Star Wars figure and viral symbol of the Force
Developments around the Cold War action-comedy Mayday have generated mixed verdicts. The Guardian and The Scotsman offer breezy takes on Reynolds and Branagh, praising chemistry and stunts while noting tonal unevenness. Apple TV+ releases are set for 4 September.
The summer domestic box office has surged to $4.61 billion, the strongest season since 2013 and the best since pre-pandemic times. Filmmakers, not just blockbuster IP, have driven a rebound, with Gen Z audiences turning out in force and low-budget titles delivering surprise hits. Fall releases are expected to sustain momentum amid ongoing industry changes, including AI’s impact and a potential Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
Toy Story 5 has opened to record franchise returns, grossing roughly $312m worldwide and dominating ticket sales. Low‑budget horror films made by online creators — notably Obsession, Backrooms and Iron Lung — have posted surprise gains. By contrast, DCilms' Supergirl has underperformed, opening far below studio expectations and drawing poor reviews.
A retrospective look at how Independence Day became a watershed blockbuster, shaping careers and the Hollywood landscape, with focus on Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin, and the film’s lasting impact on sci-fi franchises.