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David Heyman and Amy Pascal will take the roles long held by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson with the next 007 still a source of continual speculation

Amazon is lining up Harry Potter’s David Heyman and Spider-Man’s Amy Pascal to oversee the James Bond franchise for its studio MGM.

In news first reported by Puck, the two heavyweight producers are said to be the choice of senior Amazon-mgm executives Mike Hopkins, Jen Salke, and Courtenay Valenti and the studio is now negotiating deals with the pair.

The future of James Bond is taking shape following Amazon’s takeover! Veteran producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal are reportedly in talks to take charge of the next chapter in the iconic spy franchise.

In recent weeks, rumors have been making rounds about who would lead the franchise after Amazon’s shocking takeover of full control from longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Now, sources confirm that Heyman and Pascal are in negotiations for the job. While Amazon has not officially announced anything, it seems like only a matter of time before the deal is finalized.

Related: New Report Claims James Bond Will Remain British and Male Under Amazon

Amazon executives Mike Hopkins, Jen Salke, and Courtenay Valenti have chosen Heyman and Pascal for their experience and success with major film franchises.

David Heyman is a British producer known for handling massive hits like Harry Potter,...

If it feels like you’ve seen a lot of movies lately where women are dating much younger men, well, it’s because you have. The latest is “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” now streaming on Peacock, where in her fourth and likely final outing, Renée Zellweger’s new love interest is played by 26-years-younger star of “The White Lotus,” Leo Woodall.

But Bridget is not alone. Last year saw the release of “The Idea of You,” in which Anne Hathaway’s character falls in love with a pop star 16 years her junior (played by Nicholas Galitzine); “A Family Affair,” where Nicole Kidman falls in love with a man also 16 years her junior; “Lonely Planet,” which sees Laura Dern fall for Liam Hemsworth, who is 23 years younger than her; and “Babygirl,” wherein Kidman once again plays a character who falls for a man 24 years younger than her. And of course the 2023 Todd Haynes film,...

If it feels like you’ve seen a lot of movies lately where women are dating much younger men, well, it’s because you have. The latest is “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” now streaming on Peacock, where in her fourth and likely final outing, Renée Zellweger’s new love interest is played by 26-years-younger star of “The White Lotus,” Leo Woodall.

But Bridget is not alone. Last year saw the release of “The Idea of You,” in which Anne Hathaway’s character falls in love with a pop star 16 years her junior (played by Nicholas Galitzine); “A Family Affair,” where Nicole Kidman falls in love with a man also 16 years her junior; “Lonely Planet,” which sees Laura Dern fall for Liam Hemsworth, who is 23 years younger than her; and “Babygirl,” wherein Kidman once again plays a character who falls for a man 24 years younger than her. And of course the 2023 Todd Haynes film,...

James Farrell is leaving his post as head of international originals at Amazon MGM Studios to start his own company making international young adult films.

Amazon MGM has not named a replacement for Farrell and it is understood that the company’s regional international originals executives will now report direct to Amazon MGM Studios head Jen Salke. The regional executives are Javiera Balmaceda, covering Latin America, Canada and Australia; Nicole Morganti, overseeing southern Europe; Tara Erer, heading Northern Europe and the UK; and Nikhil Madhok in India.

At Amazon, Farrell has overseen the production of such straight-to-streaming movies as Spanish romance Culpa Tuya,...

Exclusive: Amazon international originals boss James Farrell is exiting to launch a company focusing on YA movies following the breakout success of Culpa Tuya.

Farrell’s departure has been confirmed in the past few minutes via an internal memo. He sent a note round, which can be read in full below, in which he said he “could think of no better time to do something unexpected, and leave Amazon to start my own company, creating the same type of international YA movies we’ve been making here.”

Farrell said he will be joined in the new venture by “some great friends in the industry,” teasing: “There will be plenty of time to talk about all of that, so for now please humor me with a moment of reflection.” His last day will be in two weeks’ time.

Farrell joined Amazon from Sony Pictures a decade ago and was appointed Head...

Another Simple Favor, the sequel to 2018 thriller A Simple Favor, is set to open the 2025 SXSW film and TV festival. Additionally, it has been announced that the film will be available to stream on Amazon MGM’s Prime on May 1.

The announcement ends speculation about when the film would pop up amid star Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni. Last month, Paul Feig shut down unfounded rumors circulating on social media that it was shelved amid the Lively legal battle, writing, “This is total Bs. Sorry. The movie is finished and coming out soon.”

