A 15-year-old “Lord of the Rings” fan film titled “The Hunt for Gollum” is back online and streaming on YouTube after it was temporarily blocked in the aftermath of Warner Bros. revealing its next “Rings” movie has the same title (via Entertainment Weekly). The fan film, which centers on Gandalf tasking Aragorn with hunting down Gollum before the latter can find Frodo and the One Ring, has earned 13 million views since its debut more than a decade ago.
The fan-created “Hunt for Gollum” was unavailable to watch on May 9 after Warner Bros. announced Andy Serkis is starring in and directing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Viewers got the following message on the fan film: “This video contains content from Warner Bros. Entertainment, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.” The fan film was restored on YouTube by the morning of May 10.
Warner Bros.’ new “Rings” movie...
The fan-created “Hunt for Gollum” was unavailable to watch on May 9 after Warner Bros. announced Andy Serkis is starring in and directing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Viewers got the following message on the fan film: “This video contains content from Warner Bros. Entertainment, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.” The fan film was restored on YouTube by the morning of May 10.
Warner Bros.’ new “Rings” movie...
- 5/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and one of Hollywood’s most outspoken voices in the fight against antisemitism, will be honored at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala.
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
At the annual fundraiser for Swc, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.
Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went...
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Lord of the Rings franchise is set to add another project to its league, which is set to be out in 2026. Titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, it is starring and directed by original Gollum actor Andy Serkis. However, the project is garnering a negative spotlight due to what Warner Bros did after announcing the project.
Gollum from The Lord of the Rings
Just one day after the studio announced the upcoming project, a fan-made movie of the same name was taken down from YouTube, which didn’t fit well among fans.
A New Lord of the Rings Movie Has Been Announced!
The original The Lord of the Rings trilogy filmmaker, Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. As reported by Variety, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav made a surprise...
Gollum from The Lord of the Rings
Just one day after the studio announced the upcoming project, a fan-made movie of the same name was taken down from YouTube, which didn’t fit well among fans.
A New Lord of the Rings Movie Has Been Announced!
The original The Lord of the Rings trilogy filmmaker, Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. As reported by Variety, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav made a surprise...
- 5/10/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Warner Bros. Discovery is jumping on the Middle Earth bandwagon again as the company reveals the next Lord of the Rings project. The fans must not expect the film in 2026, according to the announcement. Hopefully, it won’t get delayed. The story will roam around the stinky Ring enthusiast Gollum.
Peter Jackson, creator of the original LoTR trilogy, along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, have joined the production and “will be involved every step of the way,” as per David Zaslav, Wbd CEO. Details about the project also highlight that they won’t be revisiting the existing storylines but exploring what is yet to be told from Professor Tolkien’s mythology.
The Next Lord of The Rings Film Should do Some Good For The Ring Enthusiast
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum was never an Aaa game.
We never liked Gollum, but that’s the way the character...
Peter Jackson, creator of the original LoTR trilogy, along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, have joined the production and “will be involved every step of the way,” as per David Zaslav, Wbd CEO. Details about the project also highlight that they won’t be revisiting the existing storylines but exploring what is yet to be told from Professor Tolkien’s mythology.
The Next Lord of The Rings Film Should do Some Good For The Ring Enthusiast
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum was never an Aaa game.
We never liked Gollum, but that’s the way the character...
- 5/10/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
Andy Serkis will return to his critically acclaimed motion capture role of Gollum in the newly announced Lord of the Rings film, titled The Hunt for Gollum. Serkis, not only returns as an actor, but he takes on the new role of director of this film. The original Lotr director Peter Jackson will serve as a producer of the film alongside his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Interestingly, the film may feature two prominent characters from the original trilogy.
Andy Serkis’ Gollum from The Lord of the Rings will return in a new film, titled The Hunt for Gollum
From the title, it is expected that the film will explore J.R.R. Tolkien’s storyline from the book The Fellowship of the Ring involving Gollum and Aragorn. Gandalf the Grey tasks Aragorn with the challenging job of finding Gollum in the Middle-earth.
Andy Serkis’ The Hunt For Gollum Could Bring...
Andy Serkis’ Gollum from The Lord of the Rings will return in a new film, titled The Hunt for Gollum
From the title, it is expected that the film will explore J.R.R. Tolkien’s storyline from the book The Fellowship of the Ring involving Gollum and Aragorn. Gandalf the Grey tasks Aragorn with the challenging job of finding Gollum in the Middle-earth.
Andy Serkis’ The Hunt For Gollum Could Bring...
- 5/10/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
WB’s live-service video game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was one of the most anticipated video games of the year. However, upon its release, the game did not quite meet the expectations of the fans, though the idea sounds quite intriguing on paper, it could not be executed properly. This is quite surprising because the game is developed by Rocksteady Studios, the same studio that developed the Batman: Arkham trilogy.
A still from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Credits: Steam
To add to the game’s disappointment, it has mixed reviews on Steam, coming directly from DC fans, where they voice their annoyance at the performance of the live service game not matching Batman: Arkham Universe. David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery has come forward to express the disappointing figures that the game has generated.
David Zaslav Criticizes Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Over...
A still from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Credits: Steam
To add to the game’s disappointment, it has mixed reviews on Steam, coming directly from DC fans, where they voice their annoyance at the performance of the live service game not matching Batman: Arkham Universe. David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery has come forward to express the disappointing figures that the game has generated.
David Zaslav Criticizes Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Over...
- 5/10/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has absolutely stumbled upon the expectations of the fans. This title from Rocksteady Studios, which also made the legendary Batman Arkham series, was one of the most highly anticipated titles from the franchise.
However, with an auto-completion bug and being infested with several server issues, the game only scored 60 (consoles) and 63 (PC) on Metacritic. Players didn’t take the game in a good manner either. And due to this huge failure, this game has also caused a huge revenue loss.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Resulted in $200 Million Revenue Loss
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a big blow for Warner Bros.
During the Q1 earnings report of the Studios division, David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, stated that after the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the company has faced a revenue loss of a staggering $200 million. The...
However, with an auto-completion bug and being infested with several server issues, the game only scored 60 (consoles) and 63 (PC) on Metacritic. Players didn’t take the game in a good manner either. And due to this huge failure, this game has also caused a huge revenue loss.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Resulted in $200 Million Revenue Loss
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a big blow for Warner Bros.
