Disney+ Releases First Official Trailer for "Welcome to Earth" Starring Will Smith

First Official Trailer for the Disney+ Original Series, From National Geographic, ‘Welcome to Earth,’ Hosted by Two-Time Academy Award® Nominee Will Smith, Now Available

The Six-Part Series Is Executive Produced by Academy Award-Nominated Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, Protozoa Pictures, Jane Root’s Nutopia, and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios

‘Welcome to Earth’ Premieres This December on Disney+

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney+ revealed the first official trailer for the six-part original series “Welcome to Earth,” streaming this December. The visually stunning Disney+ series, from National Geographic, follows two-time Academy Award® nominee Will Smith on an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world to explore Earth’s greatest wonders and reveal its most hidden secrets. Will Smith debuted the breathtaking trailer this morning on his social media accounts.

Executive produced by visionary Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan,” “Requiem for a Dream”), Protozoa Pictures, Jane Root’s Nutopia and Westbrook Studios, Will is guided by elite explorers on an awe-inspiring journey, getting up close and personal with some of the most thrilling spectacles on the planet — from volcanoes that roar in silence to deserts that move beyond our perception to animal swarms with minds of their own.

The top-of-class adventurers leading Will through these incredible experiences include marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Diva Amon, polar expeditionist Dwayne Fields, engineer and National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin, National Geographic Photographer Cristina Mittermeier, and mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer. Combining breathtaking cinematography with Will’s boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, the epic series is an exciting, multisensory ride through Earth’s most mind-bending portals.

The trailer for "Welcome to Earth" is here.

“Welcome to Earth” is produced by Nutopia, Protozoa Pictures and Westbrook Studios for National Geographic. For Nutopia, Jane Root and Peter Lovering are executive producers, and Graham Booth co-executive produces and directs the series. For Protozoa, Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel executive produce. Westbrook executive producers are Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter and Miguel Melendez. Matt Renner and Chris L. Kugelman serve as executive producers for National Geographic. The series’ music is composed by Daniel Pemberton (“Trial of The Chicago 7,” “Steve Jobs”).

SOCIAL HANDLES AND HASHTAGS:

#WelcomeToEarthSeries

@DisneyPlus

#DisneyPlus

@willsmith (Instagram and Facebook)

@diva_amon (Instagram), @DivaAmon (Twitter)

@exploreralbert (Instagram and Twitter)

@dwaynefields (Instagram and Twitter)

@erikweihenmayer (Instagram and Twitter)

@mitty (Instagram), @cmittermeier (Twitter)

About Disney+:

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Media and Entertainment Distribution segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

About National Geographic Partners:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About Protozoa Pictures:

Protozoa Pictures, based in Chinatown NYC, is headed by Darren Aronofsky and his partner, Ari Handel. Their credits include Aronofsky’sπ, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, THE FOUNTAIN, THE WRESTLER, BLACK SWAN, NOAH, mother! and his upcoming film THE WHALE; as well as Pablo Larrain’s JACKIE, Yann Demange’s WHITE BOY RICK, Lance Oppenheim’s documentary SOME KIND OF HEAVEN, Josef Kobuta Wladyka's CATCH THE FAIR ONE and Tobias Lindhoff’s THE GOOD NURSE. Their TV credits include ONE STRANGE ROCK for Nat Geo, the upcoming WELCOME TO EARTH and LIMITLESS for Nat Geo, BLACK GOLD for Paramount+, and KINDRED for FX, directed by Janicza Bravo.