Feig is back to direct the sequel that sees Anna Kendrick and Lively return as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson. Another Simple Favor takes place in the lead up to Emily’s lavish wedding a wealthy Italian businessman on the island of Capri; murder and betrayal follow.

Andrew Rannells,...

There’s a new drama coming to streaming soon, from two people who know how to make successful television: Derek Haas, of the One Chicago franchise, created the series that was developed for Supernatural and The Boys‘ Jensen Ackles. Countdown was ordered to series in June by Prime Video. “I am thrilled to be working again with Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders and all the excellent people they’ve assembled at Prime Video,” said Haas at the time. “I love making shows that keep you on the edge of your seat with nonstop action, drama, surprises, and suspense, and I can’t wait to work with Jensen and for everyone to see Countdown.” Added Ackles, “I had an incredible experience working with the Prime Video team on The Boys and am delighted to be able to continue that relationship on Countdown. I simply cannot wait to partner with Derek and...

We have some big news to share about Prime Video's search for Lara Croft and it's now looking like Dark Phoenix star Sophie Turner will end up playing Tomb Raider's lead character.

Deadline (via GameFragger.com) brings word that the Game of Thrones alum is now in talks to play the iconic video game character for Emmy-winning Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge's planned Tomb Raider TV series. It was last month when we learned the actor was testing for the role alongside Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody).

We also heard that Emma Corrin (Deadpool & Wolverine) and Mackenzie Davis (Speak No Evil) were on the studio's wishlist but neither was expected to take part in those tests, leaving Turner and Boynton the clear frontrunners.

Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander previously played Lara Croft on the big screen, while Hayley Atwell has recently lent her voice to the hero in Netflix's...

Earlier this year, we learned that Phoebe Waller-Bridge's planned Tomb Raider TV series had received the green light at Amazon Prime Video.

Handed a series order, the live-action reboot was described as an "epic" and "globe-trotting" series by Head of Amazon & MGM Studios Jen Salke. She later added, "Phoebe has a lifelong love affair with Lara Croft and as soon and very soon we’ll start the worldwide search for who will play this iconic role and I just can’t wait."

We haven't heard much about the project since, but Deadline (via GameFragger.com) brings word today that the studio has assembled a wishlist of young actors to play the new Lara Croft.

Among them are Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), with both set to test for the iconic role in the coming weeks. Emma Corrin (Deadpool & Wolverine) and Mackenzie Davis (Speak No Evil...

In case you forgot, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is developing a live-action Tomb Raider TV series for Prime Video, and Deadline has the scoop on two possible contenders for the coveted role of Lara Croft. The outlet reports that Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) are set to test for the leading role in the Tomb Raider series.

Deadline doesn’t know who else could be testing for the series but mentions that some of the other names on the Tomb Raider wishlist, such as Emma Corrin and Mackenzie Davis, are not believed to be testing.

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Jen Salke, Head of Amazon & MGM Studios, has teased that Tomb Raider will be an “epic” and “globe-trotting” series. Waller-Bridge is also excited to be bringing the series to life, saying, “If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode.

Amazon had to raid its (very sizable) safe to bring Phoebe Waller-Bridge in-house — but at least Prime Video will (eventually) get “Tomb Raider” out of their giant, extended deal, Jen Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, wants to remind everybody.

In 2019, Waller-Bridge, the “Fleabag” star and creator, signed a three-year deal at Amazon worth a reported $20 million annually. The deal was renewed with very similar terms in 2022. With “Tomb Raider” taking forever, a “Sign Here” adaptation still in development, and Waller-Bridge bailing on the “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” series (she was replaced by Maya Erskine), Amazon has exactly nothing to show for its gigantic investment. But Salke recently told Variety that she does not regret the overall deal with Waller-Bridge.

“When we look at a longterm commitment to a creator like Phoebe — we’re so happy now that we retained her because she’s obsessed with and grew up playing Lara Croft/’Tomb Raider,...

Megan Park may have had to wait nine months for her celebrated Sundance romantic comedy “My Old Ass” to hit theaters, but she’s been busy in the interim. Not only does she have more projects in development with Lucky Chap, the Margot Robbie-led production company that shepherded “Ass” to life, but with Jen Salke’s Amazon Studios, the streaming giant that acquired the indie out of Park City.

Continue reading If Amazon Studios Wants A ‘My Old Ass’ Sequel, Megan Park Is Down [Interview] at The Playlist.