During the Q1 earnings report of the Studios division, David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, stated that after the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the company has faced a revenue loss of a staggering $200 million. The...
- 5/10/2024
- by Nilendu Brahma
- FandomWire
Andy Serkis is returning to the 'Lord of The Rings' franchise to star in and direct a new movie based around his character Gollum.The actor is stepping behind the camera to take charge of 'Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' - the first of several new films in the series being planned by Warner Bros. - with the original trilogy's director Peter Jackson set to be involved in the production alongside his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens who will pen the screenplay.Andy said in a statement: "Yesssss, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle-earth Peter, Fran and Philippa. "With Mike and Pam [Warner Bros chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy], and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside [special effects company] Weta and our film making family in New Zealand,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
As wonderful as X-Men ’97 has been, even the most devoted Marvel Zombie has to admit that the gold standard of superhero animation remains Batman: The Animated Series. Created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, the show told some of the all-time greatest stories about the Dark Knight, and even launched an ongoing universe with Justice League, Batman Beyond, and Static Shock.
So when Warner Bros. announced Batman: Caped Crusader from Timm, fans took notice, especially with J.J. Abrams and The Batman director Matt Reeves on board as producers. Despite a near disaster when Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav declined to distribute the completed series, as is his wont, the show found a home on Amazon Prime Video.
Even better, we now know when the series is premiering on the streamer: Aug. 1. We also have our first look at the characters and setting of Batman: The Caped Crusader, which blends...
So when Warner Bros. announced Batman: Caped Crusader from Timm, fans took notice, especially with J.J. Abrams and The Batman director Matt Reeves on board as producers. Despite a near disaster when Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav declined to distribute the completed series, as is his wont, the show found a home on Amazon Prime Video.
Even better, we now know when the series is premiering on the streamer: Aug. 1. We also have our first look at the characters and setting of Batman: The Caped Crusader, which blends...
- 5/9/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Willy Wonka, the eccentric founder of the Wonka Chocolate Factory from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has been played by Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp and Timothée Chalamet on the big screen.
He’s now set to come to the small-screen in a much different way.
Deadline understands that Netflix is preparing a reality competition series based on the Roald Dahl story. This comes after the streamer acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021.
The expansive project is the latest example of a burgeoning trend in the unscripted market in the U.S. – The Bake-Off.
We hear that Netflix went out to a number of production companies, believed to include American Idol producer Fremantle, Wall to Wall, the British production company behind Who Do You Think You Are?, Nobody’s Hero, the production company behind Netflix’s Bullsh*t: The Game Show and Snack vs. Chef, and The Garden, which was...
He’s now set to come to the small-screen in a much different way.
Deadline understands that Netflix is preparing a reality competition series based on the Roald Dahl story. This comes after the streamer acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021.
The expansive project is the latest example of a burgeoning trend in the unscripted market in the U.S. – The Bake-Off.
We hear that Netflix went out to a number of production companies, believed to include American Idol producer Fremantle, Wall to Wall, the British production company behind Who Do You Think You Are?, Nobody’s Hero, the production company behind Netflix’s Bullsh*t: The Game Show and Snack vs. Chef, and The Garden, which was...
- 5/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Consolidation is coming to the streaming industry. Bloomberg has reported that Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery will join forces to offer a super-sized streaming bundle that will include Max, Disney+, and Hulu.
The bundle will go on sale over the summer. Buyers will be able to choose between the ad-free and ad-supported tiers for each of the services. The two media corporations behind the bundle have not revealed a price tag for it yet. If it’s anything like the preexisting Disney Bundle, it will offer savings compared to the combined prices of the included subscriptions.
The reveal of the upcoming offering comes days after Disney announced it would bring some ESPN content to Disney+. ESPN’s status within the upcoming bundle is unclear, but Bloomberg noted that Disney, Warner Bros, and Fox are planning to launch a sports-focused streaming service “later this year.”
Consolidation is currently the name of...
The bundle will go on sale over the summer. Buyers will be able to choose between the ad-free and ad-supported tiers for each of the services. The two media corporations behind the bundle have not revealed a price tag for it yet. If it’s anything like the preexisting Disney Bundle, it will offer savings compared to the combined prices of the included subscriptions.
The reveal of the upcoming offering comes days after Disney announced it would bring some ESPN content to Disney+. ESPN’s status within the upcoming bundle is unclear, but Bloomberg noted that Disney, Warner Bros, and Fox are planning to launch a sports-focused streaming service “later this year.”
Consolidation is currently the name of...
- 5/9/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
It's been a long time coming but we've finally got our first real look at "Batman: Caped Crusader." The upcoming animated series from "Batman: The Animated Series" co-creator Bruce Timm and producers J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves has encountered a few setbacks on its journey to release, but is now set to debut on August 1, 2024, on Amazon's Prime Video.
Details about "Batman: Caped Crusader" were first revealed at DC FanDome back in 2021, where we were promised a show that would tell a whole new story rather than continuing where "Btas" left off. Timm also characterized the show as "more 'Batman: [The] Animated Series' than 'Batman: [The] Animated Series,'" revealing that "Caped Crusader" would return to the "original principles" of the '90s show but would have no limitations in terms of "adult content," "violence," and "adult themes." During its 1992 to 1995, "Btas" had to carefully navigate the Fox censors, who...
Details about "Batman: Caped Crusader" were first revealed at DC FanDome back in 2021, where we were promised a show that would tell a whole new story rather than continuing where "Btas" left off. Timm also characterized the show as "more 'Batman: [The] Animated Series' than 'Batman: [The] Animated Series,'" revealing that "Caped Crusader" would return to the "original principles" of the '90s show but would have no limitations in terms of "adult content," "violence," and "adult themes." During its 1992 to 1995, "Btas" had to carefully navigate the Fox censors, who...
- 5/9/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Fans of The Lord of the Rings franchise are starting to get baffled by the onslaught of new movies coming their way. After Warner Bros. announced The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, fans are getting another one with Andy Serkis at the helm.
Gollum from The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is confirmed to be a working title, although it seems the project is truly coming to life after Wbd CEO David Zaslav revealed its tentative 2026 release.
Andy Serkis To Direct The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
In a statement released by renowned director Peter Jackson and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, they announced the return to Middle-earth with the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum with Andy Serkis (via IndieWire):
“It is an honour and a privilege to...
