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Variety

‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ TV Series Casts Audiobook Star Jeff Hays as Princess Donut’s Voice

Attention, crawlers: Seth MacFarlane’s live-action “Dungeon Crawler Carl” TV series has found its Queen Anne Chonk. Jeff Hays, the narrator and producer behind all eight of the currently released “Dungeon Crawler Carl” books, has been cast as the voice of Princess Donut on the Peacock TV adaptation of Matt Dinniman’s best-selling LitRPG novels. For those […]

Variety

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Makes Triumphant Return to Comic-Con With ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’

“The Big Bang Theory’s” Stuart Bloom may not have saved the universe, but he certainly saved San Diego Comic-Con. HBO Max’s upcoming spinoff “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” gave fans a sneak peak of the first episode ahead of its release Thursday night. Felicia Day hosted a panel with Kevin Sussman, who reprises his […]

Variety

Johnny Depp Makes Surprise Comic-Con Appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge

Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday — in his full Ebenezer Scrooge regalia. Depp plays Scrooge in the upcoming Paramount movie, “Ebenezer,” which debuts in theaters this November. The actor appeared in outside of a shop called “Scrooge and Marley” in San Diego’s Gaslamp district around 2:30pm, but fans […]

Variety

Judge Extends Order Blocking Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger for Another 14 Days

A federal judge on Thursday extended the order blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for an additional 14 days, meaning the deal cannot close before Aug. 18. Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin is scheduled to hold a hearing on Aug. 3 on a request for a preliminary injunction that would block the deal indefinitely. Paramount is asking for […]

Variety

Indian Epic ‘Ramayana’ Lands at Sony Pictures for International Distribution

Sony Pictures has signed on as international distributor for “Ramayana,” the two-part Indian mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, covering all territories outside India. Indian distribution will be handled by media personality Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The story follows the exiled prince Rama and his wife Sita, […]

Variety

‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Sets 2026 Release Date at Paramount+, Drops Apocalyptic First Teaser

“Avatar: Seven Havens” has an official premiere date at Paramount+. And what a date it is. The new entry in the “Avatar” franchise will debut on Oct. 9 on the streaming service. That date should stick out to fans, as it was originally the date set for the premiere of the movie “Avatar Aang: The […]

Variety

‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ Review: Monica Dolan Excels in a Straightforward but Stirring Reflection on a Buried Irish Tragedy

Ireland’s ongoing artistic reckoning with the Catholic Church’s gross mistreatment of unmarried mothers and their children — as addressed in such films as “The Magdalene Sisters,” “Philomena” and “Small Things Like These” — continues in “The Lost Children of Tuam.” A restrained but deeply affecting drama that keeps the horrors of the past largely unseen, […]

Variety

The Paramount-Warner Bros. Clock Is Ticking: What’s Next for the Megamerger Amid Antitrust Battle With States?

David Ellison may have believed Paramount Skydance could have closed the $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by this point. The deal was blessed by the Justice Department in June (reportedly over the objections of staffers who were reviewing it). It has been officially cleared by the EU, with Paramount agreeing to the relatively […]

Variety

Karina Longworth’s ‘You Must Remember This’ Podcast Sets New Season ‘The Bisexuals’ for September

Karina Longworth’s podcast “You Must Remember This” returns for its latest season, “The Bisexuals,” on Sept. 15. Over eight episodes, creator and host Longworth will explore the history of bisexuals in the 1900s Hollywood sphere. Beginning with Libby Holman’s rise to stardom in 1920s New York, “The Bisexuals” will also cover her transition to infamy […]

Variety

LISTEN: How Travis Scott is Ascending to Culture Moguldom Through Music, Movies, Retail, Business and More

On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Angelique Jackson details her time spent with multihyphenate superstar Travis Scott, who comes off a record-setting music tour with a high-profile role in the movie of the moment, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Scott has emerged as a star in the new realm […]

