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Despite the fact that Warner Bros. and HBO are actively in production on a new iteration of the series in television form, the legacy of the original Harry Potter film series continues to persevere.

Warner Bros. recently announced that for the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration this year, they’re going bigger than ever before. What began as a celebration of the beloved film franchise’s anniversary a few years back, with the festivities beginning in September, has quickly evolved into an annual tradition. Just as Star Wars has May 4, Harry Potter now has September 1.

Watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in theaters again

The celebration has steadily evolved and grown in size, now including theatrical re-releases of specific films, various digital partnership tie-ins, and even large-scale fan events spread across the globe. However, Warner Bros. recently announced that the mainline event of the celebration this year will...

It has been observed that movies directed at family audiences don’t typically experience a decline in box office revenue after they’re released on home video. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake will finally debut on PVOD platforms in a few days, shortly after it passed the coveted $1 billion mark at the global box office. It probably has a few more millions left to scoop up. A similar story has unfolded with Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon remake, which is guaranteed to pass the $600 million mark worldwide — even $650 million, if it’s lucky — despite having been made available on PVOD platforms days ago. Most recently, the film overtook a beloved Harry Potter blockbuster domestically, as it completed five weeks of release.

The film’s $251 million domestic box office haul puts it ahead of the $249 million that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ended its run with...

The Man in My Basement, the first feature from Nadia Latif, starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe, has been announced as part of the Discovery lineup at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.

TIFF released the Discovery lineup this morning. Other high-profile titles include Cato Kusters’ Julian, produced by Michiel and Lukas Dhont, Maddie’s Secret, the debut feature from cult comedian John Early, and Egghead Republic from Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja. Scroll down for the full lineup.

The 2025 Discovery selection was programmed by Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, June Kim, and Jason Ryle.

The programme will screen 23 World Premieres, with titles from over 30 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.

The Discovery programme has, over the years, debuted projects from filmmakers like Ildikó Enyedi, Alfonso Cuarón, Julie Dash, Jean-Marc Vallée, Christopher Nolan,...

Twenty-three world premieres representing more than 30 countries have been selected for the Discovery programme at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, among them the directing debut of US alternative comedian John Early and three films from the UK.

Discovery showcases the first or second features by directors from around the world, with past participants having included Alfonso Cuarón, Julie Dash, Jean-Marc Vallée, Christopher Nolan, Yorgos and Barry Jenkins.

Early’s satire about content culture, Maddie’s Secret, is the opening night film in this year’s Discovery section, and one of only two US titles in the line-up.

Other...

“Maddie’s Secret,” the directorial debut of comedian John Early, will open the Discovery program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. This section of the annual festival (celebrating its 50th year in 2025) premieres the first and second feature films from new directors. Every film in the section will have its world premiere at TIFF this September.

On the opening night, Early’s film “Maddie’s Secret” will screen, a satire of the current “content culture” that dominates the internet. The comedian has appeared in a number of films and television shows, though “Maddie’s Secret” marks his first movie in the director’s chair. Fellow comics Vanessa Bayer, Kate Berlant and Connor O’Malley also appear in the film.

Another entry in the section, “The Man in My Basement” stars Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe. Directed by Nadia Latif, the thriller adapts Walter Mosley’s novel of the same name. Latif...

Even though Alfonso Cuarón’s Prisoner of Azkaban is often considered one of the best adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s novels, even that movie had its fair share of issues. Like, Harry’s first-ever Quidditch Cup win was completely skipped. Despite being one of the most exciting and emotional moments in the entire story, the movie never addressed that in visuals.

It’s like, if you only watched the films, you’d never know that Harry finally led Gryffindor to Quidditch victory during his third year, after so many ups and downs. Like, let’s be real, Quidditch was a big part of Harry’s life at Hogwarts. It wasn’t just a fun sport—it was one of the few things that made Harry feel like he truly belonged. And yet, Quidditch has often been overlooked in the films.

Now, while we can forgive every other Harry Potter film for glossing over Quidditch,...

Fluer Fortuné’s The Assessment (2024) serves as a compelling companion piece to Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, with both films set in a near-future world where childbirth has become a rarity. Yet, amid this crisis, their characters cling to the fragile hope of new life. While Cuarón’s vision is rooted in a gritty, war-torn landscape populated by working-class struggles, Fortuné’s film shifts the lens to a more insular perspective—that of a privileged couple living in a secluded, state-sanctioned sanctuary.