Amazon MGM Studios is reviving a legendary movie studio, and a former Netflix executive has been tasked to lead the revival. United Artists is the movie studio that produced such classics as Rain Man and housed the James Bond and Rocky movie franchises. A movie has not been released under the United Artists banner since 2015's Hot Tub Time Machine 2, but that is all set to change. As reported by Variety, Amazon MGM Studios has reached a new agreement with former Netflix executive Scott Stuber to helm the revival of the legendary studio. Scott Stuber is the former head of film at Netflix and has helped secure original film productions on the streaming platform. Martin Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, and more were all enlisted by Stuber to direct films for the platform.

In a statement to Variety, Stuber expressed his excitement about relaunching the United Artists brand. He also noted...

Scott Stuber wasn’t out of the game for long, and he’s bringing back with him a venerated classic film brand. The former Netflix film chief is teaming with Amazon MGM Studios to relaunch the United Artists label and help produce movies for both theatrical and streaming.

Stuber left Netflix this spring, and under his new production company about to launch, he’ll already have a first-look, multiyear film deal with Amazon MGM Studios and will be involved in anything released by the new United Artists.

“With his proven track record of delivering global hits and an eye towards theatrical fare, Scott’s expertise and vision align perfectly with our film strategy,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios. “We are so proud to welcome him to our lot and partner with him on the relaunch of the legendary UA brand, as we work to leverage existing and new IP into big,...

Amazon MGM Studios has entered into a multi-year film partnership with Scott Stuber, the former head of film at Netflix. As part of the pact, the streamer and studio will finance and release movies from Stuber’s new production company under United Artists, a languishing label that once operated under the auspice of MGM. In its heyday, United Artists released movies like “The Pink Panther,” “Rocky” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Network” and the James Bond films. The agreement calls for Stuber and his soon-to-be launched company to produce several films annually. They will be released both theatrically and via Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming service.

Stuber’s new company will be based on Amazon MGM Studios’ Culver City lot. The pact is a first-look one, giving Amazon MGM Studios the initial crack at the projects Stuber develops. In addition, Stuber will be involved in all projects released by the new UA.

Amazon MGM Studios has set a multi-year film partnership with Scott Stuber to finance and release movies under his new production company and to relaunch United Artists, the studio announced on Friday.

The agreement with Stuber’s new entity, which will be based on Amazon MGM Studios’ Culver City lot, also includes a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios. In addition, Stuber will be involved in all projects released by the new UA.

Stuber is coming off a seven-year run at Netflix where he spearheaded the streamer’s film division as chairman of Netflix Films. He left the company earlier this year and was replaced by Dan Lin.

The move to Amazon may be a better fit for Stuber, who spent his tenure at Netflix advocating for a more significant theatrical footprint for their films. While he was intermittently successful, Netflix chief Ted Sarandos continually maintained that the streamer would...

Updated: Amazon MGM has confirmed the Scott Stuber hire. Find their release below Deadline’s break on the story.

Previously, 7:55 Am Pt: Former Netflix Chairman Film and Universal Vice Chairman Scott Stuber is near a deal to revive United Artists under the Amazon MGM umbrella, sources said.

Stuber left in January, though he stayed on a bit to help the transition that led to former Warner Bros exec Dan Lin taking the film reins at the streamer. Stuber was expected to form his own company, and Deadline revealed that his first project would be Deliver Me From Nowhere. That is the Scott Cooper-directed film that will star Emmy winning The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen. The film covers how the singer came out of the depths of depression writing and recording his seminal album Nebraska. 20th Century’s David Greenbaum and Steve Asbell landed the film in heated competition,...

And we’re back.

Just six months after Fox aired the strike-delayed, wildly anticlimactic, 75th Emmy awards, ABC is prepping for the 76th.

Earlier today, the TV Academy revealed the 2024 Emmy nominees, who will convene on Sept. 15 at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. The telecast, which will air live on both coasts, will celebrate programming and performances that aired between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. We’ll have plenty of time to debate who should win, who will win (and who definitely will not) as the new crop of nominees returns to the campaign trail.

In the meantime, let’s break down what just happened: the snubs, the surprises and what it all means for the big show.

1. ABC has already revealed that Jesse Collins Entertainment will be returning as the Emmy night producer for the second consecutive year, but it has yet to name a host. The last three...

As one series starring a former Winchester brother comes to an end, another begins.

Yes, if you're a Supernatural fan who's still grieving the cancelation of Walker, we have news that might provide a bit of solace:

Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios announced today that Dean Winchester himself, Jensen Ackles, will star in a new series from showrunner Derek Haas.

“We are incredibly excited to be back in business with Derek Haas,” said Amazon MGM Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders in a statement issued to Deadline.

“He has an undeniable ability to enthrall audiences with thrilling storytelling and heart," Sanders continued.

