buy Side StaffThe Buy Side staff shops for a living, which also means we spend an inordinate amount of time scrutinizing gift options. To help you shop for nice prices, we limited our list to our favorites that are on sale now for Black Friday. She asked for compression socks, so I’m buying her these pretty ones in blue chevron to help her with recovery. It would make a great gift for a college student, new grad or really anyone who could use a travel gear upgrade. It’s a great set to update your kitchen or give as a gift this holiday season.” —Emily Welsh, VP and general manager

Persons: We’ve, cocotte, Staub, ”, Astrid Stawiarz, Nick Guy, ” — Ian Salisbury, Cashmere hoodie, I’ve, Jessica Woodbury, PJs, ” — Emily Welsh, Charming, Madeline Diamond, ‘ Broom ’, I’ll, Samantha Sharf, Mario, ‘, Cozy, she’s, ” — Leslie Yazel, it’s, Susan “, Susan, Anaya, There’s, we’ll, Philip Asquith, It’s, ” — Bellamy Richardson, Buddy, I’m, nutcrackers, ” — Aly J, they’re, Brittany Nguyen Organizations: Side, Black, Bluetooth, Apple, PlayStation, Mario Kart, New, Olive Oil, Amazon, Yale, Walmart Locations: Naadam, New York City, Los Angeles, Olive, Ojai , Calif, Europe, The

The superhero factory hit a new low with the weekend launch of “The Marvels,” which opened with just $47 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. It was also the rare Marvel movie led by three women — Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani. After numerous strike-related delays, the only Marvel movie currently on the studio’s 2024 calendar is “Deadpool 3,” opening July 26. While quite low for a $200 million movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is primarily an awards-season statement by Apple of its growing moviemaking ambitions. "The Marvels,” $47 million.

Persons: Brie Larson, Captain Marvel, ”, aren’t, Marvel ”, David A, Gross, Sony’s, Morbius, Nia DaCosta, — Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Bob Iger, ” Gross, “ Barbie, Larson, Taylor Swift’s, Swift, Sofia Coppola's “ Priscilla, Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla Presley, Jacob Elordi, Martin Scorsese's, Alexander Payne's, Paul Giamatti, Comscore, “ Taylor Swift, “ Priscilla, Jake Coyle Organizations: Marvel, Research Entertainment, Walt Disney Co, Disney, Rotten, Warner Bros, “, Universal Pictures, AMC Theatres, Apple Studios, Paramount Pictures, Apple, Sony's Locations: Bethlehem

Tokyo-based Sony Corp.’s quarterly profit totaled 200 billion yen ($1.3 billion), down from 282 billion yen a year earlier. Quarterly sales rose 11% to 2.7 trillion yen ($18 billion), with gains in video games, image sensor and music operations and weakness in its financial and entertainment technology services. A deal was reached late Wednesday, ending the longest strike ever for film and television actors. Sony raised its full year profit forecast to 880 billion yen ($5.8 billion) from an earlier projection for an 860 billion yen ($5.7) profit. That’s lower than the profit recorded the previous year at 1 trillion yen.

Persons: —, Travis Scott, Harry Styles, ___ Yuri Kageyama Organizations: TOKYO, Sony Corp, Sony, Screen, American Federation of Television, Radio Artists, PlayStation Locations: Tokyo

☆ Sony’s PlayStation Access controller offers a new social lifeline for gamers with disabilities
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Catherine Thorbecke | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Sony Interactive Entertainment is the maker of the wildly popular PlayStation consoles and a lineup of fan-favorite PlayStation games. Paul Amadeus Lane, an accessibility consultant working with Sony Interactive Entertainment, is pictured here with the Access controller, a Sony device specifically designed for gamers with disabilities. After years of tinkering and consulting with gamers who have disabilities like Lane, Sony Interactive Entertainment unveiled a first look at its Access controller for gamers with disabilities earlier this month. Gamers get a first look at Sony's Access controller, a highly-customizable device designed specifically for people with disabilities, at an event in San Mateo in September. “The industry needs to understand that the Xbox controller, the PlayStation controller, while they’re great and while they’re very beneficial, they cannot help everyone,” he said.

Persons: CNN — Grant Stoner, ” Stoner, I’ve, Stoner, Grant Stoner, Paul Amadeus Lane, quadriplegic, Lane, ” Lane, Alvin Daniel, ” Daniel, Daniel, “, ”, he’s, there’s Organizations: CNN, Super Nintendo, “, Pittsburgh, Sony, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Gamers, Sony’s PlayStation, Gran Turismo Locations: San Mateo

Microsoft, which owns the Xbox gaming system, closed its $69 billion deal to buy game-maker Activision Blizzard on Friday after fending off global opposition from antitrust regulators and rivals. It marks a career-defining moment for Spencer, who first joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and has helmed Xbox since 2014. When the companies announced a planned merger in January 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made clear it would be "critical for Activision Blizzard to drive forward” on its commitments to improve its workplace culture. As of late last year, Activision Blizzard had 13,000 employees, about 72% in North America, according to a regulatory filing. “It is a new day for workers at Activision Blizzard,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. in a statement Friday.

