Tom Holland says new 'Spider-Man' is the most emotional, most mature, yet
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is dealing with the fallout of making his friends forget his identity in the new “Spider-Man” movie. Sony Pictures unveiled new footage from “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” Monday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Five years after “Spider-Man: No Way Home” became a sensation, the webslinger’s fourth standalone movie is highly anticipated. Its trailer already broke records. Tom Holland says it’s the most emotional Spider-Man movie yet. Destin Daniel Cretton directed this installment, which opens July 31. Sony Chairman Tom Rothman acknowledged industry challenges and urged theaters to improve the moviegoing experience.
Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Sade, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross get into Rock Hall
NEW YORK (AP) — Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade and Joy Division/New Order are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. First-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross will also join them. The induction ceremony will take place on Nov. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. A TV presentation will air in December. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before being eligible. This year’s inductees include Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti, among others, under special committee categories.
Dave Chappelle stands firm through backlash and considers revisiting ‘Chappelle’s Show’
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (AP) — Dave Chappelle finds clarity away from the spotlight in the Ohio village where he lives. In an interview, he reflects on his comedic voice, which has sparked debate and criticism, particularly over jokes about transgender people. Despite the backlash, Chappelle feels his audience remains supportive and views criticism as something to endure, drawing inspiration from figures like Muhammad Ali. he says he has never set out to provoke controversy, describing his work as an extension of the same stand-up he has always done. He's also open to revisiting "Chappelle’s Show," acknowledging that the comedy landscape has changed with digital platforms.
Hollywood heavyweights voice 'unequivocal opposition' to Paramount-Warner merger in open letter
NEW YORK (AP) — More than a thousand movie stars, writers, directors and other Hollywood professionals announced their “unequivocal opposition” to the proposed Paramount merger with Warner Bros. Discovery in an open letter published Monday. A large swath of the movie industry, including Denis Villeneuve, Kristen Stewart, J.J. Abrams and Joaquin Phoenix came out forcefully against the $111 billion deal that would consolidate two legacy studios into one, arguing it would further reduce jobs and movies in an already downsized Hollywood. In late February, David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in one of the largest media mergers ever. The deal awaits a shareholder vote and regulatory approval.
Sid Krofft, 'H.R. Pufnstuf' creator and children's TV visionary, dies at 96
NEW YORK (AP) — Sid Krofft has died at age 96. The Canadian-born entertainment wizard teamed with his brother Marty to create 1960s cult favorites like children's TV show “H.R. Pufnstuf.” Krofft's death was announced on Instagram by his friend and business partner Kelly Killian. “H.R. Pufnstuf” aired for just 17 episodes in 1969 but became a long-lasting favorite in reruns. The Kroffts also produced shows like “Land of the Lost” and the Osmonds' variety show. They received a Daytime Emmy for lifetime achievement in 2018 and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star two years later.
Hollywood leaders, theater owners gather at CinemaCon at a critical time in the industry
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The future of movie theaters is at a critical point. More people are visiting theaters this year, but box-office earnings are still down about 20% from pre-pandemic levels. Competition from streaming is intense, and there are concerns about consolidation as Warner Bros. faces new ownership under Paramount. Hollywood executives and theater owners are gathering in Las Vegas for CinemaCon to address these issues. Jerry Bruckheimer, Emma Thomas, and Ryan Coogler are leading a new filmmaker leadership council to tackle challenges like release windows and consolidation. Despite concerns, there is optimism with exciting upcoming releases.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in Australia for a low-key, privately funded visit
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have begun their first Australian visit since their official royal tour in 2018. The low-key four-day visit comes after the couple announced in 2020 they planned to “step back” as senior royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex describe their visit as privately funded. But there have been public complaints about the added security costs for police agencies as the couple visits Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. The security costs explain why they won’t be greeted by thousands of people as they were in their earlier trip. Meghan announced she was pregnant with their first child while she was in Sydney in 2018. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are not traveling with them.
Kim Kardashian makes her Broadway producing debut with the criminal justice play 'The Fear of 13'
NEW YORK (AP) — Kim Kardashian is adding Broadway producer to her resume. She has signed on to help produce “The Fear of 13,” a play about Nick Yarris, who spent over two decades on death row for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Kardashian says her commitment to criminal justice reform is about more than policy; it’s about people. She believes powerful stories can change minds. Kardashian has previously used her influence to highlight wrongful convictions, lobbying for criminal justice reform during both Trump and Biden's presidencies. The play, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, opens Wednesday.
Whoopi Goldberg launches WhoopInk, a Blackstone Publishing imprint
NEW YORK (AP) — Whoopi Goldberg has launched a publishing imprint called WhoopInk. The Oscar-winning actor and co-host of “The View” is partnering with Blackstone Publishing to focus on fresh, diverse talent across genres. Blackstone says Goldberg will be deeply involved in the process, from cover design to promotion. On Monday, Goldberg expressed her excitement about discovering new authors and working with established ones. She plans to publish the next novel in Rick Bleiweiss' mystery series and release more of her own books. Other celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and John Legend have also started their own imprints.
Music Review: Jessie Ware’s 'Superbloom' dives deep into disco, but the drama runs cool
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jessie Ware’s sixth album, “Superbloom,” takes listeners on a playful journey. The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria writes in her review that Ware, once known for ethereal love ballads, further shifts to sexy, soulful tracks on her new album. Her song “Sauna” evokes Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” with its funky synths and heavy breaths. But while Ware’s previous work brimmed with passion, “Superbloom” feels more restrained. The track “I Could Get Used To This” lacks conflict, making it feel less engaging. “Don’t You Know Who I Am?” stands out with its mix of empowerment and heartbreak. The album out Friday is great for the club but could use more drama to match Ware’s powerhouse vocals.