Despite the serene setting, The Assessment delivers a sharp critique of societal control, personal autonomy, and the quiet tyranny of privilege. It unfolds as a thoughtful meditation on what it truly means to become a parent in a world governed by surveillance and sterile order. The film isn’t afraid to venture into philosophical territory, raising questions that linger long after the credits roll.

Ultimately, the story...

This Is The Highest-Rated Harry Potter Film On Rotten Tomatoes! (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

Based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling novels, the Harry Potter film series remains one of the most acclaimed franchises in global cinema. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson in the lead roles, all the films have received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. However, one movie stands out with the highest Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score. Read on to find out which one it is and where to stream it in India.

Harry Potter Films – Rotten Tomatoes Scores Compared

Check out the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ scores for each Harry Potter film, listed in order of their release:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – 80% Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – 82% Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – 91% Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – 88% Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – 78% Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince...

From $500K In Speed To $74 Million In Gravity—Sandra Bullock’s Journey To Her Biggest Paycheck (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Hollywood has often seen multiple talented actresses squabble over getting a role in a movie and sharing their regret if that didn’t work out. In the film industry, many divas start off with small roles and then, after a mindboggling performance, they become famous all over. Sofia Vergara has been such an actress. She had made a name for herself in the industry after featuring in Modern Family for 11 years, which ended in 2020. But many might not know that she had become the highest-paid actress in that same year.

However, despite becoming the highest-paid Hollywood actress, she couldn’t surpass Sandra Bullock’s paycheck for Gravity. Yes, that’s right. In her whole career, Bullock got her highest salary for that movie, and many people have no idea about it.

Mexico’s Marina de Taviria, Oscar-nominated as supporting actress for her performance as the mother in Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” is attached to star in Brenda Navarro’s “House Eight” (“Casa 8”), one of the hottest packages at this week’s Bogotá Audiovisual Market (Bam).

In further casting news, Verónica Bravo, nominated for a 2023 best actress Canacine Prize for “Sobreviviendo Mis Xv,” is also attached to take a key cast role in the series.

Currently in development and reaching out for international production partners, “House Eight” is set up at high-flying Mexican production outfit Mandarina Cine, this year a global SXSW Audience Award winner for “Corina,” now nominated for eight Mexican Academy Ariel Awards.

Mandarina also produced “The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box),” the first best film winner at the inaugural Berlinale Perspectives section, reserved for first-time movies.

“The Devil Smokes” was described by Variety...

In Roger Ebert’s Great Movies List, there are approximately 365 movies that range from classics like Lawrence of Arabia to retro-futuristic steampunks like Metropolis. Among them, Brad Pitt takes up considerable space for two of his iconic movies that were filmed 11 years apart: Se7en (1995) and Babel (2006).

Although it is quite self-explanatory why Se7en would find a place in Ebert’s list, the same cannot be said about his other film, Babel, which never received the kind of universal popularity and cult classic status like the David Fincher crime thriller. Despite being a masterful rendition of Chaos Theory, the tragedy of life, death, and redemption, Babel hardly finds the recognition that it is worthy of.

It is high time movie buffs and cinephiles took notice of Alejandro González Iñárritu‘s greatly misunderstood and highly underrated film, constructed as part of a beautiful, though at times confusing, series of films known as the Death Trilogy.

The 4K restoration of Amores Perros is coming to cinemas in Latam later this year and coming to Mubi (almost) globally in 2026.These days, Mexico City is known for major auteurs like Alfonso Cuarón. But it’s not the first time the city has had a cinematic golden age... and, in between, things haven’t always been so golden. Host Rico Gagliano cruises around Mexico City’s sprawl to learn about the local movie industry’s history and culture—from Buñuel to Netflix—with help from guests like superstar Gael Garcia Bernal, indie hero Lazaro Gabino Rodriguez, and Cuarón’s go-to designer Eugenio Cabellero.Part travelogue, part deep-dive storytelling, the latest season sees host Rico Gagliano jet off to Ireland, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Istanbul to learn about their cultures through the lens of cinema. Season 8’s guests include actors Gael García Bernal and Fiona Shaw, writer/directors Rich Peppiatt,...

Exclusive: Diego Luna is set to star in the indie thriller Eleven Days opposite Taylor Kitsch from Concussion director Peter Landesman.

The film is set in the sweltering heat of a Texas summer in 1974, when ruthless prisoner Federico Carrasco (Luna) plays a deadly game against Jim Estelle (Kitsch), head of the Texas Department of Corrections, after taking over Huntsville Penitentiary and holding dozens hostage when his pre-planned escape goes awry. Lines between captor and captive, and justice and survival, begin to blur as the siege spirals for 11 endless, terrifying days.

