Today sees the release of "May the 12th Be With You," a new Mother's Day-themed short from The Simpsons, exclusively on Disney+. In that, Marge Simpson joins the moms of Disney+ on a special holiday outing that turns into an epic galactic adventure filled with heroes, villains and a surprising old friend.
Earlier this week, we sat down for a chat with The Simpsons writer, executive producer, and showrunner Al Jean, a name you'll have seen in the show's credits since 1989.
We'll bring you the full interview soon, but while we had Al on the line, we asked if there's been any talk of making a sequel to 2007's The Simpsons Movie. It was a box office hit which grossed $536.4 million worldwide and, with the franchise finding success on streaming, we wondered if a follow-up could even skip theaters and head to Disney+/Hulu instead.
"There’s talk and I think something will happen,...
Earlier this week, we sat down for a chat with The Simpsons writer, executive producer, and showrunner Al Jean, a name you'll have seen in the show's credits since 1989.
We'll bring you the full interview soon, but while we had Al on the line, we asked if there's been any talk of making a sequel to 2007's The Simpsons Movie. It was a box office hit which grossed $536.4 million worldwide and, with the franchise finding success on streaming, we wondered if a follow-up could even skip theaters and head to Disney+/Hulu instead.
"There’s talk and I think something will happen,...
- 5/10/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Captain America 4 still has almost a year to hit the global theatres, but in a strategic move to create hype among fans, Marvel showed a glimpse of the upcoming sequel to the attendees at CinemaCon. Starring Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in the role of the new Captain America, the film garnered positive reviews.
Anthony Mackie in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World
As Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige showed off the brand new look at 2025’s Captain America: Brave New World at CinemaCon 2024, the first thing that the film reminded fans of was Chris Evans’ Winter Soldier. Offering their opinions on the clip of the upcoming film that is yet to be released officially, fans and attendees took to social media.
Captain America 4 Dropped a First Glimpse at CinemaCon 2024
Following Chris Evans’ exit from MCU, as Anthony Mackie took over Captain America’s mantle as Sam Wilson,...
Anthony Mackie in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World
As Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige showed off the brand new look at 2025’s Captain America: Brave New World at CinemaCon 2024, the first thing that the film reminded fans of was Chris Evans’ Winter Soldier. Offering their opinions on the clip of the upcoming film that is yet to be released officially, fans and attendees took to social media.
Captain America 4 Dropped a First Glimpse at CinemaCon 2024
Following Chris Evans’ exit from MCU, as Anthony Mackie took over Captain America’s mantle as Sam Wilson,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson has been busy with his return to the WWE and seems to have taken a break from his acting career. While the actor will be next seen in this year’s Moana 2 in a voice role, Johnson has yet to announce a large-scale blockbuster as he has not seen a hit in the past few years.
Johnson’s last film role was in the Dceu film Black Adam, which turned out to be a box-office disaster. The film saw him finally enter the DC universe after years of speculation but the film ended up being a failure. However, the actor has now been rumored to have been offered a place in the MCU and if insider information is to be believed, he will be playing a popular X-Men villain.
Dwayne Johnson Might Play This X-Men Villain In The MCU Dwayne Johnson in and as Black Adam
Dwayne...
Johnson’s last film role was in the Dceu film Black Adam, which turned out to be a box-office disaster. The film saw him finally enter the DC universe after years of speculation but the film ended up being a failure. However, the actor has now been rumored to have been offered a place in the MCU and if insider information is to be believed, he will be playing a popular X-Men villain.
Dwayne Johnson Might Play This X-Men Villain In The MCU Dwayne Johnson in and as Black Adam
Dwayne...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Disney is reducing the annual slate of Marvel Studios films from around four to two “or a maximum three”, CEO Bob Iger said on Tuesday, echoing previous remarks about a strategy shift in the wake of superhero fatigue.
“We’ve been working hard with the studios to reduce output and focus more on quality; that’s particularly true with Marvel,” Iger told analysts during a Q2 earnings call.
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year...
“We’ve been working hard with the studios to reduce output and focus more on quality; that’s particularly true with Marvel,” Iger told analysts during a Q2 earnings call.
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year...
- 5/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney is reducing the annual slate of Marvel Studios films from around four to two “or a maximum three”, CEO Bob Iger said on Tuesday, echoing previous remarks about a strategy shift in the wake of superhero fatigue.
“We’ve been working hard with the studios to reduce output and focus more on quality; that’s particularly true with Marvel,” Iger told analysts during a Q2 earnings call.
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year...
“We’ve been working hard with the studios to reduce output and focus more on quality; that’s particularly true with Marvel,” Iger told analysts during a Q2 earnings call.
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year...
- 5/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
“The reason I’m successful is because I’m passing, straight up,” said producer Naomi Scott, who is Chamorro (Indigenous people of the Mariana Islands), during the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (Peak)’s second annual Peak Conversations panel. It was held on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month last Wednesday night.
“I’m married to a white man who’s famous. I don’t want to sugarcoat it,” added Scott, who is married to actor Adam Scott. “But now that I’m here, I have a responsibility to keep the door open.”
The experience of Pasifika women in Hollywood was at the center of the discussion in West Hollywood, created to celebrate Pacific Islander filmmaking, entertainment and community.
Scott was joined on the panel by Moana and Mean Girls star Auli’i Cravalho and RuPaul‘s Drag Race season 15 winner Sasha Colby, who are both Hawaiian. “There’s...
“I’m married to a white man who’s famous. I don’t want to sugarcoat it,” added Scott, who is married to actor Adam Scott. “But now that I’m here, I have a responsibility to keep the door open.”
The experience of Pasifika women in Hollywood was at the center of the discussion in West Hollywood, created to celebrate Pacific Islander filmmaking, entertainment and community.
Scott was joined on the panel by Moana and Mean Girls star Auli’i Cravalho and RuPaul‘s Drag Race season 15 winner Sasha Colby, who are both Hawaiian. “There’s...
- 5/7/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’re looking for new ideas from the House of Mouse, you might be waiting awhile.
During Disney’s Q2 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger made comments to the effect that there was “a lot of value in sequels” as they’re easier to market. He also pointed to competitors’ doing well with sequels, likely meaning DreamWorks and Illumination.
Because God forbid the studio that innovated animation for decades tries something new.
This would explain why we’re seeing Moana 2, Frozen 3 and 4, Zootopia 2, Inside Out 2 and Toy Story 5 and not the next groundbreaking animated feature film from Disney and/or Pixar.
In fact, looking at their upcoming animated slate, only Elio is an original concept.
It’s likely that Disney is playing it safe in part due to many recent Disney and Pixar animated misfires at the box office, including Strange World, Wish,...
During Disney’s Q2 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger made comments to the effect that there was “a lot of value in sequels” as they’re easier to market. He also pointed to competitors’ doing well with sequels, likely meaning DreamWorks and Illumination.
Because God forbid the studio that innovated animation for decades tries something new.
This would explain why we’re seeing Moana 2, Frozen 3 and 4, Zootopia 2, Inside Out 2 and Toy Story 5 and not the next groundbreaking animated feature film from Disney and/or Pixar.
In fact, looking at their upcoming animated slate, only Elio is an original concept.
