American space Western TV series created for Disney+
The summer box office has reached a historic high, with the domestic tally at $4.76 billion, the strongest since 2013. Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey headline a rebound driven by event pictures, family films, and new releases like Obsession and The Last Photograph. While admissions remain below pre-pandemic levels, ticket prices have risen, lifting revenue and momentum into the fall and Oscar season.
A rogues’ gallery of action stars delivers a breezy chase comedy set in 1987 Europe. Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh play an unlikely duo on a mission that zips from a snowy forest to Moscow, balancing slick stunts with blunt humor. The film earns beeps of heart and a smile, even as it revels in outright cartoonish spectacle.
Horror films directed by young creators from YouTube and TikTok are reshaping the summer box office, with Kane Parsons’ Backrooms and Curry Barker’s Obsession delivering strong openings. Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day opens strongly in the U.S. and worldwide, while Masters of the Universe struggles to meet expectations. Audiences over 34 are driving early legs for original releases.
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 slate of Guardian and Independent pieces looks back at iconic robots and sci‑fi cinema, while The Guardian surveys TV droids and the Independent reflects on why Stranger Things resonated with Gen Z, noting nostalgia for pre‑tech life.
Lego has reported a 21% rise in revenue for the first half of 2026, reaching 41.9 billion Danish kroner, with profits up and a broad product line expanding among adults and kids. The company is investing in sustainability, renewable energy, and packaging changes while expanding in the U.S. with new facilities.
The summer box office has risen to about $4.6–4.76 billion in domestic ticket sales, driven by both high-profile releases and new, low-budget hits. While inflation-adjusted figures show a more modest rebound, the industry is signaling resilience as filmmakers and audiences rebound from pandemic disruptions. Fall releases are expected to sustain momentum amid ongoing industry changes.
The Television Academy has held two nights of Creative Arts Emmys, with Rob Reiner posthumously winning for The Bear, as Widow’s Bay, The Pitt and Pluribus claim multiple trophies ahead of the main ceremony. The Pitt leads drama nominations with 25, while Widow’s Bay and Hacks headline comedy wins.