AI Briefing

Today's Entertainment Briefing

Updated 7 hours, 32 minutes ago · 30 articles · 2 publishers
Marvel is dominating the conversation today, and not just because the writers of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" are now working on the upcoming "Avengers" movies. The studio is also locking down its animated future, confirming that "X-Men '97" will return for seasons 3 and 4 on a yearly release schedule, a smart move that keeps the franchise's momentum alive without the brutal wait times that have plagued other animated series. Meanwhile, Sadie Sink has finally broken her silence on her top-secret Marvel role, telling Vanity Fair that she carefully considered the yearslong commitment before signing on, hinting at a character with "a lot to offer." The subtext is clear: Marvel is rebuilding its bench, stacking both its live-action and animated rosters with talent that can carry the next decade. Elsewhere in streaming land, Disney+ is taking a big swing at theme park nostalgia with a pilot order for a "Spaceship Earth" TV series based on the iconic EPCOT ride. It is a fascinating bet on intellectual property that has no existing narrative, which could either be a stroke of genius or a very expensive lesson in brand extension. On the business side, Starz reported a 4% revenue dip in Q2 but raised its profit outlook, taking a $147 million charge to terminate a Universal output deal. That is a painful but necessary surgery as the company tries to stabilize its streaming business and stop bleeding money on content it does not fully control. In the world of celebrity drama, the news is a mixed bag of the serious and the absurd. Matt Rife is under fire after allegedly telling a ghost hunter with autism to kill himself, a controversy that feels like a predictable escalation of his "edgy" brand. On a lighter note, Lindsey Buckingham revealed that he and Stevie Nicks now talk "all the time," proving that even the most legendary rock feuds can thaw with time. And if you need a palate cleanser, the Sundance hit "The Gallerist," starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega, has finally been picked up for distribution, meaning you will actually get to see it soon.

Marvel is rebuilding its bench

New "Avengers" writers and "X-Men '97" renewals signal a long-term strategy to stabilize the franchise after years of uncertainty.

Disney+ bets on a ride with no plot

The "Spaceship Earth" pilot is a high-risk test of whether theme park nostalgia alone can sustain a TV series.

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Streaming is still in cost-cutting mode

Starz took a $147 million charge to exit a Universal deal, proving that profitability requires painful strategic divorces.

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Rock feuds can actually heal

Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks talking again is a rare happy ending in an industry built on drama.

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A new wave of Marvel Mania has taken hold of the nation. Audiences and fans are still flocking to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which had the biggest week in domestic box office history, crossing $500 million faster than...