It’s likely that Disney is playing it safe in part due to many recent Disney and Pixar animated misfires at the box office, including Strange World, Wish,...
- 5/7/2024
- by PNP Newsroom
- Pirates & Princesses
Red Notice ft Dwayne Johnson & Ryan Reynolds ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Red Notice is one of the biggest Netflix movies released in 2021. The action comedy heist thriller brought together three big Hollywood stars: Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film received an amazing response from the viewers.
It has been three years since Red Notice was released, and many are waiting for an update on the sequel. The film has an interesting ending that teases us with the possibility of more. Fans also loved Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson’s camaraderie on screen. Even the script is almost ready. So what’s the issue? Well, there’s a disappointing update. Reynolds and Johnson are reportedly why the sequel was not yet happening.
Red Notice 2 Delay: Was There A Feud Between Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds?
Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson reportedly...
Red Notice is one of the biggest Netflix movies released in 2021. The action comedy heist thriller brought together three big Hollywood stars: Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film received an amazing response from the viewers.
It has been three years since Red Notice was released, and many are waiting for an update on the sequel. The film has an interesting ending that teases us with the possibility of more. Fans also loved Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson’s camaraderie on screen. Even the script is almost ready. So what’s the issue? Well, there’s a disappointing update. Reynolds and Johnson are reportedly why the sequel was not yet happening.
Red Notice 2 Delay: Was There A Feud Between Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds?
Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson reportedly...
- 5/5/2024
- by Pooja Darade
- KoiMoi
Mufasa: The Lion King Teaser Trailer: Blue Ivy Carter Makes Her Debut! (Photo Credit – Youtube)
Mufasa: The Lion King Teaser trailer has been dropped by Disney, and the live-action film, which is a prequel to 2019’s The Lion King, will be released worldwide on December 20. However, the trailer would put you to disbelieving the amount that must have been spent on this so-called CGI film that has been unnecessarily called a live-action film.
The one-minute, 34-second trailer makes one thing very clear: the animals are more expressive this time, and some research and hard work has been done at that end. But the question lies – Is Mufasa’s back story important, and was this prequel necessary?
Instead of investing their mind, money, and time in creating a fresh character, Disney has tried to play a safe bet by making Mufasa: The Lion King. Well-known names definitely pique the excitement as...
Mufasa: The Lion King Teaser trailer has been dropped by Disney, and the live-action film, which is a prequel to 2019’s The Lion King, will be released worldwide on December 20. However, the trailer would put you to disbelieving the amount that must have been spent on this so-called CGI film that has been unnecessarily called a live-action film.
The one-minute, 34-second trailer makes one thing very clear: the animals are more expressive this time, and some research and hard work has been done at that end. But the question lies – Is Mufasa’s back story important, and was this prequel necessary?
Instead of investing their mind, money, and time in creating a fresh character, Disney has tried to play a safe bet by making Mufasa: The Lion King. Well-known names definitely pique the excitement as...
- 4/29/2024
- by Trisha Gaur
- KoiMoi
You have to admit, even the promise of it is fascinating: what does a photoreal-animated Lion King film look like when it comes from Barry Jenkins – the director of Moonlight, and If Beale Street Could Talk, and The Underground Railroad? We’re about to find out, because Jenkins is directing Mufasa: The Lion King, the follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 The Lion King remake – ostensibly a prequel about the rise of Simba’s legendary dad, but also weaving in sequel threads following Simba and Nala’s burgeoning family. And it’s not that Jenkins is being parachuted in – he’s working with his regular cinematographer James Laxton, and editor Joi McMillon, bringing his impeccable craft to an entirely different type of filmmaking, with the biggest tools blockbusterdom can bring. Check out the trailer here:
There’s plenty to dig into here – particularly those big names in the cast list. While...
There’s plenty to dig into here – particularly those big names in the cast list. While...
- 4/29/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Annecy International Animation Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 2024 edition, including the Competition line-up and a programme of previews from the major studios.
The 12-strong Official Competition includes Adam Elliot’s Australian feature Memoir Of A Snail, in which Succession star Sarah Snook voices a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails; and stop-motion Savages!, director Claude Barras’ first feature since his Bafta- and Oscar-nominated My Life As A Courgette.
Scroll down for the full Competition line-up
The festival will open with Michel Hazanavicius’ Competition title The Most Precious Of Cargoes, heading to Annecy from its debut in Cannes Competition.
The 12-strong Official Competition includes Adam Elliot’s Australian feature Memoir Of A Snail, in which Succession star Sarah Snook voices a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails; and stop-motion Savages!, director Claude Barras’ first feature since his Bafta- and Oscar-nominated My Life As A Courgette.
Scroll down for the full Competition line-up
The festival will open with Michel Hazanavicius’ Competition title The Most Precious Of Cargoes, heading to Annecy from its debut in Cannes Competition.
- 4/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Organizers of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world’s oldest and most important animation festival, revealed Thursday that all the big U.S. studio animation players will be in attendance this year to preview some of their most exciting upcoming titles.
Annecy has long been a launch point for global and indie animation, but over the past several years, it has become an increasingly important platform for big studios as well. This year, that trend continues and, indeed, ramps up.
Illumination will continue a popular tradition by hosting a special screening of “Despicable Me 4” in Annecy. The three previous “Despicable” films and the “Minions: The Rise of Gru” spinoff all screened at Annecy, several of them making their world premieres there.
Disney will host sneak peeks of its 2024 animated feature releases: Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2.” Paramount Pictures and Hasbro...
Annecy has long been a launch point for global and indie animation, but over the past several years, it has become an increasingly important platform for big studios as well. This year, that trend continues and, indeed, ramps up.
Illumination will continue a popular tradition by hosting a special screening of “Despicable Me 4” in Annecy. The three previous “Despicable” films and the “Minions: The Rise of Gru” spinoff all screened at Annecy, several of them making their world premieres there.
Disney will host sneak peeks of its 2024 animated feature releases: Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2.” Paramount Pictures and Hasbro...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has unveiled the line-up for its 2024 edition, running from June 9 to 15. (scroll down for full list of titles and events)
Highlights announced on Thursday include Terry Gilliam as guest of honor to receive an Honorary Cristal and give a masterclass. He joins previously announced honorary guest Wes Anderson.
The main Competition and the Contrechamps sections will showcase 23 new animated features.
Features in the main competition include Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius’ first ever animated feature The Most Precious of Cargoes, which will also open the festival.
The drama follows the fate of baby boy who is thrown from an Auschwitz-bound train by his French-Jewish father. The picture will world premiere first in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
Other Cannes films in Annecy’s main competition include Un Certain Regard selection Flow by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis and Ghost Cat Anzu by Japan’s Yoko Kuno,...
Highlights announced on Thursday include Terry Gilliam as guest of honor to receive an Honorary Cristal and give a masterclass. He joins previously announced honorary guest Wes Anderson.
The main Competition and the Contrechamps sections will showcase 23 new animated features.
Features in the main competition include Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius’ first ever animated feature The Most Precious of Cargoes, which will also open the festival.