Persons: Phil Spencer, Spencer, “, ”, Gil Luria, Davidson, he’s, Bobby Kotick, who's, Kotick, Satya Nadella, Joe Biden's, ” Luria, George Jijiashvili, Elder, ” Jijiashvili, Claude Cummings Jr, ” Cummings Organizations: Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Activision, PlayStation, Sony, U.S . Federal Trade, ZeniMax Media, Bethesda Softworks, Communications Workers of America Locations: Southern California, U.S, United Kingdom, San Francisco, Bethesda, North America, Canada

☆ The Best Tech Deals During Prime Big Deal Days
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Nick Guy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

By Nick GuyWhether you’re looking for a new pair of AirPods, a portable projector or smart home security products, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days has something for you. We sorted through the wide range of tech deals to bring you the best sales on top-rated gear that Buy Side recommends. While you’re shopping, make sure to check out our list of the best overall deals that includes more than 100 products. MagSafe battery packAn upgraded version of a portable power bank we love for the iPhone is matching its lowest price ever during Prime Big Deal Days. It’s our pick for the best lower-price Bluetooth speaker and during Prime Big Deal Days, it’s even more affordable at $20 off.

Persons: Nick Guy, you’re, They’ll, it’s, They’re, you’ve, we’ll, they’re, Anker Organizations: Apple, Apple Watch, Amazon, Deal, JBL

☆ Atari 2600+ sees its future in retro gaming — and maybe in a handheld too
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Michael Nam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Atari home video game system took the late1970s and early 1980s by storm, complete with faux wood paneling and a classic joystick with a big red button. Centipede - Atari 2600 VCS Videogame ArcadeImages/Alamy Stock PhotoWith Rosen at the helm, the company is taking a closer look at its own history to chart its future, releasing remastered or reimagined versions of its classics like “Missile Command” and “Centipede,” producing the critically acclaimed “Atari 50” interactive documentary, and introducing its soon-to-be released retro console the Atari 2600+. They’re radically different things.”The retro console arrives in November at a $130 price point and in a more compact version. While it comes packaged with 10 games in a single cartridge, the console will also play new titles and work with original Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges. Atari is reimagining the classic "Haunted House" video game.

Persons: Wade Rosen, Rosen, ” Rosen, “, They’re, ”, Tengku Bahar, there’d, It’s Organizations: CNN, Atari, “, Command, Getty, Nightdive Studios, Nintendo, PlayStation Locations: Hong Kong, AFP

REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 27 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) gaming master plan is slowly coming together. But Microsoft’s gaming revenue was still around 8% of group sales, or $15 billion, for the year ended June 2022. Given these risks, it makes sense for Nadella to grow his exposure to those parts of the gaming market which are less likely to be upended by cloud gaming. It remains possible that cloud gaming is a dog that doesn’t bark – or at least not for some time. As a result of the Activision deal, Nadella has a hedge of sorts against cloud gaming happening too fast.

Persons: Kevork, Satya Nadella’s, Ampere, ”, GamesIndustry.biz, Nadella, George Hay, Katrina Hamlin Organizations: Activision, REUTERS, Reuters, Bethesda, Microsoft, Satya Nadella’s Activision, Ampere, Sony, Nintendo, Reuters Graphics, Netflix, Gamers, Xbox, PlayStation, Big Tech, Apple, HK, reckons, Competition, Markets Authority, CMA, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Ubisoft Entertainment, Ubisoft, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, United States, U.S

☆ ‘Gran Turismo’ Review: From Game Controller to Steering Wheel
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Kyle Smith | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Archie Madekwe Photo: Sony PicturesThe auto-racing drama “Gran Turismo,” based on the Sony PlayStation game and released by Sony’s Columbia Pictures, makes much of a concept I’d never heard before: “to podium.” It means to finish in the top three, and according to a crusty coach, only those “who podium” get to celebrate with champagne. Does the team that finishes second in the World Series dive into the Veuve Clicquot? Previous to this picture, finishing second or lower was commonly known as “losing,” but I suspect “Gran Turismo” is signaling modest ambitions both for its protagonist and itself: It would be content to be dubbed the third-best sports-underdog movie of the year.

Persons: Archie Madekwe Organizations: Sony, Turismo, Sony PlayStation, Sony’s Columbia Pictures

☆ Fairy-tale ending will elude Disney in India
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Shritama Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

MUMBAI, Aug 11 (Reuters Breakingviews) - India has lost its magic for Walt Disney (DIS.N). Even if boss Bob Iger can find a buyer or joint venture partner, a fairy-tale ending will elude the Magic Kingdom. The combination of changing viewing preferences and Disney’s own conservatism in streaming puts Disney India in a weak spot. The average monthly revenue per subscriber held steady at 59 cents, compared to $7.31 per subscriber in its domestic Disney+ business. Disney is exploring strategic options for its Star India business, including a joint venture or a sale, the Wall Street Journal reported on July 11, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.