The screenplay is written by Kevin Sheridan with revisions by Landesman, based on the book Eleven Days In Hell: The 1974 Carrasco Prison Siege at Huntsville, Texas by William T. Harper. The film, which will shoot in Texas in September, is produced by Vincent Newman and Vance Howard.

Luna has already him self quite a year following the second season of the Disney+ series Andor.

After last year’s Primetime Emmy broadcast that sported fresh blood in terms of marquee category winners with Hacks for Comedy Series, Shōgun for Drama Series and Baby Reindeer for Limited Series/Anthology, even down to the usually tired and predictable Reality Series lineup with newcomer Peacock’s hit The Traitors , this morning’s announcement of nominees for the 77th annual Primetime Emmys gives us hope for a repeat of no repeats in the major categories. That is something increasingly rare but perhaps is a new trend where voters actually aren’t doing the same old/same old that Emmys past, fairly or unfairly, were accused of.

‘Severance’ Apple TV+

With Severance dominating the Drama Series field with an impressive 27 nominations (wow) in its second season, doubling the haul of its first which debuted way back in 2022 (and only two crafts wins then), it looks like a front-runner for a triumph come September.

Beyoncé has landed an Emmy nomination.

She was nominated in the outstanding directing for a variety special category for “Beyoncé Bowl.” The Netflix special landed a total of four nominations including outstanding variety special (Live). Co-directors of photography Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki and Bruno Delbonnel, prosthetics makeup artist Barrie Gower, and songwriter Nicholas Britell were among the industry heavyweights who led the Creative Arts Emmy nominations on Tuesday morning.

Alfonso Cuaron’s go-to cinematographers Delbonnel and Lubezki were recognized for their work on the AppleTV+ limited series “Disclaimer.” Britell scored a nomination for writing “We are the Ghor” (Planetary Anthem) from Disney+’s “Andor.”

Cinematographers behind the oner trend this season were also nominated. Netflix’s four-part limited series “Adolescence” uses one continuous shot per episode to create intense emotion as it follows 13-year-old schoolboy Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is arrested on the suspicion of murdering his classmate.

With 91 submissions, this year's Best Limited/Movie Directing category at the Emmys will have six finalists when the nominations are announced Tuesday.

There are two series that were directed by a single person and thus had to submit the entire projects: Adolescence, directed by Philip Barantini, and Disclaimer, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Both are virtually guaranteed to make the Emmy lineup. The Netflix psychological crime drama, whose episodes are each filmed in one single take, is currently projected to win Best Limited Series, while the Apple TV+ program has the four-time Oscar winner behind the camera, and is filled with striking images and beautiful cinematography.

Alfonso CuarónRob Latour/Variety

For the other contending limited series, the submissions have ranged from one (Dying for Sex and Say Nothing) to four installments (The Penguin and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story). While single submissions are a wise strategy to prevent splitting the vote,...

Who will have the write stuff at the Emmys? When it comes to Best Limited Series/Movie Writing, it becomes a bit of a numbers game.

With 71 submissions, this year's Best Limited Series/Movie Writing category will have just five finalists when the nominations are announced Tuesday. This is only the second time since the expansion to the popular vote that this category will result in five nominees; the first since 2020. Last year, for example, there were six nominees, with Baby Reindeer ultimately prevailing.

In the limited-series race, there are several shows with writers who scripted all their episodes and thus must enter their entire series: Adolescence by Jack Thorne and star Stephen Graham, Disclaimer by Alfonso Cuarón, and Dope Thief by Peter Craig. With Adolescence being the front-runner to win Best Limited since its premiere, the Netflix psychological crime drama is a lock for a writing bid. The other two,...

Exclusive: Filmmaker Rodney Ascher has signed with Anonymous Content for representation.

Ascher is coming off the SXSW premiere of Ghost Boy, his latest critically acclaimed documentary feature, which won the festival’s Audience Award. The film tells the remarkable story of Martin Pistorius — a man who battled locked-in syndrome for 12 years. Pic is a companion piece to The Nightmare, a Sundance-premiering 2015 doc that he directed about people suffering from sleep paralysis.

Up next, on the scripted side, Ascher is attached to direct Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You, based on the book of the same name by Scotto Moore, with David Whitney and Ross Seigel producing. His first and best-known feature, Room 237, is an obsessive exploration of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining through the eyes of those who believe they’ve uncovered its hidden messages. With a filmmaking style exploring the spaces between documentary, genre, essay, and narrative films,...