Gollum from The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is confirmed to be a working title, although it seems the project is truly coming to life after Wbd CEO David Zaslav revealed its tentative 2026 release.
Andy Serkis To Direct The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
In a statement released by renowned director Peter Jackson and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, they announced the return to Middle-earth with the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum with Andy Serkis (via IndieWire):
“It is an honour and a privilege to...
- 5/9/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Disney and Wbd shocked the world this week by announcing the first cross-company bundle of streaming services in the industry’s history.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has fulfilled his own prophecy: Nearly a year ago to the day, Zaslav told observers at a tech conference that he believed streaming services would be compelled to bundle together in the near future, as market forces would dictate a consolidation of the streaming industry. That outcome has largely come to pass, as a market saturated with on-demand services and an increased focus on profitability has left some entertainment executives searching for answers. Disney and Wbd decided to take matters into their own hands this week, announcing on Wednesday that they would launch a bundle of Disney+, Max, and Hulu at some point this summer. The move appears intended to help both companies reduce churn for their streamers, and The Streamable’s...
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has fulfilled his own prophecy: Nearly a year ago to the day, Zaslav told observers at a tech conference that he believed streaming services would be compelled to bundle together in the near future, as market forces would dictate a consolidation of the streaming industry. That outcome has largely come to pass, as a market saturated with on-demand services and an increased focus on profitability has left some entertainment executives searching for answers. Disney and Wbd decided to take matters into their own hands this week, announcing on Wednesday that they would launch a bundle of Disney+, Max, and Hulu at some point this summer. The move appears intended to help both companies reduce churn for their streamers, and The Streamable’s...
- 5/9/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Warner Bros. Discovery, the entertainment giant led by CEO David Zaslav, has been a work-in-progress since the mega-merger of Discovery and AT&T’s WarnerMedia that created it in April 2022. Its latest earnings report and call didn’t seem to change that sentiment much, but its management team signaled a focus on a creative reinvigoration thanks to Middle-earth.
On Thursday, company shares were trading lower after it reported mixed first-quarter results, including lower-than-expected total revenue and earnings, but also higher direct-to-consumer (Dtc) unit earnings and subscribers. However, by mid-day, the stock had made a comeback, eking out a gain of 1.7 percent to $7.93 by 12:30 p.m. Et, possibly thanks to Zaslav sharing on the earnings call that the company was “in the early stages of script development” with Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis for new Lord of the Rings movies that are expected to be ready for release in 2026 and will...
On Thursday, company shares were trading lower after it reported mixed first-quarter results, including lower-than-expected total revenue and earnings, but also higher direct-to-consumer (Dtc) unit earnings and subscribers. However, by mid-day, the stock had made a comeback, eking out a gain of 1.7 percent to $7.93 by 12:30 p.m. Et, possibly thanks to Zaslav sharing on the earnings call that the company was “in the early stages of script development” with Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis for new Lord of the Rings movies that are expected to be ready for release in 2026 and will...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We got confirmation that more live-action movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy adventure novels, The Lord of the Rings, were officially in-development last year, and it's now been announced that the first film will hit theaters in 2026 - with Andy Serkis set to direct and reprise the role of Gollum!
Original Lotr trilogy director Peter Jackson and his writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are also on board as producers, and “will be involved every step of the way” according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
"Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful and revered franchises in history and presents a significant opportunity for theatrical business,” added the Wbd boss.
The movie's working title is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which should give you a pretty good idea of what the story will focus on! This time period wasn't...
Original Lotr trilogy director Peter Jackson and his writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are also on board as producers, and “will be involved every step of the way” according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
"Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful and revered franchises in history and presents a significant opportunity for theatrical business,” added the Wbd boss.
The movie's working title is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which should give you a pretty good idea of what the story will focus on! This time period wasn't...
- 5/9/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
The man behind ‘Lord of the Rings’ character Gollum, actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis has been set to direct the spin-off ‘The Hunt for Gollum’.
Serkis will also be returning to his iconic role as Gollum.
The script is currently in early development at Warner Bros from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav stated. He went on to say that the original ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way.”
Also in news – Peter Farrelly set to direct movie inspired by the making of ‘Rocky’
“Yesssss, Precious,” Serkis said. “The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter,...
Serkis will also be returning to his iconic role as Gollum.
The script is currently in early development at Warner Bros from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav stated. He went on to say that the original ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way.”
Also in news – Peter Farrelly set to direct movie inspired by the making of ‘Rocky’
“Yesssss, Precious,” Serkis said. “The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle Earth Peter,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
A new report indicates sources in the sports and media world are increasingly convinced the NBA is about to depart TNT.
So will there be a new version of “Roundball Rock,” or will NBC just dust off the John Tesh original starting in 2025? That decision could be on the minds of Comcast executives these days, as they attempt to win a package of NBA rights in the basketball league’s next national broadcasting deal. The company has lodged a $2.5 billion per year bid for a bundle that would include regular season and playoff games, but it has to worry about a challenge from Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been broadcasting NBA games for nearly 35 years. A new report from the Sports Business Journal reveals that NBC is currently in the lead NBA’s third parcel of games, and details how messy the fight between the two contenders just might get.
So will there be a new version of “Roundball Rock,” or will NBC just dust off the John Tesh original starting in 2025? That decision could be on the minds of Comcast executives these days, as they attempt to win a package of NBA rights in the basketball league’s next national broadcasting deal. The company has lodged a $2.5 billion per year bid for a bundle that would include regular season and playoff games, but it has to worry about a challenge from Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been broadcasting NBA games for nearly 35 years. A new report from the Sports Business Journal reveals that NBC is currently in the lead NBA’s third parcel of games, and details how messy the fight between the two contenders just might get.
- 5/9/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Warner Bros. Discovery has kicked off the script development process for a new series of Lord of the Rings films. During a first-quarter earnings review, the company revealed the working title for the first installment of the upcoming release slate, a film tentatively titled: Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
According to CEO David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Pictures’ goal is to have the film ready for release by 2026 in partnership with New Line Cinema. He added that the slate of movies with “explore storylines yet to be told,...
According to CEO David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Pictures’ goal is to have the film ready for release by 2026 in partnership with New Line Cinema. He added that the slate of movies with “explore storylines yet to be told,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix used to say its goal was to become HBO faster than HBO could become Netflix.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.S. is emblematic of a “restructuring of how people view content,” he said.
