Entertainment

Latest Entertainment News

📅December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Major entertainment headlines feature Netflix's massive Warner Bros. acquisition battle with Paramount, celebrity deaths and events, Avatar promotions, and birthdays amid industry consolidation.
1

James Ransone, 'The Wire' Actor, Dies at 46

James Ransone, known for playing Chester “Ziggy” Sabotka in 12 episodes of 'The Wire' season two, died on Friday at age 46. His death was confirmed by representatives.Source 1 The news has saddened fans of the acclaimed series.

2

Netflix Announces $82.7B Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Assets

Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio assets, including HBO and DC Comics, for $82.7 billion in a late 2025 deal.Source 2 This consolidation aims to boost content libraries and global reach beyond 300 million users.Source 2 The move mirrors strategies by Disney and others amid streaming fragmentation.Source 2

3

Paramount Launches $77.9B Hostile Bid for Warner Bros.

Paramount is aggressively bidding $77.9 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery, outpacing Netflix's $72-82.7B offer.Source 6 Warner's board favors Netflix, but the tug-of-war faces U.S. Justice Department scrutiny over market dominance.Source 6 President Trump has indicated personal involvement in the decision.Source 6

4

Zoe Saldaña Promotes 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' at Miami Screening

Zoe Saldaña attended a screening of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' in South Miami on December 12, wearing a floral white dress.Source 1 Co-stars like Sigourney Weaver promoted the James Cameron-directed film at its UK premiere.Source 1 The third installment returns to Pandora with Jake Sully.Source 1

5

Selena Gomez Supports Amanda Seyfried at 'The Testament of Ann Lee' Screening

Selena Gomez hugged Amanda Seyfried at the Los Angeles screening and reception of 'The Testament of Ann Lee' on December 12.Source 1 Seyfried's co-star Lewis Pullman and director Mona attended the event.Source 1 The appearance highlights cross-support among stars.

6

Rihanna Spotted at Roc Nation Holiday Party in Hollywood

Rihanna attended a Roc Nation holiday party at Dot Dot Lounge on December 11, staying out until 3am in all-black attire and sunglasses.Source 1 The 37-year-old singer turned heads during the late-night outing.Source 1

7

Star-Studded Closing of 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival

Johnny Depp, Idris Elba, Shailene Woodley, and others including Anthony Hopkins attended the closing ceremony on December 11 in Jeddah.Source 1 Hopkins received a special tribute at the event.Source 1 Stars like Naomie Harris and Riz Ahmed added to the glamour.

8

Celebrity Birthdays: Latto Turns 27, Meghan Trainor and Joshua Bassett Celebrate

Rapper Latto (Alyssa Michelle Stephens) celebrates her 27th birthday; she rose to fame on 'The Rap Game'.Source 3 Singer Meghan Trainor and actor Joshua Bassett, known from 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series', also mark birthdays.Source 3 Others include Vanessa Paradis (53) and Jordin Sparks (36).Source 3

9

Netflix Secures $25B in Financing for Warner Bros. Deal

Netflix arranged $25 billion in new bank facilities, including a $5B revolver and $20B term loans, to fund the Warner Bros. acquisition signed December 4.Source 8 This replaces part of prior bridge commitments as the deal advances.Source 8 Proceeds cover cash portions and fees.Source 8

10

Amanda Seyfried Reveals Clashes with Older Actresses Early in Career

Amanda Seyfried discussed clashing with 'some older actresses' at the start of her career, as reported on December 22.Source 9 The 'Mean Girls' star shared insights into early Hollywood challenges.Source 9

11

Trump Expresses Concerns Over Netflix-Warner Merger

President Trump voiced concerns about Netflix's Warner Bros. acquisition and pledged personal involvement in approval.Source 4 Critics from left and right oppose the deal amid Paramount's rival bid.Source 4 The merger could expand Netflix's access to DC Comics and classics like Superman.Source 4

12

Chicago Fire Actor Patrick Flueger Celebrated On-Set Birthday

Co-star Marina Squerciati posted photos and videos of Patrick Flueger's on-set birthday celebration for the current season.Source 1 People confirmed his return despite earlier rumors.Source 1 The event highlighted cast camaraderie.Source 1