The drama follows the fate of baby boy who is thrown from an Auschwitz-bound train by his French-Jewish father. The picture will world premiere first in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
Other Cannes films in Annecy’s main competition include Un Certain Regard selection Flow by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis and Ghost Cat Anzu by Japan’s Yoko Kuno,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson has kept himself busy this year and has added more responsibilities for himself on the career front. Apart from handling his Hollywood career, The Rock returned to the WWE ring and took part in this year’s WrestleMania 40. He also joined the board of directors of Tko Group Holdings, the company that handles WWE and UFC.
While he restarts his wrestling career, Johnson still has not forgotten his films as he recently showed up at CinemaCon to debut the first look footage of Moana 2. The actor expressed his excitement about returning to the role of Maui in the animated film, which will be released in November 2024. His insane dedication to his craft has earned him yet another nickname in the media.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Is Now ‘The Hardest Working Dude’ In Hollywood A still from Black Adam
Dwayne Johnson seems to have Midas Touch with everything he gets involved in.
While he restarts his wrestling career, Johnson still has not forgotten his films as he recently showed up at CinemaCon to debut the first look footage of Moana 2. The actor expressed his excitement about returning to the role of Maui in the animated film, which will be released in November 2024. His insane dedication to his craft has earned him yet another nickname in the media.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Is Now ‘The Hardest Working Dude’ In Hollywood A still from Black Adam
Dwayne Johnson seems to have Midas Touch with everything he gets involved in.
- 4/23/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
How Politics Affects Superhero Flicks: ‘Venom 3’ Changed Release Dates Due to Elections, Reports Say
A few weeks ago, it was announced that the latest Ssu entry, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ will be released on October 25, which is quite a shift from its previous release date, scheduled on November 8, 2024.
Shifting release dates are nothing new for movies but in most cases, the movies in question get delayed and not advanced, which was quite a surprise. Fans did not however question at the time, and now the latest report from Variety, points in the direction that the movie shifted its release date due to upcoming US elections.
During election seasons, particularly around major elections like presidential elections, media coverage can dominate public attention. Movies may choose to avoid releasing during this time to ensure they don’t compete for audience attention with election-related news and events. Marketing costs a pretty penny, sometimes further bloating the development costs, so it doesn’t make all that much sense...
Shifting release dates are nothing new for movies but in most cases, the movies in question get delayed and not advanced, which was quite a surprise. Fans did not however question at the time, and now the latest report from Variety, points in the direction that the movie shifted its release date due to upcoming US elections.
During election seasons, particularly around major elections like presidential elections, media coverage can dominate public attention. Movies may choose to avoid releasing during this time to ensure they don’t compete for audience attention with election-related news and events. Marketing costs a pretty penny, sometimes further bloating the development costs, so it doesn’t make all that much sense...
- 4/22/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Politics’ Impact on Superhero Movies: Reports Claim ‘Venom 3’ Shifted Release Dates Due to Elections
Several weeks ago, it was revealed that the newest Ssu installment, ‘Venom: The Last Dance,’ would hit theaters on October 25, a notable change from its original November 8, 2024 release date.
While changes in release dates are common for movies, they typically involve delays rather than advances, making this shift quite unexpected. Fans didn’t raise questions initially, but a recent report from Variety suggests that the movie’s change in release date is due to the upcoming US elections.
During election seasons, especially around significant events like presidential elections, media coverage tends to dominate public focus. Movies may opt to delay their release during this time to avoid competing for audience attention with election-related news and events. Marketing expenses can be substantial, adding to the overall production costs, so it’s not always practical to vie with one of the country’s most prominent marketing and public relations machines.
Additionally, the...
While changes in release dates are common for movies, they typically involve delays rather than advances, making this shift quite unexpected. Fans didn’t raise questions initially, but a recent report from Variety suggests that the movie’s change in release date is due to the upcoming US elections.
During election seasons, especially around significant events like presidential elections, media coverage tends to dominate public focus. Movies may opt to delay their release during this time to avoid competing for audience attention with election-related news and events. Marketing expenses can be substantial, adding to the overall production costs, so it’s not always practical to vie with one of the country’s most prominent marketing and public relations machines.
Additionally, the...
- 4/22/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Dwayne Johnson successfully balanced his professional wrestling career and became a big movie star at the same time. Johnson recently made a big mark with his heel turn leading up to WrestleMania Xl and was a big draw for audiences on both nights. Johnson is focusing on his next big project with the event now over.
Following the end of WrestleMania Xl, Dwayne Johnson is now focusing on The Smashing Machine
A while ago, it was announced that Johnson will star as Mma fighter Mark Kerr in the sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The actor is set to begin extensive training for the film as he switches from being a professional welter to an Mma cage. Johnson took to X to inform fans about the start of his training to fans and how he is committed to making Mma fans and Kerr proud of the film.
Dwayne Johnson Starts His...
Following the end of WrestleMania Xl, Dwayne Johnson is now focusing on The Smashing Machine
A while ago, it was announced that Johnson will star as Mma fighter Mark Kerr in the sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The actor is set to begin extensive training for the film as he switches from being a professional welter to an Mma cage. Johnson took to X to inform fans about the start of his training to fans and how he is committed to making Mma fans and Kerr proud of the film.
Dwayne Johnson Starts His...
- 4/22/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson has been focusing more on his wrestling career with the WWE. Being a part of the board of Tko Group Holdings, the actor and professional wrestler performed his first main event match in years in this year’s WrestleMania 40. His return has been lauded by fans, especially after the event.
While he focuses on WWE again, Johnson’s acting career seems to have taken a backseat. With Johnson’s live-action Moana being postponed by a year, the actor has all the time for new projects in Hollywood, including joining another franchise. The actor was seen shaking hands with Marvel President, Kevin Feige, leading to speculations about a possible appearance in the MCU.
Dwayne Johnson’s Run-In With Kevin Feige Sparks Speculations Dwayne Johnson in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Dwayne Johnson was last seen in a cameo as Luke Hobbs in Fast X, before which he headlined the...
While he focuses on WWE again, Johnson’s acting career seems to have taken a backseat. With Johnson’s live-action Moana being postponed by a year, the actor has all the time for new projects in Hollywood, including joining another franchise. The actor was seen shaking hands with Marvel President, Kevin Feige, leading to speculations about a possible appearance in the MCU.
Dwayne Johnson’s Run-In With Kevin Feige Sparks Speculations Dwayne Johnson in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Dwayne Johnson was last seen in a cameo as Luke Hobbs in Fast X, before which he headlined the...
- 4/21/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
If you booed The Rock after his spectacular heel turn ahead of WrestleMania 40, you would be surprised to see one young kid who has been a huge fan of Dwayne Johnson. The Rock’s heel turn was quite nostalgic and it was fitting to the storyline engrossing the WWE fanbase with a treat.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Final Boss (Credit: WWE)
Ahead of WrestleMania 40, The Rock appeared before fans and a young kid had a brilliant conversation with The Final Boss. His question amazed Johnson and his enthusiasm made him quite emotional. Recently, The Rock shared the video of the moment on his X handle.
A Young Kid Fascinated Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson. Credit: WWE
Dwayne Johnson appeared before fans ahead of WrestleMania 40 and young fans in the front row holding the Nxt belt merchandise got the mic making The Final Boss spellbound for a while. “You know...
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Final Boss (Credit: WWE)
Ahead of WrestleMania 40, The Rock appeared before fans and a young kid had a brilliant conversation with The Final Boss. His question amazed Johnson and his enthusiasm made him quite emotional. Recently, The Rock shared the video of the moment on his X handle.