Persons: Walt Disney, pare, Bob Iger, Iger, Mukesh, Ambani, JioCinema, Una Galani, Katrina Hamlin Organizations: Reuters, Fox, Kingdom, Netflix, Indian Premier League, HBO, Disney, Disney India, Walt Disney, Star India, Wall Street, Thomson Locations: MUMBAI, India, U.S, Mumbai, United States, Canada

☆ With Actors on Strike, Sony Pushes Big Releases to 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Brooks Barnes | More About Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Hollywood studios, scrambling to contend with a strike by unionized actors, have started to remove big-budget movies from the 2023 release calendar, newly imperiling theaters and undoubtedly irritating fans. “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” is no longer on track for a March premiere, and a new “Karate Kid” will no longer arrive in June. Until now, the 2023 theatrical release schedule had been left relatively unscathed by the actors’ strike, which started on July 14. Warner Bros. has been debating whether to postpone “Dune: Part Two,” which is supposed to arrive in theaters on Nov. 3. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” a big-budget superhero sequel, and “The Color Purple,” based on the Broadway musical, are among other 2023 holiday-season movies that could be delayed.

Persons: Kraven, Hunter ”, ” Organizations: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Sony, Warner Bros

☆ Microsoft can close its Activision merger, federal judge rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A federal judge will not block Microsoft (MSFT) from closing its $69 billion deal to acquire video game giant Activision Blizzard, a defeat for US regulators who had asked for a temporary injunction while legal challenges to the merger unfold. Microsoft could potentially finalize the deal with Activision in a matter of days, ahead of a July 18 contractual deadline, or the parties could mutually seek to extend that timeframe. During a five-day hearing last month in federal court, Microsoft executives including CEO Satya Nadella testified that properties such as “Call of Duty” would not be restricted from competitors following the deal’s close. UK officials also previously moved to block the Activision merger in April, citing some of the same concerns the FTC raised in its case and triggering an appeal from Microsoft. “Microsoft and Activision have agreed with the CMA that a stay of the litigation in the UK would be in the public interest and the parties have made a joint submission … to this effect.”

Persons: ”, “, Jacqueline Scott Corley, Corley, Satya Nadella, Tuesday’s, Microsoft’s, “ We’re, Brad Smith, we’ve, Bobby Kotick, Meta’s, ” Douglas Farrar, we’ll, ” Smith Organizations: CNN, Microsoft, Activision, US, Court, Northern, Northern District of, Sony PlayStation, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Regulators, Nvidia, Nintendo, “, PlayStation, Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Markets, CMA Locations: Northern District, Northern District of California, ”, San Francisco

☆ 'Barbie' movie banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Reuters —Vietnam has banned Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated film “Barbie” from domestic distribution over a scene featuring a map that shows China’s unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea, state media reported on Monday. (Warner Bros’, like CNN, is a unit of Warner Bros. The U-shaped “nine-dash line” is used on Chinese maps to illustrate its claims over vast areas of the South China Sea, including swathes of what Vietnam considers its continental shelf, where it has awarded oil concessions. “Barbie” is the latest movie to be banned in Vietnam for depicting China’s controversial nine-dash line, which was repudiated in an international arbitration ruling by a court in The Hague in 2016. Vietnam and China have long had overlapping territorial claims to a potentially energy-rich stretch in the South China Sea.

Persons: Barbie ”, China’s, “ Barbie ”, ”, “ Barbie, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Barbie ’, Kien Thanh Organizations: Reuters, Warner Bros, CNN, Warner Bros ., Vietnam, DreamWorks, Netflix, Department of Cinema Locations: Reuters — Vietnam, South China, Vietnam, The Hague, China, Australian, ”, United States

☆ Microsoft Says It Could Abandon Activision Deal if Judge Delays It
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Kellen Browning | David Mccabe | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

On Wednesday, it sued Amazon over allegations that the company tricked users into signing up for its Prime subscription service. has had setbacks: Its challenge to Meta’s purchase of a virtual reality start-up fell apart this year after a judge declined to stop the deal from closing. But that court does not have the legal authority to stop the deal. asked the federal court to step in this month, saying it feared Microsoft would try to complete the deal despite the legal challenges. would be a sign that its broader challenge has legs, and could put new pressure on Microsoft and Activision to reconsider the multibillion-dollar corporate marriage.

Persons: Wilkinson, ”, Jim Ryan, Meta, Microsoft’s, Corley’s Organizations: Microsoft, Activision, Nintendo, Nvidia, PlayStation, Sony, Amazon

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