Yes, we all loved and made peace with the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie that was presented to us by David Yates. Of course, he did a fine job painting the wizarding world in gloomy shades of teen angst. But now, imagine if Alfonso Cuarón had taken the reins. That man would have delivered the film at its full cinematic potential, the very same way he turned Prisoner of Azkaban into a gothic, time-twisting masterpiece.

You might be wondering why we’re suddenly wondering about Alfonso Cuarón directing Half-Blood Prince. Well, that’s because he is the only Harry Potter director who made it to The New York Times’ Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century. And not just for one or two films, but for four critically acclaimed movies of all time. So, let’s unpack how Cuarón was the Chosen One who got away.

Alfonso Cuarón made...

Former James Bond costume designer Jany Temime has questioned whether it will be possible to successfully reboot the 70-year-old spy thriller franchise for the current age.

Temime worked on Sam Mendes’ 2012 and 2015 movies Skyfall and Spectre but was not involved in Cary Joji Fukunaga’s No Time To Die, the last film in the franchise to date, which came out in 2021 with Daniel Craig’s Bond perishing in a barrage of missiles.

“We made two beautiful James Bonds, two amazing gems,” said Temime, describing the coming together of Mendes, Craig and producer Barbara Broccoli as the “Golden Trio”.

She said adapting Bond to the times had already been a challenge for Mendes on Skyfall and Spectre a decade ago.

“He tried his best with a lot of psychology, talent and his incredible quality as a director… but we are 10 years later,” said Temime.

“I’m a James Bond fan but...

Earlier this month, Puck was the first outlet to reveal the shortlist of directors being considered for the next James Bond film.

Now, following the official announcement that Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct, the site has shared additional details about the arrangement.

According to Puck, which is operated by former Hollywood Reporter journalist Matt Belloni, Villeneuve will not receive final cut privileges on the film and he's only committed to directing a single installment, giving him the freedom to step away from the franchise if the experience doesn’t meet his expectations.

This decision aligns with long-standing tradition.

No Bond director has ever been granted final cut authority while the franchise remained under the creative oversight of the Broccoli family. That policy appears to remain intact under Amazon MGM, even after the studio paid Barbara Broccoli over $1 billion for exclusive creative control of the series.

Currently, Amazon MGM...

Steven Spielberg once applied for the job — and didn’t get it. Same with Christopher Nolan. And Quentin Tarantino. And Peter Jackson.

Over the decades, James Bond has left behind a smoldering trail of blown-up villain lairs and wrecked Aston Martins — but also a hefty pile of heartbroken A-list directors. Ever since Terence Young shot the first 007 feature, 1962’s Dr. No, the franchise has been one of cinema’s most coveted behind-the-camera gigs. Alfonso Cuarón, Joe Wright, Matthew Vaughn, Guy Ritchie — at one time or another, they all dreamed of directing a Bond movie. And they all, for one reason or another, never got the chance.

All of which is to say: congratulations, Denis Villeneuve! You’ve just landed the hardest-to-get directing job in Hollywood. The 58-year-old French-Canadian auteur will be helming the 26th Bond film — the first since longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the...

What if we told you that one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, with not one, not two, but four films on The New York Times’ list of the “Best Films of the 21st Century,” has never won an Oscar? Sounds wild, right? Welcome to the bittersweet world of Paul Thomas Anderson—cinema’s ultimate underdog genius. While Christopher Nolan rightfully takes the crown with five epic entries and an Oscar win for Oppenheimer, Anderson is right behind him, quietly owning the list with his four iconic works.

From classics like There Will Be Blood, and the hauntingly beautiful Phantom Thread, four of Paul Thomas Anderson’s projects made it into the list, and yet the director got snubbed at every Oscar season. Even Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for There Will Be Blood, but Anderson was left clapping in the audience, empty-handed. Perhaps the Academy just isn...

James Bond 26 (Photo Credit – Wikipedia)

Tom Holland finds himself right in the middle of the swirling talk about who will step into the shoes of 007. The search for a new face to carry the license to kill is moving faster than ever, with Denis Villeneuve locked in as director for the 26th James Bond adventure. Villeneuve, who made waves with Dune, clinched the job over Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Christopher Nolan’s brother, Jonathan Nolan, and now Amazon wants to keep the momentum going.

Amazon’s Plan For Bond 26 As Big Names Miss Out

Studio insiders have made it clear they’re eyeing a British actor under 30, and Tom Holland leads a wishlist that also features Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson, as per Variety. Elordi might be Australian, but George Lazenby’s Bond run already proved that non-Brits can land the gig if the charm is right.