A Young Kid Fascinated Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson. Credit: WWE
Dwayne Johnson appeared before fans ahead of WrestleMania 40 and young fans in the front row holding the Nxt belt merchandise got the mic making The Final Boss spellbound for a while. “You know...
- 4/18/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
A new plot update for Disney's upcoming sequel, Moana 2, should make Maui fans happy.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was arguably the biggest name in the original Moana from 2016 as the demigod Maui, later taking on a role as a producer for Disney's live-action remake coming in July 2026.
Maui was then confirmed to return to action in Moana 2 when it was announced as one of Disney's next movies, with fans wondering if his role would be as substantial as it was eight years ago.
Read full article on The Direct.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was arguably the biggest name in the original Moana from 2016 as the demigod Maui, later taking on a role as a producer for Disney's live-action remake coming in July 2026.
Maui was then confirmed to return to action in Moana 2 when it was announced as one of Disney's next movies, with fans wondering if his role would be as substantial as it was eight years ago.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 4/16/2024
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
John Cena’s tenure in WWE stands as one of the most illustrious in the sport’s history, cementing his position as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, if not the greatest. Widely regarded as one of WWE’s biggest icons, Cena’s legacy can’t really be touched by anyone and it’s not really hard to see why either. With that said, there is a massive decision that the Leader of Cenation made which many fans absolutely do not agree with one bit and it changed the course of WWE for good.
John Cena, source: WWE
From his memorable WWE Championship triumph against Jbl at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 to his legendary clashes with The Rock at WrestleMania, Cena’s career is packed with iconic moments and matches that firmly establish him as a future Hall of Famer.
John Cena Doesn’t Regret Making Massive Change to His...
John Cena, source: WWE
From his memorable WWE Championship triumph against Jbl at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 to his legendary clashes with The Rock at WrestleMania, Cena’s career is packed with iconic moments and matches that firmly establish him as a future Hall of Famer.
John Cena Doesn’t Regret Making Massive Change to His...
- 4/15/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns made WrestleMania 40 a spectacle to behold. With legendary superstar John Cena and The Undertaker’s surprising return and Seth Rollins reviving The Shield nostalgia against his former partner, the group revealed the immense detail of storytelling.
The Rock at Wrestlemania 40. Credit: WWE
Fans hailed WrestleMania 40, The Rock’s double in-ring appearance and Rhodes’ stake under The Bloodline rules game was certainly living up to the standards of the nail-biting thriller. The biggest WWE event was dubbed as an Avengers: Endgame—like scenario.
The Ultimate Heel vs The Ultimate Babyface— The Rock’s Next Opponent Is Not Roman Reigns
The Rock and Cody Rhodes at the WrestleMania Xl Kickoff Show. Credit: WWE
It was wildly speculated that Roman Reigns would be the next Superstar The Rock would face after WrestleMania 40. It was somewhat plausible as almost everyone expected another Reigns’ win at WrestleMania 40 defeating...
The Rock at Wrestlemania 40. Credit: WWE
Fans hailed WrestleMania 40, The Rock’s double in-ring appearance and Rhodes’ stake under The Bloodline rules game was certainly living up to the standards of the nail-biting thriller. The biggest WWE event was dubbed as an Avengers: Endgame—like scenario.
The Ultimate Heel vs The Ultimate Babyface— The Rock’s Next Opponent Is Not Roman Reigns
The Rock and Cody Rhodes at the WrestleMania Xl Kickoff Show. Credit: WWE
It was wildly speculated that Roman Reigns would be the next Superstar The Rock would face after WrestleMania 40. It was somewhat plausible as almost everyone expected another Reigns’ win at WrestleMania 40 defeating...
- 4/13/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas Thursday, the Walt Disney Studios presented their upcoming slate from Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios with an exclusive look at the highly-anticipated titles such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Inside Out 2, Captain America: Brave New World, Alien: Romulus, Moana 2 and much more. Amy Poehler, Anthony Mackie, Dwayne Johnson, Marvel's Kevin Feige and directors Shawn Levy and Barry Jenkins presented their projects.
- 4/12/2024
- by luperhaas@cinemovie.tv (Lupe R Haas)
- CineMovie
Hollywood decamped for Las Vegas this week for CinemaCon, looking to reassure movie theater owners and executives that they had what it takes to keep audiences flocking to cinemas through 2024 and beyond. And despite odes to the magic of the big screen experience, there was a whiff of desperation in the artificially-oxygenated, cigarette-perfumed air of Caesars Palace, where the annual exhibition trade show takes place.
That’s because the box office hasn’t recaptured its pre-pandemic stride — studios estimate that roughly 15% to 20% of frequent moviegoers have yet to resume their old entertainment habits now that Covid has dissipated. Plus, the labor strikes that consumed the media industry for much of the previous year as actors and writers hit the picket lines resulted in production delays that left theaters with fewer movies to hawk on their marquees.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Despite the challenges, studios are ready...
That’s because the box office hasn’t recaptured its pre-pandemic stride — studios estimate that roughly 15% to 20% of frequent moviegoers have yet to resume their old entertainment habits now that Covid has dissipated. Plus, the labor strikes that consumed the media industry for much of the previous year as actors and writers hit the picket lines resulted in production delays that left theaters with fewer movies to hawk on their marquees.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Despite the challenges, studios are ready...
- 4/12/2024
- by Brent Lang, Rebecca Rubin and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
We’re leaving Las Vegas.
CinemaCon 2024 is over — time for studios to go out and prove their pitches at the box office. Based on what we saw, or really what we didn’t see, that will be an uphill battle.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the folks and films that showed up. Arguably, the biggest star to attend CinemaCon was Kevin Costner. The cynical point of view? He was pitching not one but two “Horizon” films to theater owners — and simultaneously pitching third and fourth installments to Warner Bros. Plus, Costner received a trophy (the CinemaCon Visionary Award), for which WB execs shooed him offstage just to call him back up. Kinda silly. Speaking of WB execs and no-shows, if David Zaslav was in town, he didn’t come on stage.
Jeff Goldblum did, as did his fellow “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh.
CinemaCon 2024 is over — time for studios to go out and prove their pitches at the box office. Based on what we saw, or really what we didn’t see, that will be an uphill battle.
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the folks and films that showed up. Arguably, the biggest star to attend CinemaCon was Kevin Costner. The cynical point of view? He was pitching not one but two “Horizon” films to theater owners — and simultaneously pitching third and fourth installments to Warner Bros. Plus, Costner received a trophy (the CinemaCon Visionary Award), for which WB execs shooed him offstage just to call him back up. Kinda silly. Speaking of WB execs and no-shows, if David Zaslav was in town, he didn’t come on stage.
Jeff Goldblum did, as did his fellow “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh.
- 4/12/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Released back in 2016, Moana was a proper hit for Disney and became one of the company’s most beloved new movies. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson did an amazing job voicing Moana and Maui, respectively, which is why the announcement of a sequel did not really surprise us. And while we know that the sequel is coming out on November 27, 2024, Disney has been scarce when it comes to footage from the upcoming sequel, so we don’t really have much for you.
