American space Western TV series created for Disney+
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.