"We cannot wait for Prime Video’s global customers to experience this dynamic series, led by our very talented star, Jensen Ackles.”

Haas is a frequent Dick Wold collaborator who co-created and/or executive-produced five series: Chicago Fire, Chicago Pd, Chicago Med, FBI, and FBI: International.

Related:...

Amazon MGM Studios is doubling down on its working relationship with Jensen Ackles after bringing the Supernatural alum aboard the hit television series The Boys for a new episodic drama, Countdown. The project hails from Chicago’s own Derek Haas, the writer and producer of shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and more. Haas inked an exclusive deal with Prime Video after exiting Wolf Entertainment. Countdown is the first project to come from the pact.

Haas designed Countdown for Jensen Ackles after the Batman voice actor entered a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios for his production company Chaos Machine Productions. Ackles established the banner with his wife, Danneel Ackles, after his show-stopping role as Soldier Boy on The Boys.

According to the show’s description, Countdown follows a mysterious murder in broad daylight, leading LAPD officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) to join a secret task force of...

Jensen Ackles is set to lead a new action-thriller series at Amazon Prime Video from “One Chicago” alum Derek Haas, Variety has learned.

Titled “Countdown,” the official logline states the show begins “following a suspicious murder in broad daylight, which leads to LAPD officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) being recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement to investigate. But as the truth of a more sinister plot comes into focus, the team must overcome their conflicting personal agendas to unite and save a city of millions.”

Amazon has given the show a 13-episode order. Haas created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Ackles and his wife Daneel’s production company, Chaos Machine, is currently under a first-look deal at Amazon MGM studios, while Haas is now under an overall deal at the studio.

Prime Video has greenlighted Countdown, a thriller drama series from One Chicago veteran Derek Haas, with Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles attached to star. The project, from Amazon MGM Studios, has received a rare for a streaming series 13-episode order.

This is the first series to come out of an exclusive overall deal Haas has signed with Amazon MGM Studios following his exit from Wolf Entertainment. The project was developed for Ackles who last year entered a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios for Chaos Machine Prods., his company with wife Danneel Ackles, after he had joined the cast of the hit Prime Video series The Boys.

Countdown starts following a suspicious murder in broad daylight, which leads to LAPD officer Mark Meachum (Ackles) being recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement to investigate. But as the truth of a more sinister plot comes into focus,...

When Emma Stone, star of Disney’s Cruella and Searchlight’s Poor Things, introduced CEO Bob Iger at the company’s Upfronts presentation this week – the first time that the former TV chief had been on stage at the advertising rodeo in 30 years – it was clear that this is no longer just a TV event.

“To say a lot has changed since 1994 would be an incredible understatement and I’m not just talking about the color of my hair, or my fashion choices,” Iger said.

Stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell and Jake Gyllenhaal were all highly visible presences across the week to promote their recent and upcoming feature films.

It marked a sea change for the Madison Avenue set, who were previously treated to a cavalcade of television stars promoting the small-screen, usually fresh from the broadcast pilot process. Unlike April’s CinemaCon,...

It used to be all about the trailers and the broadcast fall schedules. Now those are largely a thing of the past as the media sector’s upfront presentations to Madison Avenue ad buyers continue to evolve.

Following a week of spin and hard sales, here are eight central takeaways after Netflix, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and Fox made their pitches.

1. The Streaming Giants Came to Play Reese Witherspoon attends as Amazon debuts Inaugural Upfront Presentation at Pier 36 on May 14, 2024 in New York City.

This year was the first time that Netflix and Amazon had physical events in New York during upfronts week (YouTube is now in year three), and they clearly tried to make an impression, gunning for a piece of the $20 billion or so in upfront commitments that used to go exclusively to traditional entertainment companies. Amazon’s event Tuesday featured “the highest concentration of...

Are you ready for an exhilarating trek back into the treacherous and enigmatic realms that only Lara Croft: Tomb Raider could conquer? Prime Video proudly raises the curtain, announcing an epic foray into the adventures of the iconic Lara Croft, with the daredevil genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the creative helm.

Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider

As part of an ambitious collaboration with Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios, we’re on the precipice of a groundbreaking series that promises to breathe new life into the ‘Tomb Raider‘ franchise. The show, which is based on the wildly popular Tomb Raider video game series, will chronicle the exploits of archaeologist Lara Croft, who has not yet been cast.

With Waller-Bridge, the creative force behind hits like “Fleabag” and “Killing Eve,” directing the story and the massively popular video game legacy serving as a backdrop, this project is more than just...