But, those who were lucky enough to attend this year’s CinemaCon got the opportunity to see the first teaser for Moana 2. This exclusive video was shown only to CinemaCon attendees and while it has not been released online, although we assume it is going to be released relatively soon, we know that it showed us and we are going to reveal this to you here.
Here...
But, those who were lucky enough to attend this year’s CinemaCon got the opportunity to see the first teaser for Moana 2. This exclusive video was shown only to CinemaCon attendees and while it has not been released online, although we assume it is going to be released relatively soon, we know that it showed us and we are going to reveal this to you here.
Here...
- 4/12/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King is slated for a year-end release. The upcoming prequel to 2019’s adventure musical The Lion King is helmed by filmmaker Barry Jenkins who has made Oscar-winning films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. The Moonlight director also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King will also walk down the same path as director Jon Favreau’s film.
Image by Jian Maldonado | Wikimedia Commons
Barry Jenkins “Addresses” The Biggest Criticism For Mufasa: The Lion King
2024’s CinemaCon is creating a lot of buzz lately. Fans have been talking about Dwayne Johnson showing his epic dance moves to introduce Moana 2 at the event. Big industry personalities like Kevin Feige attended the event. The Marvel boss also sang praises of the upcoming Deadpool 3.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. The Moonlight director also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King will also walk down the same path as director Jon Favreau’s film.
Image by Jian Maldonado | Wikimedia Commons
Barry Jenkins “Addresses” The Biggest Criticism For Mufasa: The Lion King
2024’s CinemaCon is creating a lot of buzz lately. Fans have been talking about Dwayne Johnson showing his epic dance moves to introduce Moana 2 at the event. Big industry personalities like Kevin Feige attended the event. The Marvel boss also sang praises of the upcoming Deadpool 3.
- 4/12/2024
- by Disha Kandpal
- FandomWire
Being the current representative of the Hollywood action hero community, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has always stayed an arm’s length away from the villainous WWE persona that gave him his first taste of recognition and fame. But after a lengthy sabbatical and a worse-for-wear stretch in Hollywood, his eventual return to the ring was perhaps inevitable, and as such, one of the lesser brow-raising points of his career.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Final Boss [Credit: WWE]What did however seduce an already fascinated audience was the former People’s Champion’s resurrection as a heel, his readiness to brutality, and the sheer perverse enjoyment that he has (seemingly) derived from it. The Rock’s new persona, if not anything else, only proves how severely Hollywood messed up by exiling his evil façade in favor of a generic burly everyman hero obsessed with one-man rescue missions through tsunamis and earthquakes.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Final Boss [Credit: WWE]What did however seduce an already fascinated audience was the former People’s Champion’s resurrection as a heel, his readiness to brutality, and the sheer perverse enjoyment that he has (seemingly) derived from it. The Rock’s new persona, if not anything else, only proves how severely Hollywood messed up by exiling his evil façade in favor of a generic burly everyman hero obsessed with one-man rescue missions through tsunamis and earthquakes.
- 4/12/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
The success of the 2016 animated adventure, Moana, has opened the corridor for a sequel. The 2016 Disney animated adventure sequel starring Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho is now on the road to the theatrical release.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Moana
Introducing the movie at this year’s CinemaCon, Johnson showed off a couple of ethnic dance moves. Johnson, who recently had a splendid run at WWE and announced his departure from wrestling for a while, is now focusing more on his upcoming slates, which include Moana 2.
Dwayne Johnson Performed an Ethnic Dance At CinemaCon Dwayne Jonson’s Maui in Moana
CinemaCon audiences were in for a treat as Dwayne Johnson made a surprise appearance showing off a few dance moves alongside Polynesian dancers before introducing his upcoming film Moana 2.
Dwayne @TheRock Johnson making an entrance for Moana 2. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/SDlpsQAiO3
— Bd (@BrandonDavisBD) April 11, 2024
After his dance for a few seconds,...
Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Moana
Introducing the movie at this year’s CinemaCon, Johnson showed off a couple of ethnic dance moves. Johnson, who recently had a splendid run at WWE and announced his departure from wrestling for a while, is now focusing more on his upcoming slates, which include Moana 2.
Dwayne Johnson Performed an Ethnic Dance At CinemaCon Dwayne Jonson’s Maui in Moana
CinemaCon audiences were in for a treat as Dwayne Johnson made a surprise appearance showing off a few dance moves alongside Polynesian dancers before introducing his upcoming film Moana 2.
Dwayne @TheRock Johnson making an entrance for Moana 2. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/SDlpsQAiO3
— Bd (@BrandonDavisBD) April 11, 2024
After his dance for a few seconds,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Disney entertained the CinemaCon crowd in Las Vegas on Thursday with 75 minutes of footage including big crowd-pleasers Deadpool & Wolverine, Inside Out 2, and Alien: Romulus, and an appearance by Dwayne Johnson to promote Moana 2.
Fresh from a victorious boardroom battle for CEO Bob Iger and on the back of a year when Disney ceded its box office throne to Universal, the pressure was on the studio to bring the goods at its presentation – and it delivered with a rousing roster of peeks at 2024 tentpoles and one from the 2025 pipeline.
Barry Jenkins also appeared on stage at The Colosseum...
Fresh from a victorious boardroom battle for CEO Bob Iger and on the back of a year when Disney ceded its box office throne to Universal, the pressure was on the studio to bring the goods at its presentation – and it delivered with a rousing roster of peeks at 2024 tentpoles and one from the 2025 pipeline.
Barry Jenkins also appeared on stage at The Colosseum...
- 4/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon made sure to carve out some time to focus on their upcoming animated movies. We’ve already covered Inside Out 2, but CinemaCon audiences were also treated to teasers for Mufasa: The Lion King and Moana 2.
Director Barry Jenkins took the stage to promote the Lion King prequel, adding that he had seen the original Disney animated movie over 200 times and knew he had to take the gig. “When the script came to me I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions…this film explores Mufasa rise to become the heroic king that we know,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins wanted to make a movie that tackled the same issues as the first, hoping that it would help a new generation of children become who they really are. The teaser trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King then began with those iconic notes from...
Director Barry Jenkins took the stage to promote the Lion King prequel, adding that he had seen the original Disney animated movie over 200 times and knew he had to take the gig. “When the script came to me I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions…this film explores Mufasa rise to become the heroic king that we know,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins wanted to make a movie that tackled the same issues as the first, hoping that it would help a new generation of children become who they really are. The teaser trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King then began with those iconic notes from...
- 4/12/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
What can Disney say to cinema owners except “you’re welcome“? After all, the studio is revisiting the island of Montunui, where “Moana” takes place, a lot sooner than movie theaters were expecting.
Earlier this year, the studio announced a surprise sequel to the 2016 animated feature for release on Nov. 27. The follow-up was initially commissioned as a television series for Disney+ but it was retooled into a feature film after executives were reportedly impressed by the footage.
Disney shared the first look at the scenes that wowed those Magic Kingdom creatives during its CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday. In the music-heavy clip, Moana returns to her home island of Montunui and is greeted with a hero’s welcome. The clip offered a taste of one new song, which appears to be about the wayfinding natives eager to be “back to who we’re meant to be.” Although the...
