American actor and producer renowned for Hulk role and activism
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after an eight‑month probe, concluding the merger is unlikely to harm competition in streaming, linear TV or theatrical film markets. The transaction still faces reviews by U.K. and EU regulators and possible lawsuits from state attorneys general.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is showering the internet with theories as Sadie Sink joins the cast in an unknown role. Trailers hint at a mystery metamorphosis and the Hulk’s return, while fan speculation about Sink’s character runs high amid a secretive production.
England defeats DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring twice to secure a place in the Round of 16. DR Congo are eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F. The Congolese coach Desabre reveals his father’s death after the match. The result preserves England’s unbeaten run and advances them to face Mexico in the next round.
The Odyssey has launched, with Matt Damon in the title role. Reports highlight Devyn Dalton as the standout stunt performer whose arms impressed Damon during a Laestrygonians sequence, prompting discussions about stuntwomen’s visibility. Interviews with cast members reveal training regimens, diet changes, and commitment behind the film’s physical demands.
Universal has taken takedown steps after a leaked version of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey circulated on X, with firms vowing to protect IP. The leak has not dented the film’s worldwide haul, which has surpassed $640m in two weekends and is positioned for a billion globally.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has opened with a record domestic debut, while The Odyssey leads the global box office, underscoring a year of mega releases. The industry is buoyed by premium formats and high ticket prices, even as overall audiences lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial cellular layer using EchoStar spectrum alongside its Starlink satellite network, aiming to challenge AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The move follows a wave of satellites and small base stations, promising better coverage and higher bandwidth.
Actor Mark Ruffalo has urged lawmakers to block Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery, linking the deal to Oracle’s ties to Israel. Paramount calls the rhetoric antisemitic tropes; George Clooney defends Ruffalo’s right to speak. Over 170 Jewish artists have signed a letter supporting Ruffalo. The merger remains under antitrust scrutiny and on hold as debate intensifies.
TIFF coverage shows studios are pulling back from festivals while festivals pivot to a film market, signaling a change in how major titles reach audiences. Toronto remains a crowded hub where sales, not just premieres, drive attention as studios test the festival-to-market path.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon says studios are still avoiding her because of her outspoken support for Palestinians. At Venice, she notes shifts in public opinion but reports ongoing gatekeeping by agencies and studios despite her new film, The Echo Chamber.