Yesterday
China cuts Hollywood films in latest trade salvo
The move signals that Chinese President Xi Jinping could now be targeting American services in the escalating trade war.
This Month
Ex-Barclays boss awaits judgment in court battle over Jeffrey Epstein
With the courtroom drama concluded, banker Jes Staley has to wait and see if his high-profile legal gamble to clear his name has paid off.
March
CEO blamed for million-dollar flops as Hollywood studio flounders
David Zaslav promised to revive the storied Warner Bros studio when he took over during a merger with Discovery. That was three years ago.
‘Snow White’ remake misses box-office hopes amid woke controversy
Disney made the update a tale of female empowerment. Instead of trying to find a husband, the new Snow White leads a Joan of Arc-like rebellion against the Evil Queen.
Ex-Barclays boss Staley had sex with Epstein staffer
The evidence emerged in court as Jes Staley challenges the British financial regulator’s verdict that he downplayed his connection to late paedophile.
Disney eyes more Australian sport, turns into a Foxtel competitor
As ESPN hops onto Disney+, the entertainment giant’s Australia and New Zealand boss says it is “open to investing more” in domestic broadcast rights.
Disney retreats from the culture wars, one trigger warning at a time
Donald Trump’s crackdown on diversity has seen the Mouse House tone down its pre-program messages. But content advisories have their defenders elsewhere.
February
Lachlan Murdoch’s $US4b problem
Donald Trump’s election has blown the Murdoch succession to smithereens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 2024
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?
September 2024
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.