Amazon is buckling down on its pivot toward more video game adaptations, officially announcing that a live-action Tomb Raider series is in development with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the helm, reports Deadline.

Given the blockbuster success of Prime Video's hit series Fallout, an adaptation of the post-apocalyptic roleplaying games from Bethesda, it makes sense that the company would want to keep the money rolling in by greenlighting another hugely popular video game IP.

The first game in the Tomb Raider franchise was officially released in 1996, and developer Crystal Dynamics has been steadily releasing new games for several decades. Amazon announced the new series during the Amazon & MGM Studios Upfront event, with company head Jen Salke calling the planned series "epic" and "globe-trotting."

Most recently, Nintendo remastered the original three games in the series. The reboot trilogy, which started in 2013 and starred Camilla Luddington as Lara, also remains popular with new fans and diehards alike.

Amazon has announced (via GameFragger.com) that Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Tomb Raider TV series is officially moving forward at Prime Video. The project has been handed a series order, with Head of Amazon & MGM Studios Jen Salke breaking the news at the company's Upfront event in New York today.

After describing it as an "epic" and "globe-trotting" series, she told attendees, "Phoebe has a lifelong love affair with Lara Croft and as soon and very soon we’ll start the worldwide search for who will play this iconic role and I just can’t wait."

So, no, contrary to prior speculation, Waller-Bridge will not play Lara Croft. Despite her action-packed role in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, she was never expected to star but some social media accounts latched on to the "controversial" idea and ran with it.

"If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode,...

Amazon’s first foray into the upfront events has seen a lot of announcements this morning. Earlier, it was announced that Nicolas Cage will be reprising his Spider-Man Noir character for the live-action show Noir. Then, one of Amazon’s biggest shows, The Boys, would get a surprising early fifth-season renewal. It was also reported that the hit show with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, will be getting a second season, only without Donald Glover and Maya Erskine.

Deadline now reports that another announcement has been made for a future project with the streamer. Amazon issued a series order for a new TV adaptation of the popular Tomb Raider video game. Jen Salke, Head of Amazon & MGM Studios, has teased that it will be an “epic” and “globe-trotting” series. The show has been developed and will be written by Fleabag and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny star Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Amazon Prime Video made its first upfront presentation to advertisers on Tuesday in New York, with the streamer bringing out some of its biggest stars to break some news while touting its original series, film and sports offerings.

Amazon took over Pier 36 in Manhattan, which included a large installation dedicated to Amazon shows like “Fallout” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” as well as movies like “Road House” and their various sports offerings like “Thursday Night Football.”

Amazon’s first major upfront started half an hour late — the long line to get in was referenced several times by Amazon MGM Studios head Jen Salke and even “You’re Cordially Invited” stars Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell. But once inside, advertisers were presented a star-studded litany of projects and news designed to make a huge splash in the marketplace.

Upfronts 2024: View Variety‘s full coverage.

Alicia Keys opened the show with a medley of popular tunes,...

It’s Day 2 of the Upfronts and Amazon is making its primetime debut.

The streamer is already making news with a series order for a Nic Cage-from Spider-Man noir live-action drama, a Jeopardy! spinoff and a slew of sports docs including a third season of Coach Prime.

There have also been renewals for The Boys and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

This comes after Tom Brady was in the huddle for yesterday’s Fox Upfront and NBCUniversal held their annual ad blowout at Radio City Music Hall.

Held at Pier 36, Amazon kicked off thirty minutes late with thousands of people lining up outside a construction site to get in.

(Dade Hayes/Deadline)

Alicia Keys opened the show; a few chords on the piano before promoting her Amazon Premium Beauty lifestyle brand (obviously) and kicking into No One and her Jay-Z duet Empire State of Mind (New York). “It’s going to be a beautiful day,...

Amazon is officially moving forward with Phoebe Waller-Bridge's live-action Tomb Raider series. The project, which has been in development since January 2023, has just been ordered to series by the streamer.

Per Deadline, Tomb Raider was unveiled during Amazon's Upfront event in New York, with Head of Amazon & MGM Studios Jen Salke describing the upcoming project as an "epic" and "globe-trotting" series. At this time, Waller-Bridge, who is perhaps best known for creating and starring in the acclaimed series Fleabag, is only attached to Tomb Raider in a writing capacity. No cast for the series has been set.

Related How Prime Videos Tomb Raider Series Will Handle Lara Crofts Sex-Symbol Status Phoebe Waller-Bridge discusses how Prime Video's upcoming Tomb Raider series will handle the sexualization tied to Lara Croft's character.