About Nutopia:

Nutopia is known for creating award-winning, factual series on a global scale, and a new genre of television, the “mega-doc,” which combines epic cinematography with action-driven drama or high-end documentary and A-list talent. The company, which was founded in 2008 by Jane Root, former President of Discovery Channel US and Controller of BBC2, and co-founder of Wall to Wall TV, has become synonymous with creating high-quality, notable content for buyers that include Netflix, Disney+, CNN, National Geographic, BBC, PBS, HBO Max, and A+E Networks. Recent projects include “Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth” for Disney+ and Nat Geo’s Shark Fest; “Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer” for PBS; “A World of Calm” for HBO Max, “Babies” for Netflix, and Emmy Award-nominated “The World According to Jeff Goldblum.” Nutopia also produced, the much-honored National Geographic series “One Strange Rock” Emmy Award-winning series “How We Got to Now” and “America: The Story of US.” Upcoming projects include “Limitless,” with Chris Hemsworth, and “Welcome to Earth” with Will Smith for Disney+.

About Westbrook Studios:

Westbrook Studios is a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., the media company launched in 2019 by founders Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada, focused on empowering artists to tell stories that connect the world. Led by Co-Presidents, Terence Carter (Television) and Jon Mone (Film), Westbrook Studios is home to a rapidly expanding footprint in premium motion picture and television projects. In TV, Westbrook Studios recently launched Amend: The Fight for America, a powerful, six-part, Netflix docuseries that uses a groundbreaking, multimedia narrative format to explore the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution. Upcoming TV projects include an unprecedented two-season order from Peacock for Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of Will Smith’s iconic ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’ based on Morgan Cooper’s 2019 viral short film and set to premiere in 2022, the recently announced adventure series Welcome to Earth, set to premiere on Disney+ later this year, and season 4 of the beloved series Cobra Kai set to launch on Netflix in December. In film, upcoming Westbrook Studios projects include the highly anticipated KING RICHARD, based on the life of Richard Williams, father to tennis greats Serena and Venus; EMANCIPATION which sold to Apple in the largest festival acquisition deal in film history; the remake of the 1980s classic PLANES, TRAINS, & AUTOMOBILES, starring Will Smith and Kevin Hart; the upcoming sports drama REDD ZONE, starring Jada Pinkett Smith; and the recently announced live action musical fantasy film, SOUL SUPERHERO.

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Apple TV+ Celebrates 11 Emmy Wins and Success of "Ted Lasso"

Apple’s global hit comedy series “Ted Lasso” scores history-making win for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards

Apple TV+ becomes first streaming service in history to land top program award in its second year of eligibility

“Ted Lasso” honored with seven Emmy Awards as Apple TV+ earns 11 Emmy Awards across five programs

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apple® became the first streaming service to secure an Emmy Award in a program category in only its second year of eligibility. After Apple’s “Ted Lasso” broke records as the most nominated freshman comedy in Emmy Award history, tonight the beloved series landed four Emmy Awards, earning prizes for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Comedy Series. Including the previously announced Creative Arts Emmy Awards, “Ted Lasso” took home a total of seven Emmy Awards in 2021.

    “While Ted Lasso taught us to believe that anything is possible, we are so genuinely moved that this has culminated in such a historic night for both Apple TV+ and the cast and crew of this special series”

“While Ted Lasso taught us to believe that anything is possible, we are so genuinely moved that this has culminated in such a historic night for both Apple TV+ and the cast and crew of this special series,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “Thank you to the Television Academy for these honors and congratulations to all of our storytellers — both behind and in front of the camera — who have worked so tirelessly to bring unique perspectives to global audiences over this past year, delivering hope, light, humor, and compelling stories when we needed it most.”

“What Jason, Bill, Brendan, Joe, and the entire creative team and cast of ‘Ted Lasso’ have accomplished within just one season speaks to the power of the intricately crafted storytelling that continues to inspire and uplift audiences all over the world,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “This recognition from the Television Academy is a testament to their tremendous talents, and we send our heartfelt congratulations to Team Lasso for their achievements.”

After leading the pack with the most-nominated series regulars ever for a freshman comedy, first-time nominees and stars Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and Brett Goldstein nabbed their first-ever Emmy Awards. Star and executive producer Sudeikis also became the first lead actor in a freshman comedy series to be honored with awards for both a lead performance and best series for a freshman comedy. “Ted Lasso” casting director Theo Park also earned the award for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series.

