'Spaceballs' sequel, 'Thomas Crown Affair' previewed at CinemaCon, but no Bond updates
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The cast and filmmakers behind the “Spaceballs” sequel, including Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis, brought humor to CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Mel Brooks announced the title, “Spaceballs: The New One,” with his usual wit. The film is expected in theaters next year. Amazon MGM Studios also showcased other projects, including Peter Farrelly’s “I Play Rocky” and Michael B. Jordan's “The Thomas Crown Affair.” The studio plans to release 15 movies a year by 2027. Their hit “Project Hail Mary” continues to perform well globally. However, there was no new information about the next James Bond film.
Christopher Nolan brings ‘The Odyssey’ to CinemaCon; Steven Spielberg previews 'Disclosure Day'
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Christopher Nolan has given theater owners a thrilling glimpse of “The Odyssey” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. His adaptation of Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It arrives in theaters on July 17. Nolan introduced an extended clip showing the Trojan Horse and the infiltration of Troy. The film is the first shot entirely on IMAX film, thanks to new cameras. It features a massive ensemble cast, including Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. Nolan says the film is almost done and focuses on family and homecoming.
What to know about the Live Nation verdict and how it could affect concertgoers
Music lovers who have long complained about Ticketmaster fees for concert tickets are surely reveling in a jury verdict that found its parent company Live Nation has been running a harmful monopoly over big venues. But they will have to wait to see if the verdict leads to changes that make concerts more affordable. The lawsuit led by more than 30 states accused Live Nation of smothering competition. A federal jury in Manhattan found that Ticketmaster had overcharged customers $1.72 per ticket in 22 states, which a judge could order the company to pay back. That could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars.
Jury finds that Ticketmaster and Live Nation had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues
NEW YORK (AP) — A jury has found that concert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary engaged in an anticompetitive monopoly. The New York jury decided Wednesday on claims from dozens of U.S. states that the entertainment ticketing behemoth was a monopoly that cost concertgoers and sports fans. Live Nation Entertainment owns, operates or controls booking for hundreds of venues. Its subsidiary Ticketmaster is widely considered the world’s largest ticket-seller for live events. The civil case, initially led by the U.S. federal government, accused Live Nation of using its reach to smother competition. Live Nation said in a statement that the verdict was not the last word on the matter and promised appeals. A lawyer for the states called it a “great day for antitrust law.”
New discovery solves mystery of the location of Shakespeare's London house
LONDON (AP) — A newly discovered 17th-century map sheds light on William Shakespeare's life in London. King's College London announced Thursday that the property plan pinpoints the exact location of the only home Shakespeare bought in the city. Shakespeare scholar Lucy Munro found the map in the London Archives. Historians knew Shakespeare bought property near the Blackfriars Theatre in 1613, but the exact location was unknown. The map shows Shakespeare’s house, an L-shaped dwelling carved from a former medieval monastery. Munro said the discovery provides a new sense of Shakespeare as a London writer, highlighting the city’s importance to him.
AI-rendered Val Kilmer debuts in 'As Deep as the Grave' trailer
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The filmmakers behind “As Deep as the Grave” have used AI to recreate Val Kilmer in a prominent role. They debuted a first look at the AI-rendered Kilmer Wednesday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Kilmer, who died last year, appears as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The use of AI for this historical drama has sparked debate. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees explained that Kilmer’s estate, including his daughter Mercedes, gave permission and provided archival footage. Kilmer had originally signed on for the film but withdrew due to health issues.
Movie Review: Bob Odenkirk's sheriff is new to town in the gory thriller 'Normal'
“Normal” stars Bob Odenkirk and is a goofy, gory good time, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. While it shares a lot of DNA with Odenkirk’s two “Nobody” movies, “Normal” is the best and most convincing showcase for Odenkirk as a butt-kicking action hero yet. It’s a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards. Odenkirk plays an interim sheriff in a small Minnesota town named Normal. But when a bank heist gets underway, Midwestern manners fall away and mayhem begins.
Anitta, like you've never heard her before. The Brazilian superstar talks new album, 'SNL' and God
NEW YORK (AP) — Anitta’s upcoming album “Equilibrium” showcases her roots with a vibrant mix of Brazilian funk, samba, bossa nova and more. “Equilibrium” is a departure from her previous album, “Funk Generation,” and includes diverse sounds and cultural influences. She calls it her “most Brazilian album.” It features collaborations with Brazilian artists and Shakira. Anitta sings in multiple languages, but Portuguese takes the lead in “Equilibrium.” She aims to celebrate diversity and unity, delivering deep messages in a pop package. The Associated Press spent time with the Brazilian superstar Anitta as she prepared to make her “Saturday Night Live” debut last week.
A reimagined 'Cats' on Broadway features a special cat — an actor from the original 1980s musical
NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Ard makes a triumphant return to Broadway in “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.” He starred in the original “Cats” and now returns after 25 years. Ard’s journey is one of redemption, echoing New York's recovery post-9/11. He struggled with PTSD and confidence after the attacks, but this show marks his first Broadway appearance since then. Ard was inspired by the vibrant reinvention of “Cats” into the Black and Latino queer ballroom scene. He now plays DJ Griddlebone, bringing energy and history to the production. Ard hopes this marks the end of his corporate kitchen days.
WrestleMania is back in Las Vegas after a big showing last year
As WWE gears up for WrestleMania this weekend, the biggest annual event for the professional wrestling organization, data shows that its appearance in Las Vegas last year had an economic impact worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Parent company TKO said Wednesday that recent studies conducted by research firm Applied Analysis show that the event had an economic impact of $322.2 million, with wrestling fans traveling from all over the U.S. and abroad to spend money on hotels, restaurants, shops and at other businesses.