Earlier this year, the studio announced a surprise sequel to the 2016 animated feature for release on Nov. 27. The follow-up was initially commissioned as a television series for Disney+ but it was retooled into a feature film after executives were reportedly impressed by the footage.
Disney shared the first look at the scenes that wowed those Magic Kingdom creatives during its CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday. In the music-heavy clip, Moana returns to her home island of Montunui and is greeted with a hero’s welcome. The clip offered a taste of one new song, which appears to be about the wayfinding natives eager to be “back to who we’re meant to be.” Although the...
- 4/12/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Jon Musker and Ron Clements' 2016 animated Disney film "Moana" was a massive hit, making over $687 million worldwide. The titular character is a princess from the Polynesian island of Motunui. Her people are content on their island and hate venturing out into open waters, a mandate that Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) decides to break when a blight strikes her village. The bulk of "Moana" follows the princess after she sets sail and befriends Maui (Dwayne Johnson), an impish demigod with a connection to the blight. "Moana" was nominated for two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature and Best Song.
A "Moana" TV series was in the works at Disney, although those plans were surprisingly altered in February 2024 when CEO Bob Iger announced that the series was being reworked into a movie sequel instead. The release date was given as November, only nine months from the announcement. In terms of Disney marketing, that was pretty short notice.
A "Moana" TV series was in the works at Disney, although those plans were surprisingly altered in February 2024 when CEO Bob Iger announced that the series was being reworked into a movie sequel instead. The release date was given as November, only nine months from the announcement. In terms of Disney marketing, that was pretty short notice.
- 4/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Two months after Disney CEO Bob Iger’s surprise announcement that Moana 2 was in the works at the studio and scheduled to hit theaters Nov. 27, the animated sequel took center stage at CinemaCon.
Disney debuted an exclusive sneak peek of footage of the David Derrick Jr.-directed film in front of theater owners with the help of its superstar voice talent, Dwayne Johnson. He arrived to the stage after a mini-performance from Polynesian dancers. Johnson is back for the new installment alongside actors from the original, including Auli’i Cravalho and others.
“As we say on the island, aloha,” Johnson said, dressed for the occasion in trousers and a white tank top. “Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me and life changing roles.”
He added that the character is more meaningful to him than just a gig. “It’s my culture, you...
Disney debuted an exclusive sneak peek of footage of the David Derrick Jr.-directed film in front of theater owners with the help of its superstar voice talent, Dwayne Johnson. He arrived to the stage after a mini-performance from Polynesian dancers. Johnson is back for the new installment alongside actors from the original, including Auli’i Cravalho and others.
“As we say on the island, aloha,” Johnson said, dressed for the occasion in trousers and a white tank top. “Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me and life changing roles.”
He added that the character is more meaningful to him than just a gig. “It’s my culture, you...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Barry Jenkins appeared at his first CinemaCon on Thursday to show off a trailer from Mufasa: The Lion King.
How did an arthouse director and Moonlight Oscar winner take on a four-quadrant movie? He wondered about that himself for a minute, he said, but he told the crowd that he’s seen the original 1994 movie 200 times with his nieces and nephews.
“When the script came to me, I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions,” Jenkins told attendees at Caesars Palace Colosseum. “This film explores Mufasa’s rise to become the heroic king that we know.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ director Barry Jenkins on his personal ties to ‘The Lion King’ – and seeing the movie around 200 times | #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/Bgdb1qbXPH
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 12, 2024
The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, and we see that Papa isn’t that different from Simba,...
How did an arthouse director and Moonlight Oscar winner take on a four-quadrant movie? He wondered about that himself for a minute, he said, but he told the crowd that he’s seen the original 1994 movie 200 times with his nieces and nephews.
“When the script came to me, I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions,” Jenkins told attendees at Caesars Palace Colosseum. “This film explores Mufasa’s rise to become the heroic king that we know.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ director Barry Jenkins on his personal ties to ‘The Lion King’ – and seeing the movie around 200 times | #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/Bgdb1qbXPH
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 12, 2024
The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, and we see that Papa isn’t that different from Simba,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney is welcoming the king of the Pride Lands back to Las Vegas. The studio unveiled a stirring, all-new trailer of “Mufasa: The Lion King” on Thursday at CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is expected to focus on the early years of the eventual ruler of the animals, as well as his menacing younger brother Scar. The film will feature the voices of Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the younger version of Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in the 1994 film and 2019 remake) and Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons in the 1994 version and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the 2019 remake).
The brief but majestic footage, which isn’t yet available to the public, explores the same stunningly realistic African savannah as its predecessor and begins with the iconic “Lion King” overture. A young Mufasa is seen leaping over rhinos and all kinds of...
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is expected to focus on the early years of the eventual ruler of the animals, as well as his menacing younger brother Scar. The film will feature the voices of Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the younger version of Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in the 1994 film and 2019 remake) and Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons in the 1994 version and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the 2019 remake).
The brief but majestic footage, which isn’t yet available to the public, explores the same stunningly realistic African savannah as its predecessor and begins with the iconic “Lion King” overture. A young Mufasa is seen leaping over rhinos and all kinds of...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Disney truly saved the best for last at CinemaCon — and that’s Dwayne Johnson. You can’t call it a CinemaCon without the action star, who is a regular here.
Before he stepped onstage, a group of Hawaiian dancers and percussionists performed. They were shortly joined by the man who voices the film’s demigod, Maui.
Dwayne Johnson performing with the dancers for Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ presentation at #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/VyhM5GlGIy
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 11, 2024
Exhibitor Bob Bagby then presented Johnson with a NATO Spirit of the Industry Award to large applause. Johnson spoke about the ebbs and flows in the business, adding, “but the one thing that will remain is the theater business.” Another round of applause.
Dancers perform ahead of the ‘Moana 2’ segment at Disney’s #CinemaCon presentation pic.twitter.com/72vak7iXcy
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 11, 2024
The sequence shown was Moana singing...
Before he stepped onstage, a group of Hawaiian dancers and percussionists performed. They were shortly joined by the man who voices the film’s demigod, Maui.
Dwayne Johnson performing with the dancers for Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ presentation at #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/VyhM5GlGIy
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 11, 2024
Exhibitor Bob Bagby then presented Johnson with a NATO Spirit of the Industry Award to large applause. Johnson spoke about the ebbs and flows in the business, adding, “but the one thing that will remain is the theater business.” Another round of applause.
Dancers perform ahead of the ‘Moana 2’ segment at Disney’s #CinemaCon presentation pic.twitter.com/72vak7iXcy
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 11, 2024
The sequence shown was Moana singing...
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced that its 40th festival is scheduled for Feb. 4-15, expanding to 12 days for next year’s edition.
Sbiff showcases the best in independent and international media. It’s one of the leading film festivals in the United States as it attracts 100,000 attendees of over 200 films, tributes and symposiums.
“As we embark on our 40th year, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and exhilarated for what is ahead of us. We will be announcing a few surprises in the next few months. Onward and upwards” says Roger Durling, Sbiff’s Executive Director.
Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including the Arlington Theatre.
Earlier this year, the 39th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated an ensemble of talent including Robert Downey Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Billie Eilish, Finneas,...
Sbiff showcases the best in independent and international media. It’s one of the leading film festivals in the United States as it attracts 100,000 attendees of over 200 films, tributes and symposiums.