Variety

‘Industry’ Season 5 Casts Zosia Mamet

Zosia Mamet has joined the upcoming fifth season of “Industry” at HBO, Variety has learned. As previously announced, Season 5 of the British finance industry drama will be its last. Mamet will play Carmen Dame, who is described as “a fitness influencer turned wellness tech founder and CEO.” The series’ cast also includes: Myha’la, Marisa […]

Variety

L.A. Production Volume Down Slightly, as Recovery Continues to Sputter

Los Angeles production volume fell slightly in the second quarter of 2026, as an increase in state tax incentives has failed to overcome industry headwinds. Shoot days for TV, film and commercials dropped by 3.1% compared to the previous quarter, according to FilmLA, which tracks location permit data for the L.A. region. Films and commercials […]

Variety

‘The Strange Architect,’ New Series by ‘Annihilation’ Author Jeff VanderMeer, Sells to Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Seven-Figure Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired “The Strange Architect,” a new four-book series by bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer, in a seven-figure deal. VanderMeer will launch his new series with the first book, “How to Be Free,” in the winter of 2029. This marks his first new book project since his “Southern Reach” series, which sold […]

Variety

‘Myron Bolitar’ Series Adds 10 To Cast, Including Melissa Benoist, Bebe Neuwirth, Jamie Hector, Quincy Isaiah

Netflix has added ten new cast members to its “Myron Bolitar” series. Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens (“Romeo and Juliet” (Shakespeare in the Park)) has joined the show in a series regular role. In addition, the show has added nine recurring guest stars. They are: Isaiah Hill (“Swagger,” “One Spoon of Chocolate”), Amanda Warren (“East New York,” […]

Variety

‘Breaking Bad’ Star Giancarlo Esposito Signs With UTA for Representation (EXCLUSIVE)

Actor, director and producer Giancarlo Esposito has signed with United Talent Agency for representation in all areas. Esposito was previously repped by CAA. The prolific star will be seen in several projects in the next few months, including Noah Segan’s “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” in which he stars with John Turturro, Steve Buscemi […]

Variety

Venice Chief Alberto Barbera on Landing Robert Pattinson Film ‘Primetime’ at the Last Minute and Lack of U.S. Studios at the Festival: They Are ‘Experiencing an Identity Crisis’

Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera has pulled off a pretty impressive feat this year by assembling a buzzy lineup with boatloads of stars set to disembark on the Lido, despite having less movies from the U.S. studios and streamers at his disposal. They include new projects from top international directors, including Martin McDonagh, Florian […]

Variety

‘Percy Jackson’ Season 3 Drops First Opening Scene Footage at Comic-Con as Walker Scobell Tells Fans the New Episodes Will Stay True to ‘Titan’s Curse’ Book

Get ready, demigods. Disney+ screened the first few minutes of Season 3 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” at San Diego Comic-Con. Adapting Rick Riordan’s third book, “The Titan’s Curse,” the third season will follow Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) and their fellow campers at Camp Half-Blood — plus some new faces […]

Variety

FCC Poised to Hand Broadcasters Long-Sought Win in Abolishing Station Ownership Cap as Brendan Carr Probes Tension Between TV Groups and Platforms

Broadcast TV station owners have been stuck in media’s wilderness for most of the past two decades or so as the internet and streaming have defined the state of the art in television. But this year, independent broadcast TV station owners are being heard as they haven’t in years by crusading Federal Communications Commission chairman […]

Variety

Lilly Wachowski Boards Alexandra Grey’s Sci-Fi Short ‘The Day Before’ as Executive Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

“The Matrix” and “Sense8” co-creator Lilly Wachowski has boarded “The Day Before,” an indie sci-fi short written, directed and starring Alexandra Grey. Grey leads an ensemble cast that includes Matthew Law (“Nemesis,” “Abbott Elementary”), Jamie Clayton (“Sense8,” “Hellraiser”) and Alexander David Pleasant (“Abbott Elementary”). Set on the eve of NASA’s most ambitious space mission, “The […]

Variety

Colman Domingo Rips Elon Musk’s Plan for AI ‘The Odyssey’ Movie: ‘It’ll Be ‘Whiter Than Christmas at Cracker Barrel’