At last week’s ceremony for the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Apple landed seven Emmy Awards, including three for “Ted Lasso.” Apple TV+℠ also made history by becoming the first streaming service to win the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special in its first two years of eligibility for the acclaimed Apple Original documentary “Boys State.”

In 2021, Apple scored 11 Primetime Emmy Awards in the following categories:

    Outstanding Comedy Series: “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour): “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Comedy Series: “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series: “Ted Lasso”
    Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special: “Boys State”
    Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series: “Carpool Karaoke: The Series”
    Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Media: “For All Mankind: Time Capsule,” “For All Mankind”
    Outstanding Motion Design: “Calls”

In addition to the Emmy Award honors, the first season of “Ted Lasso” has also been recognized with an esteemed Peabody Award; a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Award for Sudeikis; three Critics Choice Awards for Best Comedy Series, Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Sudeikis, and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hannah Waddingham, sweeping all categories in which the series was nominated; a Best Actor in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globe Awards for star Sudeikis; and the Writers Guild of America crowned “Ted Lasso” with wins for both Best Comedy and Best New Series.

At last year’s Emmy Awards, Apple made its Primetime Emmy Award debut with Billy Crudup’s performance in “The Morning Show” receiving the prize for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Apple also previously landed 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards for “Ghostwriter” and “Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10,” and in 2021 took home Daytime Emmy Awards for “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” “Stillwater,” and “Helpsters.”

Since its global launch on November 1, 2019, Apple has received a total of 518 awards nominations and accolades, and 152 award wins from the Critics Choice Awards, Writers Guild Association, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Peabody Awards, and more.

"Ted Lasso”:

Jason Sudeikis is Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team — despite having no experience. But what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, underdog determination — and biscuits. The widely acclaimed series also stars Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster, and Nick Mohammed. Sarah Niles joins the cast this season as Sharon, a sports psychologist who has been brought in to work with AFC Richmond.

In addition to starring, Sudeikis serves as executive producer, alongside Bill Lawrence via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Doozer’s Jeff Ingold also serves as an executive producer, with Liza Katzer as co-executive producer. The series was developed by Sudeikis, Lawrence, Hunt, and Joe Kelly, and is based on the pre-existing format and characters from NBC Sports.

Apple TV+:

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.1

For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.

1 Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

© 2021 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, and Apple TV+ are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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LeBron James' The SpringHill Company Preps "Fantasy Football" for Paramount+

The SpringHill Company and Genius Entertainment Partner with Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films to Produce New Live-Action Movie, Fantasy Football

First-Ever Film Adaption of Hush Hush, Based on New York Times Best-Selling Young Adult Novel, Also Enters Production

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush to Lead Slate of a Dozen New Films from Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Studios Set for 2022 and Beyond

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush Will Debut Exclusively on Paramount+, In addition to Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films’ The J Team, Starring JoJo Siwa, Which Will Premiere on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 3, As Previously Announced

HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films today announced the production of new original live-action movie Fantasy Football, executive produced by The SpringHill Company (Space Jam: A New Legacy), the empowerment-led media conglomerate spearheaded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter and in partnership with wunderkind and creative mastermind Marsai Martin and Joshua Martin of Genius Entertainment (Little). In Fantasy Football, 15-year-old Carmen Coleman (Marsai Martin, Black-ish) discovers she can control her professional football player dad’s prowess on the field through her video game. Zoe Marshall (Charmed) is writing the Fantasy Football screenplay, based on an original screenplay by Richard T. Jones & Jeremy Loethen and Tim Ogletree. Marshall is represented by JR McGinnis at Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson, Ashley Holland at WME and Adesuwa McCalla at MetaMorphic Entertainment. Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are executive producing along with Carol Martin for Genius Entertainment. Jamila Jordan-Theus will produce for Genius Entertainment as well. Production is set to begin in early 2022.

