| | | | | | What's news: One Battle After Another has sailed over the $100m mark at the global box office. Paramount Skydance has acquired The Free Press. Fox has canceled The Great North. Michiel Blanchart will direct the next Final Destination movie. And Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster have joined the cast of the Scrubs reboot. — Abid Rahman
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'Showgirl' Rocks Box Office With $33M, 'Smashing Machine' Flops ►Taylor up, Dwayne down. Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl album release event towered over the competition at the domestic box office with an estimated weekend bounty of $33m. Overseas, it earned a better-than-expected $13m for a global haul of $46m. Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl was graced with a coveted A+ CinemaScore, just as her history-making concert film Eras Tour was, and easily came in No. 1 thanks to her diehard fans.
Dwayne Johnson wasn’t as lucky. THR's Pamela McClintock writes that Johnson's new wrestling drama, The Smashing Machine, bombed in opening to an estimated $6m from 3,345 theaters, the worst wide start of his career despite his performance being praised as potentially Oscar worthy and following a splashy premiere in Venice. Heading into the weekend, tracking showed the A24 awards contender opening in the $12m to $14m, but it stalled after getting slapped with a B-CinemaScore and so-so exit polls.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically acclaimed awards contender One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, fell to second place in its sophomore outing as it crossed the $100m mark globally. The Warner Bros. film declined an estimated 49 percent to $11.1m in North America for a 10-day domestic tally of $42.8m; overseas, where it opened in select markets ahead of its domestic debut, OBAA added another $21.7m for a foreign tally of $58.9m and $101.7m globally. The movie is being closely scrutinized because of its $135m net production budget, which is by far the most money Anderson has ever been given. The box office report. |
WME to OpenAI: All Our Clients Are Opting Out of Sora 2 ►Legal minefield. OpenAI launched a new frenzy with the release of Sora 2, a video app that allows users to scan their face and place themselves in hyperrealistic clips. But Hollywood executives and talent agency chiefs have been more preoccupied with how easily Sora is now able to spit out regurgitated IP. THR's Erik Hayden reports that WME's head of digital strategy Chris Jacquemin sent a memo to agents last week saying that, in its conversations with OpenAI, the agency had alerted the tech giant that it was opting out all of its clients from the latest update of Sora. That memo, sent Oct. 1, was issued a day after the Sept. 30 unveiling of Sora 2, which launched as an invite-only TikTok-style app encouraging sharing with friends. By Friday, Sam Altman had presumably heard concerns from Hollywood IP rightsholders and issued a backtrack of his own on OpenAI's blog. The story.
—About that blog post. Late Friday night, OpenAI's Sam Altman posted an update to his blog explaining the Sora changes. “First, we will give rightsholders more granular control over generation of characters, similar to the opt-in model for likeness but with additional controls,” Altman wrote. “We are hearing from a lot of rightsholders who are very excited for this new kind of ‘interactive fan fiction’ and think this new kind of engagement will accrue a lot of value to them, but want the ability to specify how their characters can be used (including not at all).” The story. |
CBS News Staffers Brace for Bari Weiss ►Shakeup. Paramount Skydance has officially acquired The Free Press, the digital news publication founded by Bari Weiss, and will bring her in to the fold of CBS News. THR's Alex Weprin writes that the move, which had been expected for weeks, is nonetheless being greeted with dread inside the news division. Weiss will become editor-in-chief of CBS News, but will work outside the current org chart by reporting directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison. “I have to imagine she will be his eyes and ears inside CBS News,” one staffer at the company said. The Free Press will remain a standalone business outside of CBS News. The story.
—Roasting incoming. Federal Communications Chairman Brendan Carr has committed to appearing before the Senate Commerce Committee following remarks about Jimmy Kimmel that set off a free speech firestorm last month. The official will testify in front of the Senator Ted Cruz-chaired committee at an unspecified date, a committee representative confirmed. The story.