Colman Domingo slammed Elon Musk’s plan for an AI-generated version of “The Odyssey.” “By historically accurate, he means whiter than Christmas at Cracker Barrel,” Domingo joked during his stint as guest host on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday night. “Of course, this is all because Elon and his Musketeers are upset over the diversity casting […]

Variety

Oscar Voters Rave Over Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ at First Academy Screenings: ‘The Definitive Filmmaker of Our Time’

“What was the song of the sirens like?” When it comes to Oscar voters, like Odysseus, the answer is: “All the things you wanted to be.” The Oscar race for 2027 seems to have found its center of gravity, and its front-runner that will be shepherded under the Universal banner. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” the […]

Variety

‘Morning Show’ Renewed for Fifth and Final Season at Apple TV

The sun is setting on “The Morning Show.” Variety has learned that Apple TV has renewed the drama series for a fifth season, which will also be the show’s last. It is slated to debut in 2027. This will mark the end of an era at Apple TV, as “The Morning Show” was one of […]

Variety

Critics Choice Association Launches Inaugural Creator Awards for 2027, Honoring Podcasts, Micro-Dramas and Digital Stars

The Critics Choice Awards are getting into the creator business. The organization announced it will hold the inaugural Critics Choice Creator Awards, honoring the finest creators in the digital space across podcasts, scripted, unscripted, documentary, informational, lifestyle, sports and game series. The inaugural nominees will be announced March 18, with winners unveiled April 15. The […]

Variety

The Roku Channel Expands Partnership with Create the Writers Room Initiative by Streaming ‘Five Film Fridays’ Selections

Create the Writers Room, a creative incubator for underrepresented storytellers, is expanding its ongoing partnership with the Roku Channel. Select films from CTWR’s “Five Film Fridays” are streaming the Roku Channel, giving the filmmakers and talent exposure to the platform’s 100 million subscribers. Create The Writers Room was founded in 2018 by filmmaker Rickey Castleberry […]

Variety

Wonder Project Expands International Slate With Three Series from U.K. and Ireland, Including Julia Roberts and Russell T. Davies Shows (EXCLUSIVE)

Wonder Project is expanding its investment in international scripted programming with three projects from the U.K. and Ireland. These include the “Leonard and Hungry Paul,” narrated by Julia Roberts, “You & Me,” executive produced by Russell T Davies and “Rewarding,” a new original commission with BBC Northern Ireland. “The UK and Ireland have an incredible […]

Variety

Variety and CNN Expand Programming Partnership to Deliver Exclusive Awards Season Coverage

Variety and CNN are back in business for awards season. After producing Actors on Actors and a town hall with Timothée Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey, the two legacy brands have unveiled an expanded content partnership. Together, the brands will develop, produce and distribute premium content throughout awards season. “This partnership allows us to expand how we […]

Variety

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Turned Down Million-Dollar Offer to Perform in Saudi Arabia: ‘I Don’t Need to Take Any Money if It Makes Me Feel Icky’

After “Weird Al” Yankovic made headlines this month for backing out of an ad for AI software, the musical satirist revealed he also turned down an offer worth at least $1 million to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia last year. “I wish people would offer me things that I didn’t feel […]

Variety

‘Today’ Issues ‘Stricter Security Protocols’ for Guests Following Intruder Incident With Craig Melvin (EXCLUSIVE)

The “Today” show has issued new security guidelines for its on-air guests following a recent incident in which an intruder entered the studio and lunged at co-anchor Craig Melvin while yelling a racist slur. Hollywood publicity firms received an email on Wednesday outlining the new protocols. “We wanted to reach out with an important update […]

Variety

Dario Albertini’s ‘Armony,’ Set for World Premiere in Locarno’s Piazza Grande, Secures Swiss Distribution With Xenix (EXCLUSIVE)

Italian director Dario Albertini’s family drama “Armony” has secured Swiss distribution via Xenix Filmdistribution ahead of its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande section. Sold internationally by True Colours, “Armony” is produced by Fremantle company The Apartment, Damocle and Rai Cinema in association with HBO Max. It stars Valerio Mastandrea, Asia Argento, […]