We often turn to actors, directors, and industry insiders for their takes on what makes a movie unforgettable. A recent poll of over 500 Hollywood names has revealed a stunning lineup of the top 30 films since 2000, showcasing a mix of bold storytelling, striking visuals, and raw emotion.

From heart-wrenching dramas to pulse-pounding action, this list spans genres and cultures, reflecting the diverse tastes of those who craft cinema. Let’s dive into the films that left a mark, starting from the bottom and working our way to the top.

30. Lost in Translation (2003) American Zoetrope

Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’ captures the quiet beauty of fleeting connections. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson shine as two lonely souls finding solace in Tokyo’s neon glow.

The film’s subtle humor and tender moments make it a timeless exploration of isolation and friendship. Its dreamy soundtrack and intimate pacing linger long after the credits roll.

Who Is The Second-Highest-Grossing Movie Producer After Kevin Feige?(Photo Credit –Wikimedia)

Box office milestones are often tied to directors, actors, or franchises. Yet behind every billion-dollar hit is a producer who marshals budgets, shapes visions, and makes the right calls before a single frame is shot. In an industry where the spotlight rarely shines on producers, some names have become synonymous with financial success. Kevin Feige, the architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has redefined modern franchise filmmaking and sits comfortably as the highest-grossing movie producer in history.

But Feige isn’t alone at the top. Just below him stands a producer whose track record spans decades, genres, and studios. This producer has quietly built a staggering filmography, moving from franchise building to shaping the tone of blockbusters for generations. With total box office receipts second only to Feige’s, this name might not be as frequently mentioned in headlines,...

Amazon has picked Denis Villeneuve to direct the next James Bond movie, which will be the 26th film in the famous series.

This means the project will start moving faster, but don’t expect to see the movie before 2028. Insiders say that because of the film’s huge scale, it just can’t happen any sooner. Amazon hasn’t made any official comments about this yet.

Villeneuve is a French-Canadian director known for movies like Dune. He was chosen over four other European directors: Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. Now that Amazon has its director, the next steps will be finding a writer and then an actor to become the new James Bond.

The studio and producers want a young British actor under 30 for the role. According to Variety, the main candidates are Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson. Even though Elordi is Australian, that...

Amazon has officially chosen Denis Villeneuve to direct the next James Bond movie, the 26th in the series. This news means the project will pick up speed soon, but don’t expect the film any earlier than 2028.

According to insiders, a release before then would be too difficult because of how big the movie is planned to be. Amazon has not commented on the story.

Villeneuve, a French-Canadian director known for his work on films like Dune, was picked over four other European directors: Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. Now that they have a director, Amazon will quickly start looking for a writer and then an actor to take on the famous role of Agent 007.

The studio and producers are focused on casting a young British actor under 30 years old. The top three names being talked about are Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson as per Variety.

Now that the 26th James Bond movie officially has a director attached in Denis Villeneuve, the search is officially on for whom will play 007. A report in Variety on Friday suggests Amazon MGM Studios’ wishlist includes some familiar faces.

Variety reported that Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson, three of the more in-demand young actors today, are all at the top of producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman’s wishlist. The studio is supposedly looking for a British actor under the age of 30, which would ostensibly eliminate some other popular one-time candidates like Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, or at one point a seeming front runner, Idris Elba. However, no meetings have taken place with any candidates for the role, according to Variety.

Amazon declined IndieWire’s request for comment.

Villeneuve reportedly won the job over several other European candidates, including “Conclave” director Edward Berger, “Baby Driver” director Edgar Wright,...

In the 2021 film “No Time to Die,” Daniel Craig repeats one of the James Bond franchise’s most enduring lines to Léa Seydoux: “We have all the time in the world.”

Well, not quite.

Now that Amazon has tapped Denis Villeneuve as the franchise’s next director, the pace is about to accelerate significantly on the 26th outing of James Bond. Even still, Amazon is looking at a 2028 release date for Bond 26. Anything sooner would be impossible to pull off, given the film’s scale, sources say.

Amazon declined to comment for this story.

French-Canadian helmer Villeneuve beat out four European directors — Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King and Jonathan Nolan — for the coveted job. Now, Amazon will move fast to attach a writer, and then an actor who will slip into Agent 007’s shoes.

Insiders say that the studio and producers are interested in casting a...

Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here penning the newsletter in the week the new James Bond director was announced. If you want to be shaken, never stirred, please read on. Sign up here.