“It does feel like this is a moment, a moment in terms of what the next year two years will bring,” Zaslav said. “You know I said a while back that this is a generational disruption.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.S. is emblematic of a “restructuring of how people view content,” he said.
“It does feel like this is a moment, a moment in terms of what the next year two years will bring,” Zaslav said. “You know I said a while back that this is a generational disruption.
- 5/9/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery has pulled back on kids and family content in recent years, making a partnership with Disney a perfect fit.
Two decades ago, the question of how you got your entertainment was a much easier one to answer. While the specific delivery apparatus might have been far less flexible, you knew that — with the exception of a few premium add-on channels — if you had a cable or satellite subscription, you had access to pretty much every channel you could possibly want. Then in the 2010s, media conglomerates began trying to emulate the success of Netflix, so they all launched their own streaming services and tried to create platforms that could appeal to every member of a family in order to become an indispensable part of every household’s daily viewing routine. However, the path to streaming profitability has been a long, arduous, and difficult one, so the same...
Two decades ago, the question of how you got your entertainment was a much easier one to answer. While the specific delivery apparatus might have been far less flexible, you knew that — with the exception of a few premium add-on channels — if you had a cable or satellite subscription, you had access to pretty much every channel you could possibly want. Then in the 2010s, media conglomerates began trying to emulate the success of Netflix, so they all launched their own streaming services and tried to create platforms that could appeal to every member of a family in order to become an indispensable part of every household’s daily viewing routine. However, the path to streaming profitability has been a long, arduous, and difficult one, so the same...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Andy Serkis is set to direct the first of a pair of new Lord Of The Rings films based on his most precious character – Gollum.
It’s a good day to be a Lord Of The Rings fan. First, Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav revealed in an earnings call that we’re getting a new Middle-earth film in 2026 – one based on “storylines yet to be told”, apparently. Very cryptic.
Or it was, until the company’s marketing department announced who’s involved in the first film, now provisionally titled Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum. In short, it’s everyone from the first two Middle-earth trilogies.
Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are back in the producers’ chair (more likely a sofa), with Walsh and Boyens reprising their scriptwriting roles from The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit and, as you’d expect for the character who made his name,...
It’s a good day to be a Lord Of The Rings fan. First, Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav revealed in an earnings call that we’re getting a new Middle-earth film in 2026 – one based on “storylines yet to be told”, apparently. Very cryptic.
Or it was, until the company’s marketing department announced who’s involved in the first film, now provisionally titled Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum. In short, it’s everyone from the first two Middle-earth trilogies.
Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are back in the producers’ chair (more likely a sofa), with Walsh and Boyens reprising their scriptwriting roles from The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit and, as you’d expect for the character who made his name,...
- 5/9/2024
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
New Lord of the Rings Movie In the Works with Andy Serkis Set to Direct - Main Image
Warner Bros. has announced that a new Lord of the Rings movie is in the works with the key players from the original trilogy involved to shepherd the next installment in the franchise.
For the past few years, the studio has been working to revive the Lord of the Rings franchise and develop more movies based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books.
The new films are not expected to have any connection to the Prime Video series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, which is set thousands of years before the events of the novels.
Also Read: Superman: James Gunn Unveils Man of Steel's Dcu Suit
Andy Serkis to Direct New Lord of the Rings Movie, 2026 Release Set
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed this...
Warner Bros. has announced that a new Lord of the Rings movie is in the works with the key players from the original trilogy involved to shepherd the next installment in the franchise.
For the past few years, the studio has been working to revive the Lord of the Rings franchise and develop more movies based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books.
The new films are not expected to have any connection to the Prime Video series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, which is set thousands of years before the events of the novels.
Also Read: Superman: James Gunn Unveils Man of Steel's Dcu Suit
Andy Serkis to Direct New Lord of the Rings Movie, 2026 Release Set
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed this...
- 5/9/2024
- EpicStream
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said the forthcoming bundle of Wbd’s Max and Disney’s Hulu and Disney+, marks a “moment” for programmers in the streaming wars.
“It does feel like this is a moment,” Zaslav said, “in terms of what the next year, two years, will bring.” A “restructuring” is under way in streaming, he added, and “the business will look a lot different in two to three years. It will be a lot better for consumers.”
Jb Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at Wbd, said the new bundle would be an “anchor tenant” in most streaming households.
The execs delivered the remarks during the company’s first-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts. Wbd came up short of forecasts in the quarter due to comparisons with the 2023 period and a flattening of streaming revenue.
Across the industry, Zaslav said, “there’s always...
“It does feel like this is a moment,” Zaslav said, “in terms of what the next year, two years, will bring.” A “restructuring” is under way in streaming, he added, and “the business will look a lot different in two to three years. It will be a lot better for consumers.”
Jb Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at Wbd, said the new bundle would be an “anchor tenant” in most streaming households.
The execs delivered the remarks during the company’s first-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts. Wbd came up short of forecasts in the quarter due to comparisons with the 2023 period and a flattening of streaming revenue.
Across the industry, Zaslav said, “there’s always...
- 5/9/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis, who became famous for his turn as Gollum in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies, has been tapped to direct and star in the new "Lord of the Rings" film "Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," as reported by Variety. Jackson will also be heavily involved in the new round of "Lord of the Rings" movies, and will have a producer credit on "The Hunt for Gollum." Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" co-writers Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh are also producing "The Hunt for Gollum" and are currently developing the script with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. This news comes from the latest earnings call for Warner Bros. Discovery, in which company CEO David Zaslav said that Jackson, Boyens, and Walsh "will be involved every step of the way" with the new "Lord of the Rings" movies.
- 5/9/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
“Human sacrifice. Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria!”
Two of the biggest studios in the world are teaming up in an effort to wring maximum profitability out of their respective direct-to-consumer platforms.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to launch a new streaming bundle this summer that will combine the Disney+, Hulu, and Max streaming services. Specific pricing is still to be determined, but there will be both ad-free and ad-supported options of the bundle.
“On the heels of the very successful launch of Hulu on Disney+, this new bundle with Max will offer subscribers even more choice and value,” said Joe Earley, president of direct to consumer for Disney Entertainment. “This incredible new partnership puts subscribers first, giving them access to blockbuster films, originals, and three massive libraries featuring the very best brands and entertainment in streaming today.”