—On the move, again. HBO Max subscribers will lose their live CNN news programming next month. Two years after adding live CNN programming, the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service will cut its CNN Max offering beginning Nov. 17, the company says. The decision comes as CNN is set to launch a new direct-to-consumer streaming offering later this fall, and with CNN among the cable channels set to be cleaved off from WBD next year in the company’s split. Most live sports programming on HBO Max is also expected to leave the platform at some point as well, with Discovery Inc. developing plans for its own sports offering. The story.
—Arrested. Hours after it was revealed that Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was hospitalized following a stabbing incident on Saturday morning, he was arrested at the hospital later that afternoon. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department shared a statement on X that Sanchez was arrested for alleged battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication; all charges are misdemeanors. He remains at the hospital. Sanchez was injured around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street in Indianapolis. The incident reportedly involved two males, though only Sanchez’s identity was later released by the IMPD from the arrest. The story. |
Lesbian Stand-Up Expresses "Sincere Regret" for Riyadh Fest Performance ►"I hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued." Comedian Jessica Kirson, an openly gay veteran of the stand-up stage, has issued a statement expressing “sincere regret” for being among the more than 50 stars to participate in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. The event — currently taking place from Sept. 26-Oct. 9 and billed as the “world’s largest comedy festival” — welcomed a who’s who of comedians to the country. It has come under fire as word spread of its lineup, leading comedy world insiders like Marc Maron, David Cross and Atsuko Okatsuka to speak out against it. Cross cited Saudi Arabia’s “oppressive regime” and the country’s treatment of women, the LGBTQ community and journalists as cause for alarm. In a statement to THR , Kirson offered that she is “deeply sorry to all the fans and followers” hurt or disappointed by her decision to perform in Riyadh. The story.
—"I just feel like comedy is a great way to get in and start talking." Louis C.K. is also explaining why he decided to take part in the Riyadh Comedy Festival. During his Friday appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher , he defended his choice to perform at the comedy festival, acknowledging the wider conversation about the festival. “I had mixed feelings about it too. I struggled about going once I heard what everybody was saying,” C.K. said. “There’s some good in it, maybe some bad in it. But for me, I think it cuts toward going. That’s my decision, and I know where it’s coming from, because I can see right inside myself.” He added, “I love stand-up comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.” The story. |
'SNL': Bad Bunny Addresses Super Bowl Backlash ►"If you didn’t understand know what I just said, you have four months to learn!" Bad Bunny returned for his second stint hosting Saturday Night Live, where he addressed some of the backlash surrounding him being named the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner. The three-time Grammy winner poked fun at conservative criticism of him being tapped to perform at the big game, noting that everyone is excited about his performance. "You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show. And I’m very happy, and I think everybody’s happy about it," which led the crowd to erupt in applause, before he continued, "Even Fox News!" The recap.
—🎭 Filling up the roster. 🎭 The Scrubs reboot at ABC has added nine guest starring cast members. The revival of the 2000s comedy will have I Love That For You star Vanessa Bayer in the role of Sibby and Joel Kim Booster as Dr. Eric Park scrubbing in at Sacred Heart Hospital alongside Robert Maschio returning as Todd and Phill Lewis as Hooch. The new intern class will include Ava Bunn as Serena, Jacob Dudman as Asher, David Gridley in the role of Blake, Layla Mohammadi as Amara and Amanda Morrow as Dashana. They join Zach Braff already announced as John “J.D.” Dorian, Donald Faison as Christopher Turk and Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid. The story.
—🤝 Sold! 🤝Kim Kardashian is heading to Fox Nation, with the Fox News-owned streaming service acquiring the U.S. rights to Kardashian’s docuseries Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar. The series premieres on Fox Nation today. Rebel Superstar, which chronicles the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most recognizable figures, includes the first-ever filmed interview with Taylor’s son, Chris Wilding, alongside interviews with Dame Joan Collins, Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson. Kardashian, who conducted Taylor’s final interview in 2011, also appears in the series. The story.
—It's all over. Fox has canceled its animated series The Great North after five seasons on air. The news, which dropped on Friday, comes after Fox revealed their 2025-26 slate in May, with The Great North notably missing from its list of programming. The series hailed from Bob’s Burgers executive producers Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, while the series creator, Loren Bouchard served as an executive producer of the former show. Season five wrapped in mid-September. The story.