New Bond Draws Closer

The name’s Villeneuve…: The next 007 movie just drew a step closer. Noise around one of the world’s leading franchises has reached fever pitch since Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the keys to Amazon MGM and Amazon’s biggest move since then is a popular one, bringing in Dune auteur Denis Villeneuve to direct. The four-time Oscar nominated helmer will work with storied producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal and he certainly has the chops for the spy franchise, having overseen many an action movie and bringing something a little extra to the likes of Blade Runner 2049, Arrival and the two Dune movies. He has been connected...

[This story contains Major spoilers from the Squid Game season three finale.]

Fans around the world were ready for some big twists from the series finale of Netflix’s smash-hit dystopian thriller Squid Game — but arguably no one saw this surprise coming (warning: spoilers ahead).

In the final moments of the show’s last episode, the Squid Game universe suddenly gets a whole lot more global when the camera jumps to California to find a character played by none other than two-time Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett on the streets of Los Angeles, recruiting potential American players to join what one must assume is a U.S. version of the show’s eponymous death game.

The brief moment provides an instant answer to the widespread industry speculation about how Netflix will continue or create a spinoff for its most globally popular show of all time. For now, all we know is that a new American storyline for the...

I’m sure I have, at some point, referred to Jurnee Smollett as a “fiery” actress. The Lovecraft Country and Friday Night Lights star does wild-eyed, fierce intensity in a way that is both captivating and reliable.

But this is getting a bit ridiculous.

Smollett got to stand just on the outside of the unconvincing climactic CGI fire in last year’s otherwise exceptional feature, The Order. Before that, she acted opposite burning crosses (Lovecraft Country) and torches (Underground). Now she gets full inferno immersion in Apple TV+’s new drama series, Smoke, an extraordinarily well-acted, formally inconsistent adaptation of the podcast Firebug.

At nine episodes, the Dennis Lehane-created show is too long and frustratingly repetitive, but it unfurls a fascinating mystery, features one of the summer’s best ensemble casts and floats big ideas that don’t always come through cleanly in the execution.

Smollett plays Michelle Calderon,...

When Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion back in 2022, they found themselves in the James Bond business, as the Bond franchise was set up at MGM – and they wanted to start making Bond movies as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, creative disagreements between Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli slowed down the process. So, earlier this year Amazon paid off Wilson and Broccoli (reported price: another $1 billion) so they can gain creative control over the franchise for the foreseeable future, hiring Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures and David Heyman of Heyday Films to produce the next Bond film. Last night, we learned that Amazon, Pascal, and Heyman have found the director for Bond 26, hiring Denis Villeneuve to take the helm. This was a surprising announcement because Villeneuve is currently pushing an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah toward production, aiming for a December 16, 2026 release date,...

With director Denis Villeneuve now attached to Amazon’s next 007 adventure, which actor do you think would make the best new lead?

After months of speculation, Dune’s Denis Villeneuve has now been confirmed as the first director of the new James Bond era.

It’s not as if it’s ever been an easy job but it’s likely never been quite this hard. Not only must Villeneuve contend with new Bond bosses at Amazon eager to scatter click-to-buy links throughout action set pieces but he’s also going to introduce an entirely new 007.

As Amazon MGM officially introduces Denis Villeneuve as the director of Bond 26, a look at how the filmmaker’s style might change 007:

History is filled with the names of famous directors who almost got to make a James Bond movie but didn’t: Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Danny Boyle all immediately spring to mind. The announcement that Denis Villeneuve will direct James Bond 26, then, is a significant moment for a franchise that has traditionally been made by solid, safe-pair-of-hands filmmakers rather than noted auteurs.

In the past, the Bond films were carefully – even jealously – shepherded by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. They oversaw everything from the choice of Bond actors to scripts to directors to locations, and it was a level of control that clearly didn’t sit right with some filmmakers; Danny Boyle’s Bond project came to an end when the producers “lost confidence” in his concept,...

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie, Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday. The director known for hits like Dune and Blade Runner 2049 will take over the iconic spy series for the first time since Daniel Craig’s last film in 2021, No Time to Die.

For months, fans and insiders guessed who might direct the new Bond film. Villeneuve was one of several names mentioned, including Edgar Wright and Alfonso Cuarón. The studio confirmed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the film, with Tanya Lapointe as executive producer.

Amazon took full control of the Bond franchise in 2022 after buying MGM Studios for $8.5 billion. Since then, no new Bond movie was made, possibly due to creative disagreements with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Those issues were resolved earlier this year with a new partnership, clearing the way for the next film.