Variety

‘The Spell Off Live!’ Competition Game Show Sets Premiere Date on YouTube

EightState Studios has announced the premiere date for “The Spell Off Live!” The first season of the creator-driven competition series will kick off on Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. ET on YouTube. DC Young Fly is the host and executive producer, with creator Funny Marco serving as remote host. The series brings together celebrities, comedians, […]

Variety News

‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ TV Series Casts Audiobook Star Jeff Hays as Princess Donut’s Voice

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Makes Triumphant Return to Comic-Con With ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’

Johnny Depp Makes Surprise Comic-Con Appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge

Judge Extends Order Blocking Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger for Another 14 Days

Indian Epic ‘Ramayana’ Lands at Sony Pictures for International Distribution

‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Sets 2026 Release Date at Paramount+, Drops Apocalyptic First Teaser

‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ Review: Monica Dolan Excels in a Straightforward but Stirring Reflection on a Buried Irish Tragedy

The Paramount-Warner Bros. Clock Is Ticking: What’s Next for the Megamerger Amid Antitrust Battle With States?

Karina Longworth’s ‘You Must Remember This’ Podcast Sets New Season ‘The Bisexuals’ for September

LISTEN: How Travis Scott is Ascending to Culture Moguldom Through Music, Movies, Retail, Business and More

‘Industry’ Season 5 Casts Zosia Mamet

L.A. Production Volume Down Slightly, as Recovery Continues to Sputter

‘The Strange Architect,’ New Series by ‘Annihilation’ Author Jeff VanderMeer, Sells to Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Seven-Figure Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

‘Myron Bolitar’ Series Adds 10 To Cast, Including Melissa Benoist, Bebe Neuwirth, Jamie Hector, Quincy Isaiah

‘Breaking Bad’ Star Giancarlo Esposito Signs With UTA for Representation (EXCLUSIVE)

Venice Chief Alberto Barbera on Landing Robert Pattinson Film ‘Primetime’ at the Last Minute and Lack of U.S. Studios at the Festival: They Are ‘Experiencing an Identity Crisis’

‘Percy Jackson’ Season 3 Drops First Opening Scene Footage at Comic-Con as Walker Scobell Tells Fans the New Episodes Will Stay True to ‘Titan’s Curse’ Book

FCC Poised to Hand Broadcasters Long-Sought Win in Abolishing Station Ownership Cap as Brendan Carr Probes Tension Between TV Groups and Platforms

Lilly Wachowski Boards Alexandra Grey’s Sci-Fi Short ‘The Day Before’ as Executive Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

Colman Domingo Rips Elon Musk’s Plan for AI ‘The Odyssey’ Movie: ‘It’ll Be ‘Whiter Than Christmas at Cracker Barrel’

Oscar Voters Rave Over Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ at First Academy Screenings: ‘The Definitive Filmmaker of Our Time’

‘Morning Show’ Renewed for Fifth and Final Season at Apple TV

Critics Choice Association Launches Inaugural Creator Awards for 2027, Honoring Podcasts, Micro-Dramas and Digital Stars

The Roku Channel Expands Partnership with Create the Writers Room Initiative by Streaming ‘Five Film Fridays’ Selections

Wonder Project Expands International Slate With Three Series from U.K. and Ireland, Including Julia Roberts and Russell T. Davies Shows (EXCLUSIVE)

Variety and CNN Expand Programming Partnership to Deliver Exclusive Awards Season Coverage

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Turned Down Million-Dollar Offer to Perform in Saudi Arabia: ‘I Don’t Need to Take Any Money if It Makes Me Feel Icky’

‘Today’ Issues ‘Stricter Security Protocols’ for Guests Following Intruder Incident With Craig Melvin (EXCLUSIVE)

Dario Albertini’s ‘Armony,’ Set for World Premiere in Locarno’s Piazza Grande, Secures Swiss Distribution With Xenix (EXCLUSIVE)

‘The Spell Off Live!’ Competition Game Show Sets Premiere Date on YouTube

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