“This new offering delivers for consumers the greatest collection...
Two of the biggest studios in the world are teaming up in an effort to wring maximum profitability out of their respective direct-to-consumer platforms.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to launch a new streaming bundle this summer that will combine the Disney+, Hulu, and Max streaming services. Specific pricing is still to be determined, but there will be both ad-free and ad-supported options of the bundle.
“On the heels of the very successful launch of Hulu on Disney+, this new bundle with Max will offer subscribers even more choice and value,” said Joe Earley, president of direct to consumer for Disney Entertainment. “This incredible new partnership puts subscribers first, giving them access to blockbuster films, originals, and three massive libraries featuring the very best brands and entertainment in streaming today.”
“This new offering delivers for consumers the greatest collection...
- 5/9/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Warner Bros. Discovery added two million direct-to-consumer subscribers in Q1 and it didn’t even have Anduril, Flame of the West to rally its following. Yet.
As part of the quarterly earnings call this morning, Wbd CEO David Zaslav let us gaze into his palantir and see a bit of the future his development execs have planned for future films set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. First up, and planned for a 2026 release, “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis, who shot to fame playing the title character himself. Warner Bros. does caveat that “The Hunt for Gollum” is a working title.
Serkis has been one of the leading pioneers of motion-capture technology with his performance of the split-personality villain, one of the most popular characters of the entire saga powered by the actor’s unique, squeaky-gravelly voice and Tolkien’s exceptional writing, adapted...
As part of the quarterly earnings call this morning, Wbd CEO David Zaslav let us gaze into his palantir and see a bit of the future his development execs have planned for future films set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. First up, and planned for a 2026 release, “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis, who shot to fame playing the title character himself. Warner Bros. does caveat that “The Hunt for Gollum” is a working title.
Serkis has been one of the leading pioneers of motion-capture technology with his performance of the split-personality villain, one of the most popular characters of the entire saga powered by the actor’s unique, squeaky-gravelly voice and Tolkien’s exceptional writing, adapted...
- 5/9/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has announced that the next “Lord of The Rings” movie is aiming for a theatrical release in 2026 and will have the creative involvement of filmmaker Peter Jackson, who co-wrote and directed all six Middle-Earth feature films based on the beloved high-fantasy novels of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. The new movie is only in the “early stages of script development” and will be titled “The Lord of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum,” which will feature the return of Andy Serkis in the iconic role.
Continue reading ‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Andy Serkis To Direct & Star In New Film Coming 2026; Peter Jackson Producing at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’: Andy Serkis To Direct & Star In New Film Coming 2026; Peter Jackson Producing at The Playlist.
- 5/9/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Update: Well, that didn’t take long. Apparently, the first new Lord of the Rings movie we’ll be seeing from WB will be a Gollum spin-off feature starring Andy Serkis, who will also direct. The film, which is called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is set for 2026, and in addition to Serkis, the film will also boast a screenplay by original Lotr writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. Peter Jackson will produce. Here’s the official release from WB (via Deadline):
“For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have shown towards protecting the legacy of Tolkien’s works, and to ensure audiences could experience the incredible world he created in a way that honors his literary vision. We are honored they have agreed be our partners on these two new films.
“For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have shown towards protecting the legacy of Tolkien’s works, and to ensure audiences could experience the incredible world he created in a way that honors his literary vision. We are honored they have agreed be our partners on these two new films.
- 5/9/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
It looks like Warner Bros. Discovery is going back for second breakfast.
Variety reported that fast work is underway for a new “Lord of the Rings” film, with Warner Bros. hoping to get it into theaters within two years. The project will focus on the character of Gollum/Smeagol and comes from director Andy Serkis, the actor who played the character in the early films.
Script development for the film, tentatively titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” is underway, according to CEO David Zaslav, who spoke about the new project during the Wbd earning call. Moreover, the originators of the Oscar-winning trilogy (and highly profitable “Hobbit” prequel trilogy) director Peter Jackson and co-writers Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.”
Amazon famously bought the rights to all things Middle Earth in late 2017 directly from the Tolkien estate for $250 million. This...
Variety reported that fast work is underway for a new “Lord of the Rings” film, with Warner Bros. hoping to get it into theaters within two years. The project will focus on the character of Gollum/Smeagol and comes from director Andy Serkis, the actor who played the character in the early films.
Script development for the film, tentatively titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” is underway, according to CEO David Zaslav, who spoke about the new project during the Wbd earning call. Moreover, the originators of the Oscar-winning trilogy (and highly profitable “Hobbit” prequel trilogy) director Peter Jackson and co-writers Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.”
Amazon famously bought the rights to all things Middle Earth in late 2017 directly from the Tolkien estate for $250 million. This...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Updated with working title, film details: The first of two new Lotr films at Warner — working title Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum — will be directed by and star Andy Serkis, with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens set to write the screenplay, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim). The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins, with Serkis and The Imaginarium’s Jonathan Cavendish.
Peter Jackson will produce along with Walsh and Boyens, Wbd said in a release that fleshed out comments on the project by Wbd CEO David Zaslav earlier today.
Said Warner Bros. Motion Pictures heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, “For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have...
Peter Jackson will produce along with Walsh and Boyens, Wbd said in a release that fleshed out comments on the project by Wbd CEO David Zaslav earlier today.
Said Warner Bros. Motion Pictures heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, “For over two-decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran and Philippa have...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Breaking Update: According to Variety, the next Lord Of The Rings film will be titled The Hunt For Gollum – and is set to be directed by and star Andy Serkis. The original story is here as follows:
———
Toot the horns, light the beacons: Warner Bros is officially heading back to Middle-earth. And not just in this year’s animated big-screen outing The War Of The Rohirrim. The powers that be are pursuing another trilogy of films set in Jrr Tolkien’s fantasy world, following in the footsteps of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and The Hobbit movies – and while it’s all in early stages, things look to be developing fast. According to reports, the first of the new films is aiming for a release in 2026, and Peter Jackson – along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens – will be involved in a producing capacity.
What exactly the films will entail is entirely under wraps.