—🎭 One last ride. 🎭 HBO’s third, and final, season of the Lisa Kudrow comedy The Comeback has filled out its guest starring castmembers. Joining the comedy are John Early, Abbi Jacobson, Barry Shabaka Henley, Tony Macht, Brittany O’Grady, Zane Phillips and Julian Stern in a TV debut. They join already announced series regulars Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman and Damian Young 20 years after the first season debuted in 2005, and 10 years after season two. The Comeback stars Kudrow as Valerie Cherish, an actress who appeared on a hit sitcom in the early 1990s and who’s trying to make her way back into the spotlight. The story. |
Driver, Hathaway to Star in Amazon's 'Alone at Dawn' ►🎭 A-list leads. 🎭 Adam Driver and Anne Hathaway are set to star in Alone at Dawn, a war drama that Ron Howard is directing for Amazon MGM Studios. The feature project falls under Amazon MGM’s recently renewed first-look film deal with Brian Grazer and Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, which is one of the production entities backing the film. Alone at Dawn is based on the 2019 book of the same name and is inspired by the true story of Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and the intelligence officer who, years later, fought to secure him a Medal of Honor. Driver will portray Chapman, while Hathaway will be the officer. The story.
—Helmer found. The next installment of Final Destination has found its death dealer. Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart is the choice to direct New Line’s follow-up to Final Destination: Bloodlines. Sources say there is no offer just yet, but Blanchart, who will be making his English-language debut with the feature, bubbled to the top this week after a brief but intense search. Hollywood has been waiting to see who would direct the next installment after Bloodlines opened No. 1 globally, achieving the best opening weekend in the six-film series to become the highest-grossing entry in the 25-year-old Final Destination franchise. Released in May, the movie grossed over $314.6m at the worldwide box office. Lori Evans Taylor, who wrote Bloodlines along with Gary Busick, is penning the new script. The story.
—🎭 Three more. 🎭 Severance breakout Zach Cherry, True Detective co-star Kali Reis and I Love That for You's Johnno Wilson have joined the cast of Resident Evil, Sony Pictures and Zach Cregger’s reboot of the venerable horror franchise. Austin Abrams, who stole scenes as an unhoused drug addict in Cregger’s hit Weapons this past summer, is leading the feature, which is veering away from the previous adaptations and is meant to be a love letter to the original Capcom video games while using brand-new characters. Cregger is directing and wrote the script with Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4). The story. |
'Gilmore Girls' Turns 25 ►"The medicinal and therapeutic effects this show has on people are extraordinary and it’s deep." It’s October, which means only one thing: Gilmore Girls season. But this fall season also brings with it the 25th anniversary of the beloved dramedy. Not every show stands the test of time, and even fewer can say they’ve become synonymous with an entire season like Gilmore Girls . The series that centers on the strong and unique bond between mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, in the charmingly eccentric small fictional town of Stars Hollow successfully blends a nostalgic and comforting feeling with witty and rapid-fire dialogue. As the show celebrates the milestone anniversary, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Graham, Kelly Bishop and Scott Patterson talk to THR's Carly Thomas about how a random story pitch became a cult classic that has taken over autumn. The interview. |
TV Review: 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story' ►"A thematically ambitious mess." THR's chief TV critic Daniel Fienberg reviews Netflix's Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Focusing on the Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein, the figure who inspired Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and more, the show is the latest installment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Monster anthology series. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalf, Suzanna Son, Tom Hollander, Vicky Krieps, Olivia Williams and Lesley Manville. Created by Ian Brennan. The review.
—"A nice but underwhelming time." THR's Angie Han reviews Taylor Swift's Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. The musician debuts her self-directed music video for The Life of a Showgirl track "The Fate of Ophelia," alongside behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for her other tracks. Written by Taylor Swift. The review.
