Fashion doll from Mattel, created 1959 by Ruth Handler
The Odyssey remains a box-office hit amid heated debate over casting and authenticity, with supporters praising Nolan’s vision while critics argue about representation and woke culture.
Warner Bros. faces losing Barbie sequel rights if negotiations with Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Greta Gerwig fail by December; Mattel would regain control, forcing a fresh creative slate if legacy elements cannot be used.
Bob Mackie, a legendary fashion and costume designer known for dazzling looks for Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John and more, has died at 87. His career spanned six decades with nine Emmys and a Tony, and his designs shaped show business fashion while remaining controversial and iconic.
The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced 12 finalists for the Class of 2026. Public voting runs Sept. 16-23, with a panel of judges set to decide the inductees in November. Nominees include Bop It!, Polly Pocket, Monster High dolls, Mouse Trap and Sorry!, among others. Some past contenders like Tickle Me Elmo, Mahjong and the Pokémon Trading Card Game have previously been nominated.
Veteran Scottish dancers Kally Lloyd-Jones and Steinvö r Palsson premiere Revel, a tender, empowering look at ageing in dance. The piece follows a nine-hour countdown to showtime, as the performers confront limits, memory and renewed purpose on tour across Scotland.
Twelve state attorneys general have reached a settlement with Paramount Skydance that has cleared the way for its merger with Warner Bros. The deal has required independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS, a commitment to release at least 30 theatrical films a year and a $30m penalty if that output target is missed. Critics and media advocates have condemned the concessions.
Condé Nast chief executive Lynch will depart after seven and a half years to lead Mattel. Mattel has launched a search for a new leader, with interim management by Mike Perlis. Lynch emphasizes a track record of growth, while Mattel faces questions about Barbie-era sales and IP-driven strategy.
David Ellison has closed the roughly $110 billion merger that combines Paramount and Warner Bros. into a single company rebranded Skydance. The deal has folded HBO Max and Paramount+ together under one owner, brought CBS and CNN into the same corporate roof, and left the new firm carrying heavy debt while promising film release minimums and editorial safeguards.
Skydance has closed its landmark merger, uniting Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to form a media powerhouse. The deal brings HBO Max, Paramount+, CNN, CBS News, and iconic film titles under one umbrella, with Ellison and Kreiz leading the new group. The integration plan and pricing strategy remain uncertain as the company outlines its faster path to scale.
Skydance has completed its $111 billion merger, uniting Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery under one umbrella and creating a media giant that also includes CNN, CBS News, HBO Max and Paramount+. The deal promises a future of unified streaming, cost savings, and potential job impacts across film and news divisions.
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the Type 01, an all‑electric Grand Tourer, in New York, marking a pivot to a fully EV lineup. The car promises 3.2‑second acceleration, up to 450 miles of range, and starts at around $130,000 in the U.S. The launch follows recent backlash to Jaguar’s woke rebrand and ongoing cyberattack fallout.
Amazon has dropped the Fire branding and introduced three Alexa Tablets running Android with Google Play, priced from $230 to $550. The lineup includes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, 11, and 8, with features like a 12-inch 120Hz display, Dolby Atmos, and On-Screen Intelligence. Preorders begin today, with shipping slated for October 14 in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Mass-market toy brand American Girl faces renewed demand from collectors and adult readers as a new Samantha novel expands its universe, spotlighting 1920s suffrage and family intrigue. The trend signals a shift from children’s play to adult engagement, with implications for licensing, publishing, and fan communities.
The Guardian, New York Post and The Scotsman report a growing demand for hands-on, screen-free toys as parents seek creative, educational, and nostalgic play options. Stores like The Entertainer and Smyths note top sellers favour traditional kits, Lego, drawing and family games amid concerns about screen time.