This Month
Inside the race for Sydney’s second film studio
With Disney Studios often closed off to everybody but the owner, the NSW Government has pledged $100m and kicked off a battle to become Sydney’s second screen mecca.
The surprise hit that could help Disney collect $1.5b
The studio has done everything right with the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, which overnight has become one of the biggest movie windfalls in years.
May
Which carmaker produces the Popemobile? Take our weekly news quiz
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
After 60 years, media mogul Barry Diller bares his soul
The billionaire at the heart of some the biggest media deals of the past half century reflects on his dark childhood, his dazzling career, and Hollywood’s worst-kept secret.
Which film shares a name with the rebranded Sayers Group? Take our quiz
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
Who will succeed Warren Buffett? Take our weekly news quiz
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
Disney to open new Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi
Disney will open its first Middle East theme park on an island outside Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The tech giants reaping billions – and complaining about Australia
A handful of the world’s biggest companies made $15 billion from Australians last year and sent most of that offshore while urging Donald Trump to intervene.
April
How Hollywood learnt to love video games
While superhero franchises flag, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ shows the industry has finally cracked the formula for translating popular games into films.
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.
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.