Related: Amazon Reportedly...

Denis Villeneuve is officially set to direct the next James Bond movie, Amazon MGM Studios announced on Wednesday. After years of speculation, the filmmaker behind the Dune films and Blade Runner 2049 is taking on one of cinema’s most iconic characters. This marks the first new Bond film since 2021’s No Time to Die, which wrapped up Daniel Craig’s time as 007.

The announcement comes after months of guessing about who would land the director’s job. Villeneuve had been one of the big names rumored, along with others like Edgar Wright, Alfonso Cuarón, and Edward Berger. According to the studio, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman will be on board for this project, with Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer.

Amazon has had full creative control of the Bond franchise since a 2022 deal when it bought MGM Studios for $8.5 billion. But even with the rights in place, no...

Amazon MGM Studios announced today that Denis Villeneuve has signed on as director of the next James Bond film. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.

As previously announced, Amy Pascal (best known for her work on the Spider-Man franchise) and David Heyman (who produced all eight Harry Potter films) will serve as producers of the new movie.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery,” said Denis Villeneuve. “I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”

The filmmaker continued, “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled...

Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios, the studio announced Wednesday.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce, as previously announced, with Tanya Lapointe exec producing.

Related: James Bond Movies In Order: Filmography, Bond Women & Iconic Villains

Villeneuve has been rumored as one of the high-profile directors being looked at for the project, alongside the likes of Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan and Paul King. Earlier, the sense was that Alfonso Cuarón, a frequent collaborator of producer Heyman, might be taking the gig.

The Bond directing gig has been the most closely watched in town ever since Amazon MGM acquired full creative control of the franchise in February in a historic deal with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, resulting in a new joint venture. The studio gained distribution rights to Bond with the acquisition of MGM Studios for...

Every year, the Directing category at the Emmys reminds us just how powerful good storytelling can be, and the Emmy Awards 2025 are no different. In fact, it’s bigger, bolder, and more competitive than ever. Whether it’s an intense drama or a haunting limited series, the brilliant direction has made episodes feel like full-on cinematic experiences. And behind each of those scenes is a director with a clear vision and fearless style.

While fans have their favorites, this category is widely known for surprises. Moreover, with so many standout shows and episodes this year, the final nominations could go in any direction. So, while we wait for the official nominations to drop, let’s look at the predictions for the Directing category at the Emmy Awards 2025.

Emmy Awards 2025 Predictions: What to Expect in the Directing Race Adam Scott in a still from Severance | Credits: Apple TV+

The Emmy Awards...

The 2025 Emmy race for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie is officially heating up and Michelle Williams might already be lapping the pack. With 54 submissions in total, only five women will make the cut, but insiders are already whispering her name as the “one to beat.”

This isn’t uncharted territory. Helen Mirren still reigns with the most wins (4) and nominations (10) in this category, while legends like Helen Hayes and Lee Remick hold the record for most nods without a win (5 each). A tight club, but a fierce one.

With limited series driving some of the best storytelling on TV right now, this year’s shortlist could be one of the strongest in recent memory. And while Emmy gold isn’t guaranteed, Williams’ performance might just make this race hers to lose.

Emmy Awards 2025 Predictions: What to Expect in the Best Lead Actress Limited/TV...

James Bond 26: Amazon’s 007 Reboot Eyes Bold Directors ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

A new 007 is on the horizon, but before anyone steps into the tux, someone has to call the shots behind the camera.

For the first time in decades, creative control of the James Bond franchise has shifted. After more than 60 years under the very eyes of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, Amazon MGM now holds the reins. Producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal are leading the new era. Director meetings are already underway at Heyman’s London home, as the team searches for someone bold enough to reboot Bond for a new age.

With Denis Villeneuve in the Mix, the Race to Reinvent 007 Is Just Getting Started

There are five directors currently circling Bond 26. Each brings something different, but all of them have the kind of vision that could redefine the iconic franchise. Per Puck’s Matthew Belloni,...

The next James Bond movie has been one of the most hotly discussed topics in pop culture. Director Christopher Nolan was a top fan pick for directing the next installment. While the Oscar-winner is currently busy with other projects, a new report suggests his brother, Jonathan Nolan, might be in contention.

On X, industry insider Jeff Sneider revealed a shortlist of directors who had reportedly pitched their version of the next James Bond movie.