“As we embark on our 40th year, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and exhilarated for what is ahead of us. We will be announcing a few surprises in the next few months. Onward and upwards” says Roger Durling, Sbiff’s Executive Director.
Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including the Arlington Theatre.
Earlier this year, the 39th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated an ensemble of talent including Robert Downey Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Billie Eilish, Finneas,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Selena Kuznikov, Jack Dunn and Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson’s stint at WrestleMania 40 might be over, but he is far from done. Cody Rhodes is the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion after dethroning Roman Reigns, but The Rock is not quite ready to draw the curtains on their rivalry.
The former WWE champion lit up the arena with his presence in the ring on Saturday night. However, the story of the Bloodline ended differently, even as the stakes were against Rhodes. As momentous as the occasion was, Johnson also sounded a warning to the new champion.
Johnson is not done with Rhodes (Source: WWE) Dwayne Johnson fires off a warning at Cody Rhodes after winning WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes took on Roman Reigns for the championship on April 7th, in front of a packed house at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He avenged last year’s loss to the Tribal Chief, and in the process, Rhodes...
The former WWE champion lit up the arena with his presence in the ring on Saturday night. However, the story of the Bloodline ended differently, even as the stakes were against Rhodes. As momentous as the occasion was, Johnson also sounded a warning to the new champion.
Johnson is not done with Rhodes (Source: WWE) Dwayne Johnson fires off a warning at Cody Rhodes after winning WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes took on Roman Reigns for the championship on April 7th, in front of a packed house at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He avenged last year’s loss to the Tribal Chief, and in the process, Rhodes...
- 4/9/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
In his short break from movies, The Rock has utilized the time with utmost productivity. Certainly, The Rock has a lot on his plate now as he took over the Board of Directors of WWE’s parent company, Tko Holdings. Beyond that, he also owns several businesses including his production company, Seven Bucks Productions; tequila brand, Teremana Tequila; energy drink company Zoa Energy; Project Rock apparel brand and newly launched, the United Football League.
The Rock. Credit: WWE
Amid that, The Rock has been a full-time movie star and has a series of slates attached that are yet to move to production. So, being a part-time wrestler, he is most likely to disappear from the arena for a while, but before that, one female superstar complimented The Rock.
Female WWE Star Breaks Kayfabe While Complimenting The Rock The Rock and Natalya. Credit: Nattie/X
Natalya Neidhart, who performs under the ring name Natalya in WWE,...
The Rock. Credit: WWE
Amid that, The Rock has been a full-time movie star and has a series of slates attached that are yet to move to production. So, being a part-time wrestler, he is most likely to disappear from the arena for a while, but before that, one female superstar complimented The Rock.
Female WWE Star Breaks Kayfabe While Complimenting The Rock The Rock and Natalya. Credit: Nattie/X
Natalya Neidhart, who performs under the ring name Natalya in WWE,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Disney revealed on Monday that its musical animated feature Wish, starring Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) and Chris Pine (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) garnered 13.2 million views globally in its first five days streaming on Disney+.
This amounts to the third biggest premiere on the service, behind those of Encanto and Frozen 2, with a view being defined as total stream time divided by runtime.
Earlier this year securing a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature, Wish takes place in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha (DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe — the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) — to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars,...
This amounts to the third biggest premiere on the service, behind those of Encanto and Frozen 2, with a view being defined as total stream time divided by runtime.
Earlier this year securing a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature, Wish takes place in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha (DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe — the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) — to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars,...
- 4/8/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
What happens in Vegas… fuels a year’s worth of hope for theatrical exhibitors.
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
- 4/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Andor was such an unexpected, soaring success that we're surprised more of the team behind the series hasn't been snapped up quickly to work on other projects at Lucasfilm. Well, now one of them has – Beau Willimon, who was a core part of Tony Gilroy's writing team (he scripted the superb mini-arc set in the Narkina 5 prison complex), is now aboard to co-write big screen effort Star Wars: Dawn Of The Jedi with director James Mangold.
Mangold – who previously directed Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny for Lucasfilm – has been working on the script but also turning his attention to production on his Bob Dylan biodrama A Complete Unknown. So it makes sense him adding a co-writer to work on the Star Wars project currently known as Dawn Of The Jedi, which was announced last year at Star Wars Celebration in London.
“It takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV,...
Mangold – who previously directed Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny for Lucasfilm – has been working on the script but also turning his attention to production on his Bob Dylan biodrama A Complete Unknown. So it makes sense him adding a co-writer to work on the Star Wars project currently known as Dawn Of The Jedi, which was announced last year at Star Wars Celebration in London.
“It takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV,...
- 4/7/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Following a slightly stronger than projected first quarter at the international box office, and with some titles added to the release calendar later in the year, Gower Street Analytics has increased its global box office projection for 2024 to $32.3B.
This is a 2.5% hike from the London-based firm’s previous 2024 estimate of $31.5B, but remains a 5% downturn versus 2023 (-3% at today’s exchange rates).
Unveiling the figures on the eve of CinemaCon which kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas, Gower Street said that the increase would have been greater were it not for exchange rate fluctuations between December and now which resulted in “essentially wiping out over a third of the gains seen collectively across international markets.”
The updated 2024 estimate is 18% behind an average of the last three pre-pandemic years (2017-2019).
Actuals for Q1 were 1% ahead of Gower’s projections domestically and in China. In overseas markets excluding China, they came...
This is a 2.5% hike from the London-based firm’s previous 2024 estimate of $31.5B, but remains a 5% downturn versus 2023 (-3% at today’s exchange rates).
Unveiling the figures on the eve of CinemaCon which kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas, Gower Street said that the increase would have been greater were it not for exchange rate fluctuations between December and now which resulted in “essentially wiping out over a third of the gains seen collectively across international markets.”
The updated 2024 estimate is 18% behind an average of the last three pre-pandemic years (2017-2019).
Actuals for Q1 were 1% ahead of Gower’s projections domestically and in China. In overseas markets excluding China, they came...
- 4/7/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has seemingly shifted its release schedule around again. Now we have some updated release dates for several upcoming Disney Films, including ‘Toy Story 5,’ ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ ‘Tron: Ares,’ and the live-action adaptation of ‘Moana’ (which seems redundant at this point.)
The release dates are now as follows:
‘Tron: Ares’ will be released next year on Oct. 10, 2025. The Jared Leto-led film is currently in production.
‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ will be released on May 22, 2026.
‘Toy Story 5’ will be released on June 19, 2026.
The live-action version of ‘Moana’ will now be released on July 10, 2026, instead of June 27, 2025. This move is likely due to the hastily announced ‘Moana 2’ coming later this year.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently indicated that Disney was going to cancel some film and streaming projects to reduce output and focus on quality over quantity. To stop the box office losses, Disney is also doubling...
The release dates are now as follows:
‘Tron: Ares’ will be released next year on Oct. 10, 2025. The Jared Leto-led film is currently in production.
‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ will be released on May 22, 2026.
‘Toy Story 5’ will be released on June 19, 2026.
