Today
Trump versus Marvel: Why Captain America has run into trouble
Disney has a lot riding on this latest Avengers film so it’s unfortunate it’s run into trouble among fervid MAGA supporters.
- Alexander Larman
January
Disney fans seek to spread human ashes at parks despite ban
For decades, stories about surreptitious memorials, covert dumping of remains and ride shutdowns attributed to ashes have become ghoulish pieces of Disney lore.
- Hannah Sampson
December 2024
Lin-Manuel Miranda on Mufasa and the secret to a Disney hit
The Hamilton creator, who crafted the soundtrack for the new prequel to The Lion King, reflects on writing songs that have universal appeal.
- Sarah Bahr
Bluey heads to the big screen in global release
The Walt Disney Co and BBC Studios announced a film based on the hit Australian series will arrive in cinemas in 2027.
- Brooks Barnes
‘Libel warfare’: ABC payout to Trump sends chill across US media
There are now fears that Trump, who has threatened libel lawsuits against news media for decades, could use presidential power to muzzle the press.
- Anna Nicolaou, Christopher Grimes and James Politi
- Opinion
- Crime
Why Luigi Mangione stars in a new era of villainy
What explains the public fascination with the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare chief Brian Thompson?
- Jo Ellison
How Dungeons & Dragons became cool
The role-playing game, celebrating its 50th birthday, was once a nerdy niche. It’s championing by Hollywood creators has won it unprecedented popularity.
- The Economist
November 2024
Hollywood gives thanks as blockbusters set to soar
Studios bet “Wicked”, “Gladiator II” and “Moana 2” will kick off a strong holiday season at the box office in the United States and globally.
- Christopher Grimes
Advertisers set to return to X as they seek favour with Musk and Trump
Media executives said brands were preparing to advertise on X again, as its billionaire owner was likely to gain influence in the White House.
- Hannah Murphy, Daniel Thomas and Eric Platt
- Opinion
- Trump's America
Why November 5 will not become the Waterloo of wokery
American voters rejected the culture warriors of the left when they picked Donald Trump. But don’t imagine those views won’t still be very powerful in 2044.
- Adrian Wooldridge
October 2024
- Opinion
- Streaming
What the new hit ‘bonkbuster’ series Rivals gets right about posh life
I reckon almost everyone I know has seen at least some of the show, adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s racy 1988 novel. But how accurate is it, exactly?
- Sophia Money-Coutts
September 2024
- Exclusive
- BOSS
Disney chief goes retro for AFL finals to reel in streaming rivals
Disney’s Australian boss Kylie Watson-Wheeler is bringing her AFL obsession into her day job as the US giant takes on the dominant players in the local streaming wars.
- Patrick Durkin
Shogun wins best drama Emmy, Hacks shocks in comedy category
A tale of political machinations, Shogun also won acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, the first Japanese actors to win their categories.
- Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway
Out of a job, not ready for golf: the rise of the portfolio career
Today’s public company chief executives and top leaders simply do not last as long in their jobs as they once did, so there are more unemployed high-flyers keen for work.
- Brooke Masters
How a CEO undermined his chosen successor and returned to power
When Disney’s Bob Iger stepped down as CEO, he stayed on as “creative director” and executive chair – to the ultimate dismay and downfall of his successor, Bob Chapek.
- James B. Stewart and Brooks Barnes
If you’re leaving Disneyland while it’s light, you’re doing it wrong
The world’s best-known theme park inspires awe and delight during the day, but after dark Walt’s $280 billion vision truly comes to life.
- Lucy Dean
August 2024
Paramount, Warner slash valuations in ‘cable TV collapse’
The $23 billion in impairment charges from Paramount and Warner Brothers Discovery highlight the collapse of the lucrative business model.
- Anna Nicolaou and Christopher Grimes
New signs of weakness in US economy, as consumers halt spending
Disney theme parks, Airbnb home rentals and Hilton hotels are among the latest companies seeing weaker consumer demand.
- Gregory Meyer, Anna Nicolaou and Christopher Grimes
July 2024
Rupert Murdoch’s secret family battle for his empire’s future
The media baron has moved to change the family’s irrevocable trust to preserve his businesses as a conservative force. Several of his children are fighting back.
- Jim Rutenberg and Jonathan Mahler
- Analysis
- Billionaires
Old and new money meet at billionaires’ annual retreat
Network Ten owner Shari Redstone was in Sun Valley along with Bob Iger, a crop of Democratic presidential hopefuls and the tech elite for the annual Allen & Co gathering.
- Nick Bonyhady