———
Toot the horns, light the beacons: Warner Bros is officially heading back to Middle-earth. And not just in this year’s animated big-screen outing The War Of The Rohirrim. The powers that be are pursuing another trilogy of films set in Jrr Tolkien’s fantasy world, following in the footsteps of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and The Hobbit movies – and while it’s all in early stages, things look to be developing fast. According to reports, the first of the new films is aiming for a release in 2026, and Peter Jackson – along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens – will be involved in a producing capacity.
What exactly the films will entail is entirely under wraps.
- 5/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Warner Bros. has confirmed that a new Lord of the Rings film, produced by Peter Jackson, is targeting a 2026 release. Titled The Hunt for Gollum, the film will be directed by and star Andy Serkis, who will reprise his character from the original trilogy.
During an earnings call on Thursday, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav divulged that the film is “now in the early stages of script development” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
Jackson, who helmed the original Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way,” Zaslav added.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy book series, the original Lord of the Rings trilogy was released in the early 2000s, grossing nearly 3 billion worldwide. The Hobbit trilogy followed in the early 2010s and proved just as successful at the box office.
During an earnings call on Thursday, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav divulged that the film is “now in the early stages of script development” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
Jackson, who helmed the original Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way,” Zaslav added.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy book series, the original Lord of the Rings trilogy was released in the early 2000s, grossing nearly 3 billion worldwide. The Hobbit trilogy followed in the early 2010s and proved just as successful at the box office.
- 5/9/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Warner Bros. has made it official: It will be returning to Middle-earth.
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. will release the first of its new batch of live-action “The Lord of the Rings” films in 2026, which will focus on Andy Serkis’ Gollum.
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery closed out the round of quarterly earnings reports from companies that own top streaming services in the United States on Thursday. The company’s executives held their annual conference call to discuss Wbd’s earnings with Wall Street analysts Thursday morning and revealed that it had gained 2.0 million global streaming subscribers during the quarter.
As is always the case, Wbd declined to break out how many subscribers were on Max and discovery+ individually. But it did tell analysts that its domestic streaming customer base had risen by 700,000 customers to hit 52.7 million. Its new global total is 99.6M, up from the 97.7 million the company claimed following the conclusion of 2023.
Despite the subscriber increases, Wbd streamers saw their average revenue per user decline to $7.83 in the quarter, a dip from last quarter’s $7.94. That loss was completely from the international markets as domestically, Wbd’s streamers rose $0.07, from $11.65 at...
As is always the case, Wbd declined to break out how many subscribers were on Max and discovery+ individually. But it did tell analysts that its domestic streaming customer base had risen by 700,000 customers to hit 52.7 million. Its new global total is 99.6M, up from the 97.7 million the company claimed following the conclusion of 2023.
Despite the subscriber increases, Wbd streamers saw their average revenue per user decline to $7.83 in the quarter, a dip from last quarter’s $7.94. That loss was completely from the international markets as domestically, Wbd’s streamers rose $0.07, from $11.65 at...
- 5/9/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
A year ago, Warner Bros. Discovery was raking in cash from astonishing sales of Hogwarts Legacy, the game launched in February of 2023 that had sold more than 12 million units and hit $850 million in global sales in its first two weeks. CEO David Zaslav said then that games were key to the merged company’s strategy. It made for a very tough comp to this year as the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game, also out in February, was no Hogwarts Legacy.
Games are part of the Studios segment, which saw revenue fall to $2.8 billion from $3.2 billion in the 2024 first quarter from the year before, offsetting theatrical, saw a bump from hugely successful Dune: Part 2 and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Adjusted ebitda in the division fell sharply to $184 million from over $600 million. TV numbers felt the impact of strikes last year with fewer episodes delivered.
Overall, revenue...
Games are part of the Studios segment, which saw revenue fall to $2.8 billion from $3.2 billion in the 2024 first quarter from the year before, offsetting theatrical, saw a bump from hugely successful Dune: Part 2 and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Adjusted ebitda in the division fell sharply to $184 million from over $600 million. TV numbers felt the impact of strikes last year with fewer episodes delivered.
Overall, revenue...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery reported its first-quarter 2024 earnings Thursday, revealing it had reached 99.6 million paid streaming subscribers in a tough quarter for studios and networks.
That’s a growth of nearly 2 million subscribers from the 97.7 million subs across HBO and streamers Max and Discovery+ that Warner Bros. Discovery reported for the end of 2023.
On Wednesday, Wbd and Disney announced a deal to launch a streaming bundle with Max, Disney+ and Hulu this summer. Pricing wasn’t disclosed.
Wbd’s overall net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $966 million. Free cash flow stood at $390 million. The company paid $515 million in net interest expense in Q1.
Streaming revenue was flat compared with the year-earlier period, at $2.5 billion. Streaming ad sales rose 70% to $175 million vs. $103 million for Q1 2023. Content revenue was down 46% and distribution inched up 1%. The segment reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $86 million, up from Ebitda of...
That’s a growth of nearly 2 million subscribers from the 97.7 million subs across HBO and streamers Max and Discovery+ that Warner Bros. Discovery reported for the end of 2023.
On Wednesday, Wbd and Disney announced a deal to launch a streaming bundle with Max, Disney+ and Hulu this summer. Pricing wasn’t disclosed.
Wbd’s overall net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $966 million. Free cash flow stood at $390 million. The company paid $515 million in net interest expense in Q1.
Streaming revenue was flat compared with the year-earlier period, at $2.5 billion. Streaming ad sales rose 70% to $175 million vs. $103 million for Q1 2023. Content revenue was down 46% and distribution inched up 1%. The segment reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $86 million, up from Ebitda of...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery added 2 million direct-to-consumer (Dtc) subscribers in the first quarter of 2024. It now has a total of 99.6 million Dtc subscribers across Max, linear HBO, Discovery+, and some relatively small international streamers you’ve never heard of — don’t worry about those.
It’s just the second straight quarter of a return to Dtc-subscriber growth after three straight quarters of losses. The combination of HBO Max and Discovery+ was bound to cannibalize some subscriptions in the early going, and that is exactly what it did.
The company’s Dtc business made an $86 million profit in the recently ended January-to-March quarter. David Zaslav, the Wbd president and CEO, shorthands that segment to “streaming,” so you can too — but anyone who gets the HBO channel through their cable provider is counted there as well.
Warner Bros. Discovery, itself the combination of Discovery, Inc. and AT&T’s former WarnerMedia wing, is a...