The live-action version of ‘Moana’ will now be released on July 10, 2026, instead of June 27, 2025. This move is likely due to the hastily announced ‘Moana 2’ coming later this year.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently indicated that Disney was going to cancel some film and streaming projects to reduce output and focus on quality over quantity. To stop the box office losses, Disney is also doubling...
- 4/6/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Roman Reigns and Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock have been hyping up the much anticipated two-night showdown against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania Xl. There are a lot of moving parts going on between the rivalry between the two Bloodline cousins and the American Dream. The Rock especially has been doing a great job as a heel wreaking havoc on Rhodes in the past couple of weeks.
The Rock and Roman Reigns on WWE Raw
The match is happening very soon and the anticipation among audiences is sky-high. Reigns and The Rock have been gung-ho about winning the first night’s tag-team match. and Reign’s 2nd night fight with Rhodes. Now, a new rumor suggests that the cousins are taking some time off of the ring after WrestleMania
Roman Reigns and The Rock Rumored to Be Taking A Brief Hiatus After WrestleMania Xl The Rock and Cody Rhodes’ bloody rivalry...
The Rock and Roman Reigns on WWE Raw
The match is happening very soon and the anticipation among audiences is sky-high. Reigns and The Rock have been gung-ho about winning the first night’s tag-team match. and Reign’s 2nd night fight with Rhodes. Now, a new rumor suggests that the cousins are taking some time off of the ring after WrestleMania
Roman Reigns and The Rock Rumored to Be Taking A Brief Hiatus After WrestleMania Xl The Rock and Cody Rhodes’ bloody rivalry...
- 4/6/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Disney has announced a slew of changes to its upcoming release calendar, firming up the studio's theatrical slate for 2025 and 2026. This includes the return of "Star Wars" to the big screen, a big live-action remake, and the continuation of Pixar's biggest franchise. It's going to be a busy couple of years ahead. Let's go over what we can expect.
First up, "The Mandalorian & Grogu" is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. This had previously been listed as an untitled "Star Wars" movie. Now, we know it's Jon Favreau's movie, which will take the world of "The Mandalorian" from Disney+ to the silver screen. It will be the first "Star Wars" movie to hit theaters since "The Rise of Skywalker" concluded the sequel trilogy back in 2019.
The Mouse House also set a date for "Tron: Ares," aka "Tron 3." The sequel will now arrive on October 10, 2025. Disney previously...
First up, "The Mandalorian & Grogu" is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. This had previously been listed as an untitled "Star Wars" movie. Now, we know it's Jon Favreau's movie, which will take the world of "The Mandalorian" from Disney+ to the silver screen. It will be the first "Star Wars" movie to hit theaters since "The Rise of Skywalker" concluded the sequel trilogy back in 2019.
The Mouse House also set a date for "Tron: Ares," aka "Tron 3." The sequel will now arrive on October 10, 2025. Disney previously...
- 4/5/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Disney’s Mandalorian & Grogu, Tron: Ares, Toy Story 5, and more get release dates ahead of CinemaCon
I’ve got great news for all of you Mouseketeers out there! Disney has revealed the studio’s 2026 release schedule, with dates for projects like Mandalorian & Grogu, Tron: Ares, Toy Story 5, the live-action adaptation of Moana, and more!
Mandalorian & Grogu is Disney’s untitled Star Wars title, dated May 22, 2026, with Tron: Ares as Disney’s untitled film, dated October 10, 2025. Toy Story 5 is the studio’s untitled Pixar project, dated June 19, 2026. Also, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, is moving to July 10, 2026.
You can see the complete list of film titles and release dates below:
The Amateur (20th) previously dated on 11/8/24 moves to 4/11/25
Nightbitch (Searchlight) is now dated on 12/6/24 (Limited)
Moana (Disney) previously dated on 6/27/25 moves to 7/10/26
Untitled Disney (Disney) previously dated on 7/10/26 is removed from schedule
The Mandalorian & Grogu (Disney) is the updated title of Untitled Star Wars dated on 5/22/26
Toy Story 5...
Mandalorian & Grogu is Disney’s untitled Star Wars title, dated May 22, 2026, with Tron: Ares as Disney’s untitled film, dated October 10, 2025. Toy Story 5 is the studio’s untitled Pixar project, dated June 19, 2026. Also, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, is moving to July 10, 2026.
You can see the complete list of film titles and release dates below:
The Amateur (20th) previously dated on 11/8/24 moves to 4/11/25
Nightbitch (Searchlight) is now dated on 12/6/24 (Limited)
Moana (Disney) previously dated on 6/27/25 moves to 7/10/26
Untitled Disney (Disney) previously dated on 7/10/26 is removed from schedule
The Mandalorian & Grogu (Disney) is the updated title of Untitled Star Wars dated on 5/22/26
Toy Story 5...
- 4/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Disney is lining up a huge summer 2026 and has announced release dates for Jon Favreau’s Mandalorian feature, Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and the live-action version of Moana.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is the updated Untitled Star Wars set for May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars film since Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker in 2019. Production is scheduled to begin this year.
Toy Story 5 is the updated title of Untitled Pixar and opens on June 19, 2026. It becomes the latest in the $3.3bn-grossing family franchise since Toy Story 4 in 2019.
Moana is pushed from June 27, 2025, to July 10, 2026. The animation Moana 2...
The Mandalorian & Grogu is the updated Untitled Star Wars set for May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars film since Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker in 2019. Production is scheduled to begin this year.
Toy Story 5 is the updated title of Untitled Pixar and opens on June 19, 2026. It becomes the latest in the $3.3bn-grossing family franchise since Toy Story 4 in 2019.
Moana is pushed from June 27, 2025, to July 10, 2026. The animation Moana 2...
- 4/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney has set the release dates for some of its biggest tentpole movies for 2025 and 2026, including its new “Star Wars” film, a fifth “Toy Story,” and “Tron: Ares.”
“The Mandalorian & Grogu,” the spinoff from the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” starring Pedro Pascal, will hit theaters May 22, 2026. “Toy Story 5” will open in theaters on June 19, 2026, and “Tron: Ares,” the third “Tron” movie that will star Jared Leto, will open October 10, 2025.
Disney also delayed the release of its live-action “Moana” with Dwayne Johnson to make room for the looming release of the animated “Moana 2” at the end of this year. The live-action “Moana” will now open in theaters July 10, 2026, delayed from June 2025.
Disney also delayed the release of “The Amateur,” a 20th Century Studios title starring Caitriona Balfe. That movie was meant to open on November 8, 2024 but will now open April 11, 2025. Disney and Searchlight Pictures also announced earlier this...
“The Mandalorian & Grogu,” the spinoff from the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” starring Pedro Pascal, will hit theaters May 22, 2026. “Toy Story 5” will open in theaters on June 19, 2026, and “Tron: Ares,” the third “Tron” movie that will star Jared Leto, will open October 10, 2025.
Disney also delayed the release of its live-action “Moana” with Dwayne Johnson to make room for the looming release of the animated “Moana 2” at the end of this year. The live-action “Moana” will now open in theaters July 10, 2026, delayed from June 2025.
Disney also delayed the release of “The Amateur,” a 20th Century Studios title starring Caitriona Balfe. That movie was meant to open on November 8, 2024 but will now open April 11, 2025. Disney and Searchlight Pictures also announced earlier this...
- 4/5/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
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