Latest Entertainment News
Netflix–Warner Bros. Discovery megamerger advances amid regulatory and industry scrutiny
Warner Bros. Discovery’s board has reaffirmed its support for an approximately **US$82 billion all‑stock merger with Netflix**, rejecting a richer but highly leveraged rival offer from Paramount as too risky. The proposed deal, which would unite Warner’s film and TV library (including HBO) with Netflix’s global streaming platform, is prompting concerns in markets like India about shorter theatrical windows and increased concentration in streaming.
Golden Globe Awards spotlight: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas dominate red‑carpet buzz
At the **2026 Golden Globe Awards**, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas drew widespread attention with coordinated old‑Hollywood looks and affectionate red‑carpet moments that quickly trended on social media. Chopra, in a navy Dior gown with diamond jewelry, is also serving as a **presenter**, joining a high‑profile lineup that includes Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Miley Cyrus and Queen Latifah.
Samsung and Netflix launch exclusive ‘Stranger Things’ Galaxy theme to mark final season
Samsung and Netflix have released a free, limited‑time **‘Stranger Things’ theme and wallpapers** for Galaxy devices in 186 countries to celebrate the show’s final season. The collaboration follows the hit debut of Season 5 (Part 1) in late 2025, which topped Netflix’s global charts and made *Stranger Things* the first series in the platform’s history to have **all five seasons simultaneously in the Global Top 10** for five weeks.
Warner Bros. crosses $4 billion at global box office; film chiefs De Luca and Abdy re‑upped
Warner Bros. Discovery has become the **first studio to surpass US$4 billion in worldwide box‑office receipts** for 2025, after a strong run of tentpoles and original films. In recognition, CEO David Zaslav renewed the contracts of motion picture group co‑chairs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, crediting their leadership with restoring Warner Bros.’ reputation as a filmmaker‑driven studio.
Disney completes majority acquisition of Fubo, restructuring U.S. pay‑TV and sports streaming
Disney has closed its deal to acquire a **70% stake in FuboTV**, combining it with Hulu + Live TV to create the sixth‑largest U.S. pay‑television operator. Fubo’s management, led by CEO David Gandler, will run the merged live‑TV businesses—while Hulu’s on‑demand streaming service remains fully owned by Disney—and the companies have also settled prior litigation over a rival sports‑streaming joint venture.
Concerns grow in India over Netflix–Warner deal’s impact on theatrical windows
Indian film exhibitors and trade groups are voicing concern that a Netflix–Warner Bros. Discovery merger could **shorten cinema exclusivity periods** before films move to streaming. Stakeholders fear compressed windows could hurt box‑office revenues and the economics of mid‑budget and regional films, even as global streamers pursue aggressive content and distribution strategies in India.
Tech–entertainment tie‑ups expand as device makers court streaming superfans
The new *Stranger Things* Galaxy theme underscores a broader **device–streaming integration trend**, where phone makers partner with studios and platforms for exclusive, fandom‑driven content. Samsung and Netflix highlight the initiative as part of a long‑running partnership that previously included themes for other hit titles, signaling how hardware firms are using entertainment IP to differentiate user experiences.
Awards‑season positioning: Netflix’s bid for Warner seen as potential Oscars powerhouse move
Industry analysts note that Netflix’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery would give it control of **HBO and Warner’s prestige film slate**, significantly bolstering its awards profile. Trade reporting suggests such a combination could reshape the 2027 Oscars race by consolidating many top contenders under one streaming‑centric corporate umbrella, though regulators and rivals are closely watching the deal.
ABC News Live Prime lines up entertainment‑heavy guest slate for coming week
*ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis* has announced a guest lineup featuring actors Grace Van Patten, Jackson White and Joseph Sikora, as well as WWE star and actor CM Punk. Segments will promote current projects like *Tell Me Lies* and *Power Book IV: Force* while also tackling wider cultural and geopolitical issues in the show’s nightly “Prime Focus” feature.
Philippines’ entertainment pages highlight new local film co‑production and showbiz items
The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s entertainment section is leading with local showbiz briefs, including news that politician‑producer Chavit Singson will **co‑produce a new film** starring Shuvee Etrata and Bianca Manalo. The column also mixes lifestyle and lottery stories, reflecting the close intertwining of mass‑market entertainment, celebrity culture and everyday news in the country’s media landscape.