It’s just the second straight quarter of a return to Dtc-subscriber growth after three straight quarters of losses. The combination of HBO Max and Discovery+ was bound to cannibalize some subscriptions in the early going, and that is exactly what it did.
The company’s Dtc business made an $86 million profit in the recently ended January-to-March quarter. David Zaslav, the Wbd president and CEO, shorthands that segment to “streaming,” so you can too — but anyone who gets the HBO channel through their cable provider is counted there as well.
Warner Bros. Discovery, itself the combination of Discovery, Inc. and AT&T’s former WarnerMedia wing, is a...
- 5/9/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav on Thursday argued the future of his studio and the wider TV streaming landscape will be driven by the increased packaging and marketing of streaming products together.
“As we look at what happens ahead, there likely will be a restructuring of how people view content. And there’s a lot of irrationality in the market that’s getting shaken out, in terms of the amount of money spent. We said early on, it’s not how much, it’s how good, and that’s what we’re focusing on. And ultimately, the business will look very different in two to three years,” Zaslav told analysts during a morning call as rival streamers increasingly move to bundle their offerings together.
After releasing their first quarter earnings results, Wbd execs talked about proposed streaming bundle partnerships with rival studios, including a sports steaming pact with Disney and Fox,...
“As we look at what happens ahead, there likely will be a restructuring of how people view content. And there’s a lot of irrationality in the market that’s getting shaken out, in terms of the amount of money spent. We said early on, it’s not how much, it’s how good, and that’s what we’re focusing on. And ultimately, the business will look very different in two to three years,” Zaslav told analysts during a morning call as rival streamers increasingly move to bundle their offerings together.
After releasing their first quarter earnings results, Wbd execs talked about proposed streaming bundle partnerships with rival studios, including a sports steaming pact with Disney and Fox,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai and Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If, like many of us, you're often struck by just how many subscription services you're paying for, you'll probably be pleased to learn that there'll soon be an easier way to bundle three of the biggest into one subscription. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney are teaming up to offer a streaming package that will bundle Disney+, Hulu, and Max into one subscription. The bundle is set to arrive this summer complete with the increasingly prevalent ad-free and ad-supported options. As of now, there's no exact release date or pricing details, but there will surely be more news on that front in the very near future.
While Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslav has made a habit of partnering with other studios since taking on the Warner Bros. brand, licensing certain movies and TV shows to Roku and Tubi and previously licensing HBO originals to Netflix, this...
While Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslav has made a habit of partnering with other studios since taking on the Warner Bros. brand, licensing certain movies and TV shows to Roku and Tubi and previously licensing HBO originals to Netflix, this...
- 5/8/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Looking to watch Only Murders in the Building, The Acolyte and Hacks without breaking the bank? You’ll soon be able to stream all three and more under one deal.
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery today announced a new streaming bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu and Max — offering access to a plethora of entertainment brands such as ABC, HBO, FX, DC, Marvel, Discovery and HGTV.
More from TVLineDisney, Warner Bros. and Fox to Team Up for Mega Sports Streaming Service Combining ESPN, TNT and Fox SportsPeacock to Raise Prices Again — Here’s How Much It’ll Cost to Stream (Mostly) Without AdsTVLine Items: Bluey Minisodes,...
Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery today announced a new streaming bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu and Max — offering access to a plethora of entertainment brands such as ABC, HBO, FX, DC, Marvel, Discovery and HGTV.
More from TVLineDisney, Warner Bros. and Fox to Team Up for Mega Sports Streaming Service Combining ESPN, TNT and Fox SportsPeacock to Raise Prices Again — Here’s How Much It’ll Cost to Stream (Mostly) Without AdsTVLine Items: Bluey Minisodes,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Here’s a bundle we can get behind. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are teaming up on a mega-streaming bundle that will package Disney+, Hulu, and Max for one price.
The bundle will be available starting this summer. Pricing has not been revealed.
Currently, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle is $9.99 per month for an ad-supported plan and $19.99 per month without ads. Max runs you $9.99 with ads or $99.99 for an annual plan, and $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year for its basic ad-free plan. The premium plan is $19.99 per month.
Disney and Warner Bros. said in a statement that the ad-supported and ad-free bundles will be available for purchase on any of the three streaming platforms’ websites.
This bundle is not to be confused with the jointly owned sports streaming service coming later this year between Disney, Wbd, and Fox. We’re still waiting on a name for that, presuming it isn...
The bundle will be available starting this summer. Pricing has not been revealed.
Currently, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle is $9.99 per month for an ad-supported plan and $19.99 per month without ads. Max runs you $9.99 with ads or $99.99 for an annual plan, and $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year for its basic ad-free plan. The premium plan is $19.99 per month.
Disney and Warner Bros. said in a statement that the ad-supported and ad-free bundles will be available for purchase on any of the three streaming platforms’ websites.
This bundle is not to be confused with the jointly owned sports streaming service coming later this year between Disney, Wbd, and Fox. We’re still waiting on a name for that, presuming it isn...
- 5/8/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Starting this summer, two media giants are teaming up for the biggest streaming bundle yet. You’ll be able to subscribe to a discounted bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max. The price has not yet been announced. Subscribers can choose ad-supported or ad-free bundles.
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com
Currently, users have the option of bundling Disney+ with Hulu and/or ESPN+. Subscribers to Hulu Live TV get all three services at a significant discount. But all of those services are owned by Disney. This new bundle brings over the Max library from Warner Bros. Discovery, a company that (until now) was a direct rival.
The two companies are joining Fox to offer a sports-focused joint venture later this year, so a team-up is not entirely unprecedented. But this bundle seems to take aim at Netflix, which doesn’t offer much by way of sports.
We will likely...
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com
Currently, users have the option of bundling Disney+ with Hulu and/or ESPN+. Subscribers to Hulu Live TV get all three services at a significant discount. But all of those services are owned by Disney. This new bundle brings over the Max library from Warner Bros. Discovery, a company that (until now) was a direct rival.
The two companies are joining Fox to offer a sports-focused joint venture later this year, so a team-up is not entirely unprecedented. But this bundle seems to take aim at Netflix, which doesn’t offer much by way of sports.
We will likely...
- 5/8/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
How High Will Max Prices Rise This Year? What Streaming Alternatives Are Available to Help You Save?