"If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think shed explode," said Waller-Bridge in a statement.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s adaptation of video game Tomb Raider is scaling the walls at Amazon.

The streamer has handed the project a series order.

The news was revealed by Head of Amazon & MGM Studios Jen Salke at the company’s Upfront event in New York, who called it an “epic” and “globe-trotting” series.

“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all,” said Waller-Bridge.

It’s the latest order for Amazon this morning, which gave the Nic Cage-led Spider Man live-action series an order alongside a slew of unscripted series and renewals.

Fleabag creator...

Chris Brearton is exiting Amazon MGM Studios after a long career at MGM to pursue other opportunities, the company announced on Wednesday. In a memo to staff, Amazon Studios and Prime Video senior vice president Mike Hopkins revealed that Brearton “has decided to leave Amazon to pursue a new opportunity outside the company.”

Brearton had most recently served as vice president of Pvs Corporate Strategy at MGM+ and MGM Alternative Television. As part of his exit, the company has restructured some of Brearton’s direct reports: MGM+ which is led by Michael Wright and Josh McIvor, and and MGM Television, led by Lindsey Sloane, will now report to Kelly Day, head of Prime Video International. MGM Unscripted, under Barry Poznik, reports to Brad Beale, head of global content licensing. MGM corporate strategy head will now report to Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke in the newly created role of Head of Global Strategy and Business Development,...

Exclusive: Chris Brearton is stepping down from Amazon, 18 months after taking on a new role.

Brearton has been VP Pvs Corporate Strategy, MGM+ and MGM Alternative Television, since November 2022.

Brearton joined MGM as Chief Operating Officer in February 2018. He spent four years in that role before taking on a broader role following Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of the studio in 2022.

After shepherding MGM’s integration into Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Brearton took on the new role, leading business planning and corporate strategy for Prime Video and Studios and also overseeing MGM+ and MGM Alternative.

His new role coincided with Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke taking over leadership of MGM.

Deadline understands that Brearton, who also is chair of the board of directors at USA Swimming, is pursuing a “new opportunity outside of the company”.

Starting April 15, Brearton’s responsibilities will be divided among a number of senior execs.

MGM...

Exclusive: Tim Clawson, Head of Worldwide Production and Post at Amazon MGM Studios, is leaving the company after nearly five years.

Clawson is looking to “get closer to the action” with his next move. Read his memo to staff below.

He joined the company in 2019 as head of production strategy from HBO, where he was SVP Production. He was promoted to Head of Worldwide Production and Post at the studio in November 2019.

His departure was revealed in a note to staff, seen by Deadline (below), from Dan Scharf, VP Global Business Operations, who reports to Jen Salke, and to whom Clawson reported.

Following Clawson’s departure, Kim Rach will be taking on additional responsibilities and leading physical production for the television group in her role as Head of TV Production, reporting to Scharf. Peter OiIlataguerre will continue to report to Scharf as Head of Film Production.

Scharf said that he...

After the rolling laughs, hoots, hollers, whistling and clapping at tonight’s world premiere of Road House at SXSW on Friday, Amazon MGM Studios may want to think again before putting this Jake Gyllenhaal-Conor McGregor rock ’em sock ’em beefcakes pugilist movie on Prime Video. It doesn’t take an elbow to the head to wake up to the fact that Road House clearly needs to make a destination to cinemas.

The jam-packed Paramount Theatre here in Austin, TX devoured this Doug Liman-directed movie like a dozen beef ribs from Terry Black’s Barbeque. By no means was this last-minute, unexpected trip for Liman a waste of time for the filmmaker.

While the streamer has turned a corner and committed to theatrical, and is largely judicious in making the proper call as to what goes on the service or on the big screen, this non-stop action-in-paradise movie,...

Robbie Amell (Nathan) and Owen Daniels (A.I. Guy) in ‘Upload’ season 3 (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)

Upload starring Robbie Amell will have one more season to delve into its virtual reality afterlife world. Prime Video’s officially given the sci-fi comedy an order for a fourth and final season.

“When I conceived Upload many years ago, I had the story arced out over four seasons, so I am thrilled to make the ending the fans deserve and the characters and creative team have been working towards,” said series creator, writer, showrunner, and executive producer Greg Daniels (The Office). “Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders have been our Angels and they deserve 5 stars.”

In addition to Amell as Nathan, season three starred Andy Allo as Nora, Kevin Bigley as Luke, Allegra Edwards as Ingrid, Zainab Johnson as Aleesha, and Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy. Howard Klein and Jeff Blitz serve as executive producers.