—"A gentle audience-pleaser." THR's chief film critic David Rooney reviews Maryam Touzani's Calle Málaga. Morocco's submission for best international feature consideration at the 2026 Oscars is a story of aging without surrender, set in the Spanish-speaking community of Tangier. Starring Carmen Maura, Marta Etura, Ahmed Boulane, María Alfonsa Rosso, La Imèn, Ghali Errazqi, Sanae Regragui, Fouad Menebhi and Abdelilah Iramdane. Written by Maryam Touzani and Nabil Ayouch. The review. |
TV Review: 'Mr. Scorsese' ►"Conventional but utterly engaging." Daniel Fienberg reviews Apple TV+'s Mr. Scorsese. Premiering at the New York Film Festival, Rebecca Miller's five-hour docuseries traces the legendary director's life and career from priestly aspirations to Oscar-winning greatness. The review.
—"Painful but insightful." THR's Frank Scheck reviews Alejandro Castro Arias' Harakiri, I Miss You. Three young men reveal their sexism and inability to connect in Arias' debut feature, receiving its world premiere at the Oldenburg International Film Festival. Starring Alejandro Castro Arias, Diego Salomon, Samuel Rotter, Ines Efron and Enrique San Francisco. Written by Alejandro Castro Arias and Diego Salomon. The review.
In other news...
—Taylor Swift releases video for "The Fate of Ophelia" on YouTube
—Santa Barbara: Michael B. Jordan tapped for Performer of the Year Award
—The new wave of celebrity bars shaking up Nashville
—Louie Provost joins Sony Pictures as exec vp of production
—Wrapbook hires Jeff Caruso as svp of studio sales and success
—Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Vice Principals actress, dies at 52
—Remo Girone, Italian actor in La Piovra and Ford v Ferrari, dies at 76
—Jim Mitchum, Thunder Road actor and son of Robert Mitchum, dies at 84
—Ike Turner Jr., Grammy winner and son of Ike and Tina Turner, dies at 67
—Jilly Cooper, British author of Rutshire Chronicles, dies at 88
What else we're reading...
—Ben Fritz goes inside L.A.'s entertainment economy, and reports that it is looking like a disaster movie [WSJ]
—Natalie Andrews, Joel Schectman and Brett Forrest report that the White House is worried over the growing influence of proud bigot Laura Loomer, as she turns her anger on MAGA stalwarts [WSJ]
—Tyler Foggatt asks the question we're all thinking: Do we still like Taylor Swift's music when she’s happy? [New Yorker]
—A lot of people have been waiting for Pitchfork's take on Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, and critic Anna Gaca doesn't hold back [Pitchfork]
—Reflecting on David Fincher's The Social Network, Gregory Wakeman looks at how the film predicted the future of tech [BBC]
Today...
...in 2000, CBS debuted a new procedural crime drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which would go on to span multiple spinoffs in the years since its premiere. The original review.
Today's birthdays: Ioan Gruffudd (🏴52), Addison Rae (25), Trey Edward Shults (37), Elisabeth Shue (62), Emily Mortimer (54), Jeremy Sisto (51), Olivia Thirlby (39), Jim Downey (73), Jacqueline Obradors (59), Amy Jo Johnson (55), Aya Asahina (32), Britt Ekland (83), Stefanie Martini (35), Bronagh Waugh (43), David Alpay (45), Mike Mitchell (43), Ida Engvoll (40), Raff Law (29), Luisa d'Oliveira (39), John Knoll (63), Hilary Jardine (42), Scarlett Hefner (35), Frances Tomelty (77), Matt Cornett (27), Wes Ramsey (48), Melia Kreiling (35), Fabrizio Sciarra (56), Honor Swinton Byrne (28), Jenny Wade (45), Michael Durrell (82), Jeff Bryan Davis (52), Chris Webster (39), Cheryl Texiera (43), Michael Arden (43), Paige Butcher (46), Carlena Britch (35), Rio Mangini (23), Sam Song Li (29), Lisa Pescia (71) |
| Patricia Routledge, the British actress best known for her role as social climber Hyacinth Bucket in sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died. She was 96. The obituary. |
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