Reports circulated Wednesday that Max is highly likely to raise its prices by the end of 2024 amidst other cost-saving measures.
Warner Bros. Discovery officials warned us it was coming, and now it’s about to arrive. On Wednesday, reports emerged that Wbd’s streaming platform Max was set to raise its price at some point in 2024, as CEO David Zaslav continues to try and dig out from a $40 billion mountain of debt. The Streamable has been tracking the price of a Max subscription since the streamer originally launched as HBO Max in 2020, and we have come to an expert opinion on how much we think you’ll have to pay for the streamer when the price goes up; we’ve also assembled a number of lower-cost alternatives if the rate hike is too much for your budget.
Key Details: With an ad-supported plan starting at $9.99 per month, Max is already...
Warner Bros. Discovery officials warned us it was coming, and now it’s about to arrive. On Wednesday, reports emerged that Wbd’s streaming platform Max was set to raise its price at some point in 2024, as CEO David Zaslav continues to try and dig out from a $40 billion mountain of debt. The Streamable has been tracking the price of a Max subscription since the streamer originally launched as HBO Max in 2020, and we have come to an expert opinion on how much we think you’ll have to pay for the streamer when the price goes up; we’ve also assembled a number of lower-cost alternatives if the rate hike is too much for your budget.
Key Details: With an ad-supported plan starting at $9.99 per month, Max is already...
- 5/8/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Under David Zaslav, Wbd has seen numerous painful rounds of cuts and price hikes, which don’t seem to be stopping any time soon.
Since merging Discovery and WarnerMedia in 2022, CEO David Zaslav has been almost singularly focused on slashing costs, increasing revenue, and paying down the more than $40 billion in debt that the combined company had just two years ago. In a new report from Blooberg's Lucas Shaw, sources indicate that Zaslav is looking to implement even more cost-cutting measures and increase streaming prices even more than he already has.
Key Details: CEO David Zaslav is looking to meet financial goals by combining cost-cutting and price-raising measures. Wbd has been telegraphing a price increase for over six months; Max is already one of the most expensive SVODs on the market. As Wbd fights to keep NBA rights, it will need to generate enough cash to pay roughly $2.5 billion per year.
Since merging Discovery and WarnerMedia in 2022, CEO David Zaslav has been almost singularly focused on slashing costs, increasing revenue, and paying down the more than $40 billion in debt that the combined company had just two years ago. In a new report from Blooberg's Lucas Shaw, sources indicate that Zaslav is looking to implement even more cost-cutting measures and increase streaming prices even more than he already has.
Key Details: CEO David Zaslav is looking to meet financial goals by combining cost-cutting and price-raising measures. Wbd has been telegraphing a price increase for over six months; Max is already one of the most expensive SVODs on the market. As Wbd fights to keep NBA rights, it will need to generate enough cash to pay roughly $2.5 billion per year.
- 5/8/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Lachlan Murdoch offered a few new details on the Jv streamer this week, including the fact that it does indeed have an as-yet unshared name.
Executives from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have been quite guarded in offering details regarding their new joint venture sports streaming service. Some of that caginess is no doubt due to the fact that the companies are facing a lawsuit from Fubo over concerns that the service will violate antitrust laws, but Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch was given the chance to talk about the Jv when discussing Tubi’s quarterly earnings results on the traditional conference call with Wall Street analysts. He didn’t reveal many new tidbits, but he did have reassuring words for audiences who are afraid it won’t meet its target launch date of fall 2023, as well as for cable channel distributors like Fubo who are concerned the streamer will...
Executives from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have been quite guarded in offering details regarding their new joint venture sports streaming service. Some of that caginess is no doubt due to the fact that the companies are facing a lawsuit from Fubo over concerns that the service will violate antitrust laws, but Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch was given the chance to talk about the Jv when discussing Tubi’s quarterly earnings results on the traditional conference call with Wall Street analysts. He didn’t reveal many new tidbits, but he did have reassuring words for audiences who are afraid it won’t meet its target launch date of fall 2023, as well as for cable channel distributors like Fubo who are concerned the streamer will...
- 5/8/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
It’s been 13 years since the last installment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter films was released in theaters, but despite the long pause, fans continued expressing their love and support for the franchise. HBO is bringing a new Harry Potter project onto the small screen, and Potterheads cannot contain their excitement.
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in a Harry Potter film
A fan-made trailer for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been going viral, and fans initially believed it was real. The execution and editing were definitely at par with the past official trailers.
Fan-Made Trailer Of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reveals A Haunting Past
Created by Kh Studio on YouTube, this fan-made trailer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child showed the potential continuation of the story featuring Albus Severus Potter, the son of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley.
Suggested“The choice I had to make…...
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in a Harry Potter film
A fan-made trailer for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been going viral, and fans initially believed it was real. The execution and editing were definitely at par with the past official trailers.
Fan-Made Trailer Of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reveals A Haunting Past
Created by Kh Studio on YouTube, this fan-made trailer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child showed the potential continuation of the story featuring Albus Severus Potter, the son of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley.
Suggested“The choice I had to make…...
- 5/8/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
There’s a new, scary reality sinking in for both Paramount shareholders and its board of directors: What if nobody buys Paramount?
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren didn’t mince any words. “CEO pay is out of control,” she posted on April 22, singling out Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, whose team has had a rocky road integrating two companies since the mega-merger that created the Hollywood conglomerate, dealing with a high debt load and shoring up profits. Zaslav “made $49.7 million last year, +26% from 2022 — despite layoffs, box office bombs, a lagging stock price,” Warren wrote on X. “Meanwhile, WB workers had to strike for higher pay.”
The latest annual executive pay disclosure season, which is now wrapped up, is unlikely to change the views of critics like Warren. Hollywood CEOs struggled with a plethora of challenges in 2023 — from the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes, cord-cutting, and a soft advertising market to a battle for streaming profits and M&a chatter, with the remedy often being layoffs, cost reductions and cutbacks in spending. One thing...
The latest annual executive pay disclosure season, which is now wrapped up, is unlikely to change the views of critics like Warren. Hollywood CEOs struggled with a plethora of challenges in 2023 — from the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes, cord-cutting, and a soft advertising market to a battle for streaming profits and M&a chatter, with the remedy often being layoffs, cost reductions and cutbacks in spending. One thing...
- 5/7/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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