Which Nathan (Robbie Amell) is still around on Upload? The good news is we’re going to find out. Prime Video has ordered a fourth and final season of the fan-favorite sci-fi comedy series starring Robbie Amell and Andy Allo and from Greg Daniels. This news comes a few months after Season 2 dropped. “When I conceived Upload many years ago, I had the story arced out over four seasons, so I am thrilled to make the ending the fans deserve and the characters and creative team have been working towards,” said creator, writer, and executive producer Greg Daniels. “Jen Salke and Vernon Sanders have been our Angels and they deserve 5 stars.” Added Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios, “I’m thrilled to share that Upload will return to Prime Video for a fourth and final installment. We are grateful to Greg and the fantastic team behind the series...

Prime Video is headed back to Lakeview one more time. The Amazon streamer has picked up a fourth season of Upload, which will be the final chapter for the high-concept comedy series created and executive produced by Greg Daniels. The renewal of the Amazon MGM Studios-produced show, starring Robbie Amell and Andy Allo, comes three months after the Season 3 finale was released Nov. 10.

Upload is a sci-fi comedy which feels less and less sci-fi with each season as rapidly advancing real-life technology is starting to catch up in areas like self-driving cars and AI assistants. The show, which blends sci-fi with romantic comedy, is set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And instead of dying, people can be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, enjoying all the comforts of a world-class resort at a top-of-the-line place...

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and the Grammys.

Curb Your Enthusiasm premiere

Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman and J.B. Smoove attended the L.A. premiere event for Curb‘s 12th and final season on Tuesday, alongside guest stars including Ted Danson, Jon Hamm and Vince Vaughn.

Jeff Garlin, Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, Amy Gravitt, Jeff Schaffer, J. B. Smoove and Laura Streicher Ted Danson Kyla Weber and Vince Vaughn

Mr. & Mrs. Smith premiere

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine debuted their new Prime Video series on Wednesday in NYC, alongside costars Parker Posey, John Turturro, Michaela Coel and Eiza González.

Donald Glover, Jen Salke, Maya Erskine and Francesca Sloane Eiza González and Michaela Coel

Republic Records party

On Wednesday, Patrón el Alto...

In a deal made last week, Amazon MGM Studios has landed Mercy, a package with Chris Pratt attached to star, according to an insider with knowledge. Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”) will direct the sci-fi thriller from a script penned by Marco van Belle (“Arthur & Merlin”).

This project comes to Amazon MGM Studios from Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning producer Charles Roven (“American Hustle”), who received a second Academy Award nomination for Best Picture most recently on “Oppenheimer.” Roven will produce Mercy with Atlas Entertainment SVP Robert Amidon as part of the producing team alongside Bekmambetov’s Bezelevs and film producer Majd Nassif.

The film is targeting a spring start-of-production. Set in the near future when capital crime has increased, “Mercy” follows a detective (Pratt) who is accused of a violent crime and forced to prove his innocence.

Amazon MGM Studios will release Mercy in theaters worldwide.

The film is the...

Deadline reports that Chris Pratt is set to star in Mercy, a sci-fi movie package acquired by Amazon MGM Studios which will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

Pratt has worked with Amazon on several projects, including The Tomorrow War and The Terminal List, but Mercy will actually serve as a reunion between himself and Bekmambetov. You may have forgotten, as I did, that Pratt made an appearance in Wanted all the way back in 2008 where he found himself getting smashed in the face with a keyboard wielded by James McAvoy.

So, what’s Mercy all about? The movie is “set in the near future when capital crime has increased” and follows “a detective (Pratt] who is accused of a violent crime and forced to prove his innocence.” The script has been penned by Marco Van Belle (Arthur & Merlin) and produced by Charles Roven (Oppenheimer), with production expected to kick off this spring.

Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios has just landed a big sci-fi film package it is setting a global theatrical release for in Mercy, starring Chris Pratt, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and produced by Oscar-nominated producer Charles Roven. I understand the deal closed in the past week with a spring start of production planned.

The project puts Pratt back in business with Amazon, which acquired his Skydance movie The Tomorrow War from Paramount and turned into a big Prime Video hit during the pandemic. He also has the series The Terminal List on Prime. The movie also reps a reunion for Pratt and Bekmambetov, who both worked on the latter’s 2008 Hollywood directorial debut Wanted, a $342 million-grossing, Oscar-nominated blockbuster based on Mark Millar’s comic book.

Written by Marco van Belle (Arthur & Merlin), Mercy is set in the near future when capital crime has increased. The pic follows a detective (Pratt) who...

Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios has closed a multiyear first-look film deal with their Reacher star Alan Ritchson and his AllyCat Entertainment.

Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have a first look on narrative features AllyCat Entertainment intends to produce. This follows Ritchson’s three-picture acting deal with the studio, which was announced last year on the heels of the critical and consumer success and rapid season two pickup of Reacher.

Ritchson has directed and produced. Among his producer credits is the Kristen Stewart movie Seberg about French New Wave icon Jean Seberg which Amazon distributed. He also directed, produced, co-wrote and starred in 2021 thriller Dark Web Cicada 3301.

Additionally, Ritchson will next star opposite Hilary Swank in the Lionsgate drama, Ordinary Angels, set to open wide Feb. 23. He recently wrapped production on his leading role in the Guy Ritchie World War II film for Lionsgate, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,...

Exclusive: Article updated at 2:54Pm Screenings are being set up this week for streamers Amazon Prime Video, Apple and Netflix to check out and potentially acquire Warner Bros’ axed Looney Tunes movie Coyote vs. Acme after the studio’s phone ran off the hook the entire weekend from angry filmmakers and talent reps over their third feature film kill after Batgirl and Scoob Holiday Haunt!

The more egregious Hollywood sin with Coyote vs. Acme is that it’s a finished film was intended for a theatrical release, while the other two movies were still in the works.

Of those kicking the tires, even though no deals have been drafted, I hear Amazon is a leading contender given the fact that Courtenay Valenti, the Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical for Amazon Studios and MGM, was a big champion and linchpin for the movie while she was President of Production...

Update, 3:14Pm After Exclusive: After meeting with studio CEOs earlier today, SAG-AFTRA has put out a statement, that they’re looking over the latest proposal from the AMPTP which the studios bill as their “last, best, and final offer.”

“We received an offer today from the AMPTP, which they characterized as their “Last, Best, and Final Offer,” said the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Negotiating Commitee this afternoon.

“We are reviewing it and considering our response within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals,” they added.

The so-called “best and final” language is exactly what the studios said to the WGA in the final days of what were ultimately successful negotiations with the scribes in late September. The phrase and the tactic were widely derided at the time.

Previous Exclusive, 2:12Pm: A meeting Saturday between SAG-AFTRA and an expanded group of studio CEOs has just ended as...

The writers and actors strikes have brought Hollywood productions to a standstill. While mega-media companies may have initially welcomed the collateral cost-cutting for a few months, it’s time to get back to work.

To that effort, a dozen top executives from the eight main Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) studios have been congregating on a “regular call,” Bloomberg reported on Sunday. The names on that call are: Ted Sarandos (Netflix), David Zaslav (Warner Bros. Discovery), Dana Walden and Alan Bergman (Disney), Tony Vinciquerra (Sony Pictures), Brian Robbins and George Cheeks (Paramount), Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht (Apple), Jen Salke and Mike Hopkins (Amazon), and Donna Langley (NBCUniversal).

Those are some big names — though perhaps the biggest name, Disney CEO Bob Iger, is notably missing. He’s “gotten more involved in recent weeks” and “has started to participate in many of the calls and meetings,” per the report.

The stars are reacting to the Emmy nominations.

“The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” are leading the pack in nominations, with many new names among the list of nominees.

Here are all of the stars’ reactions to the awards news.

Read More: 75th Emmy Awards Nominations Full List: ‘Succession’ & ‘The Last Of Us’ Lead The Race

Welcome to Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were ecstatic at the nominations for their sports documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”, also marking Reynolds’ first Emmy nomination.

“The story of Wrexham has resonated with millions of people because you don’t have to be Welsh or a football fan to be moved by this town,” said the two in a statement. “We are so grateful for today’s 6 Emmy nominations and are continuously honored the people of Wrexham allow us to tell their tale. Diolch! Cymru am byth!

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is requesting federal help in its ongoing negotiations with Hollywood’s biggest union.

The group, which bargains with labor unions on behalf of studios and streamers, has requested facilitators from the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service to step in on the ongoing negotiations with performers’ union SAG-AFTRA. Insiders say the decision follows calls with high-level company executives including Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros.-Discovery chief David Zaslav, Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Apple TV chiefs Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, NBCUniversal Chief Content Officer Donna Langley, Amazon Studio bosses Mike Hopkins and Jen Salke as well as select company general counsels on Monday, where the executives surfaced the idea of federal intervention.

Facilitators could only be brought in if SAG-AFTRA also requests help in the discussions from the federal agency. “Collective bargaining mediation is the voluntary process...