I’d keep an eye on J. Nolan and…

Sneider made the above revelation in a tweet. Apart from Nolan, the list also included director Edgar Wright, who had extensively worked on Marvel’s Ant-Man before leaving the project. Here is the latest buzz on who might be directing the next James Bond movie.

Edgar Wright joins Jonathan Nolan in the race to direct the next James Bond movie

The James Bond franchise has been undergoing...

When Eon Productions' Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold off their long-held creative control of the James Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios for somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 billion, many 007 fans feared that the character's new stewards would turn him into a many-tentacled spin-off machine. There would be movies and streaming series dictated not by filmmakers with a deep affection for Ian Fleming's books and the 60-plus year movie franchise, but rather the dreaded, wholly untrustworthy algorithm. It was an agonizingly perverse end for James Bond, to be purchased and destroyed by real-life Bond villain Jeff Bezos.

While it's far too early to be optimistic, the news that several visionary directors have pitched Amazon MGM Studios with their ideas for a new Bond movie suggests that the company, which isn't often in the habit of making good movies, could hire an A-lister and get the heck out of their way.

Aaron Pierre could soon find himself part of two major franchises. After being cast as John Stewart in the DC Universe series Lanterns, Pierre is reportedly one of the many actors being considered to succeed Daniel Craig as the next James Bond.

According to scooper Daniel Richtman (via ComicBookMovie), Pierre is "being considered" for the role, although it's unclear if the actor has had any meetings with new Bond producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal yet. While Pierre has been steadily acting since the mid-2010s, his breakout role didn't arrive until 2024, when he portrayed former Marine Terry Richmond in the Netflix action thriller Rebel Ridge. Shortly after, the actor was tapped to play the Green Lantern John Stewart in the HBO drama series Lanterns, which is currently in production and slated to be released in 2026.

Pierre being rumored to be one of the top choices to play the next...

Months have passed since the news that Amazon Studios is taking full creative control of the venerated James Bond franchise ... but we're finally one step closer to seeing what this uncertain, new reality may actually look like. The Jeff Bezos-owned conglomerate paid a hefty sum to kick the Broccoli family to the curb and seize control of the property -- which was previously run primarily by producers Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson -- in an effort to kickstart the next phase of the franchise after star Daniel Craig bowed out with "No Time to Die" in 2021. Speculation has raged over how, exactly, Amazon-run 007 movies will take form, though the easy bet would be something taken right out of the Marvel Studios playbook: easily-controlled directors with very little creative vision of their own, all-powerful producers calling the shots, and a corporate strategy that lends itself to spin-offs...

A new update on James Bond 26 has revealed multiple big-name directors in the mix for the next 007 movie, which will be the first produced under Amazon MGM. The journey of Bond 26's development has been a tumultuous one, eventually leading to longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson giving full creative control to Amazon. The franchise, which has made well over $7 billion at the box office across 25 movies, is a huge piece for them, and four years after No Time To Die's ending, things finally look to be moving forward.

According to Puck's Matthew Belloni, in response to a question about who will direct Bond 26, there are five names in the mix who have pitched or will pitch their take on 007. Most notably, the list includes Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve, alongside Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, and Paul King. Meanwhile,...

When Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion back in 2022, they found themselves in the James Bond business, as the Bond franchise was set up at MGM – and they wanted to start making Bond movies as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, creative disagreements between Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli slowed down the process. So, earlier this year Amazon paid off Wilson and Broccoli (reported price: another $1 billion) so they can gain creative control over the franchise for the foreseeable future, hiring Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures and David Heyman of Heyday Films to produce the next Bond film. Pascal and Heyman will be choosing the next actor to play Bond, and rumors are swirling furiously (Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Aaron Pierre? Someone else?) – but Matthew Belloni of Puck News reports that their primary focus right now is on securing a director. Heyman’s top choice for director was Children of Men director Alfonso Cuarón,...

Ah, James Bond news, we've been expecting you... come in. With the status quo of everyone's favourite spy series (sorry Slow Horses) having been shaken and stirred in recent months with the announcements that Amazon has taken over creative control of the franchise from the Broccolis and that David Heyman and Amy Pascal will produce Bond's next outing, the internet — and the movie industry at large — is abuzz with discussions about who will lead 007's big-screen return. Now, courtesy of Puck's newsletter, we're getting word of not one, not two, but five directors who are all reportedly pitching Bond 26.

According to Puck's sources, All Quiet On The Western Front filmmaker Edward Berger — who was at one point linked with a Bourne reboot — has gotten out of the blocks ahead of the pack and already pitched his take on Bond. Following close behind however is Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve,...