Latest Entertainment News
Netflix Backs Warner Bros. Discovery Board's Rejection of Paramount Offer
Netflix welcomed the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Board's commitment to their $82.7 billion merger agreement, rejecting a revised Paramount Skydance offer as inferior. The deal includes WBD's studios, HBO, and HBO Max, expected to close in 12-18 months while separating Discovery Global in Q3 2026.
Netflix co-CEOs emphasized complementary strengths for better storytelling and industry growth.
WBD Board Recommends Shareholders Reject Paramount Tender Offer
Warner Bros. Discovery's Board unanimously advised rejecting Paramount Skydance's amended offer, deeming it inferior to Netflix's merger in value, costs, risks, and uncertainties. The Netflix deal offers $27.75 per WBD share in cash-and-stock.
This reaffirms the December 5, 2025 agreement amid ongoing regulatory reviews.
Free-Market Coalition Urges Approval of Netflix-WBD Acquisition
CEI and ATR led a coalition letter to Congress supporting Netflix's Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition for consumer benefits like lower costs and streamlined distribution. The deal would create economies of scale in entertainment production and global reach.
Regulators are urged not to interfere with this free-market transaction.
CES 2026 Spotlights AI's Role in Entertainment and Creativity
Entertainment leaders at CES 2026 discussed AI as a tool to enhance creativity rather than replace it, despite past Hollywood resistance. Speakers from Adobe and Lionsgate highlighted AI's potential for artists, comparing it to Photoshop's introduction.
Panels feature Netflix, Disney, WBD execs and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with AI-powered products on display.
Celebrity Birthdays: Nicolas Cage, Jeremy Renner Turn Ages Today
Nicolas Cage and Jeremy Renner celebrate birthdays on January 7, 2026, alongside stars like Lamar Jackson, Sofia Wylie, and Robert Sheehan. Renner, 55, is known for Hawkeye and Oscar-nominated Hurt Locker role, plus music career.
Wylie, 22, stars in High School Musical series; Sheehan, 38, in Umbrella Academy.
Top Comics This Week: Batman #5 Leads New Releases
Batman #5 tops comics for January 7, 2026, escalating stakes in Gotham with noir action. X-Men #23 explores 'Shadows of Tomorrow' era fallout and Cyclops developments.
Other highlights: Vampirella mystery, Nightmare Before Christmas #1 with new eerie tale.
Hulu Secures Streaming Rights for The Toxic Avenger
Hulu acquired streaming rights from Cineverse for The Toxic Avenger, debuting January 8, 2026. This adds to Hulu's lineup amid rising M&A in entertainment streaming.
The deal reflects accelerating 2026 deal momentum following $4.5 trillion in 2025 activity.
M&A Momentum Accelerates in Entertainment for 2026
Mergers and acquisitions in entertainment surge into 2026 after $4.5 trillion in 2025 deals across sectors. Netflix-WBD talks exemplify cautious ambition returning to the landscape.
Expect more huge takeovers boosting production scale and consumer access.
UK Film Industry Eyes Netflix-WBD Merger Impact
Netflix's $82.7bn Warner Bros. acquisition looms large for UK film in 2026, affecting theatrical, production, and studios. The deal could reshape commissioning and global dynamics.
Industry monitors regulatory progress with HSR filing underway.
Paulina Chavez from 'Landman' Chats on SA Live
San Antonio's Paulina Chavez, breakout star of 'Landman,' discussed her role and hometown pride on SA Live January 7, 2026. The show also featured local music at River North Icehouse and Jackie Not Marilyn performance.
Additional segments covered meal prep and workouts.
Gilley's Entertainment Venue Draws Crowds in Park City
Gilley's entertainment venue opened to large crowds in Park City over the holiday break, noted in top news. This local entertainment spot gains attention amid broader industry developments.
Student-produced news highlights its buzz.