Additionally, Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films announced production on Hush Hush, a film adaptation of the New York Times best-selling young adult (YA) novels by Becca Fitzpatrick. Hush Hush follows 16-year-old high school student Nora Grey, who befriends new student, Patch, and finds herself drawn to his brooding charm against her better judgment. As Nora starts seeking answers about who Patch really is, she unwittingly gets caught in the crosshairs of an ancient battle between fallen angels and the immortal -- a struggle that comes to threaten her life and reveals a shocking secret about her own identity. The Hush Hush screenplay is being written by Monet Clayton (Every Note Played), with production slated for late 2021 in partnership with BCDF Pictures and Entertainment 360. Clayton is represented by ICM, Fourth Wall and attorney Sean Marks.

Both films, led by Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films Studio head Syrinthia Studer, are scheduled to bow in 2022.

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush will debut on Paramount+, the streaming service for ViacomCBS, and follow the upcoming launch of The J Team, which premieres on Paramount+ on Sept. 3. The J Team marked the first production under the Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Live-Action Film Studio.

Following on Awesomeness’s live-action movie successes including the smash-hit To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before film franchise, The Perfect Date, and Before I Fall, the combined studio is diving into the family and YA film market with a dozen titles lined up for 2022 and beyond.

“We are excited to team up with SpringHill and Awesomeness, two creative powerhouses aligned in the mission to celebrate dynamic stories and invoke inspiration within our audiences. Collectively, we are companies that hold the family brand and themes at its core, so this felt like an incredible trifecta to bring Fantasy Football to life. This film is a true reflection of our growing slate: championing new heroes, challenging social ‘norms’, and showcasing the power of following your dreams,” stated Jamila Jordan-Theus, Head of Motion Picture for Genius Entertainment.

Added Studer, “With the continuing growth of Nickelodeon and Awesomeness’s live-action film studio business, we are curating a slate of aspirational, heartfelt films for everyone. From the fantasy and romance themes found in Hush Hush, to the love of sport and family captured in Fantasy Football, we can’t wait to entertain audiences everywhere with new YA and family stories about what they already love.”


About SpringHill Company:
The SpringHill Company is a global consumer and entertainment brand created to empower greatness in every individual by uniting three companies built by LeBron James and Maverick Carter: UNINTERRUPTED, the Sports Emmy-winning athlete empowerment media and consumer product company, SpringHill Entertainment, the premium scripted and unscripted film and television production company, and The Robot Company, the brand and culture consultancy. With a dynamic and diverse team committed to creating the most culturally inspired brands, entertainment, and products. The SpringHill Company is built to be the defining brand for a new generation. On the feature front, they are releasing ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ later this month, and are currently in production on ‘House Party’ for New Line, as well as the Adam Sandler-led ‘Hustle’ for Netflix. The SpringHill Company is represented by WME and Ziffren Brittenham.

About Genius Entertainment:
Genius Entertainment, founded by Actress/Executive Producer Marsai Martin alongside Joshua and Carol Martin, creates stories meant to inspire, illuminate, and celebrate the diverse experiences of girls and people of color.

About Awesomeness:
Awesomeness, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS, is a media company focused on serving the global Gen Z audience through its digital publishing, film and television studio divisions. Approaching its 10th year anniversary, Awesomeness has become the destination for youth culture, cultivating a loyal audience with hit programming on the world’s biggest streaming services including Netflix (smash-hit film series “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Emmy® winner “Trinkets”) and Hulu (Emmy® winner “Zac & Mia”, Emmy® nominee “Pen15”), along with the company’s immensely popular short-form programs on YouTube (“Twin My Heart,” “Noah Beck Tries Things,” “AwesomenessTV’s Next Influencer,” “Brent Rivera’s Dream Vacation,” “My Dream Quinceañera,”), that garner hundreds of millions of views. As a leading media brand, Awesomeness’ worldwide distribution footprint spans owned, social and premium SVOD platforms. Founded in 2012, Awesomeness is headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in New York.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

About Paramount+:
Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service from ViacomCBS, combines live sports, breaking news, and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Streaming’s other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

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WWE to Welcome the New Year (2022) from State Farm Arena in Atlanta

WWE® Kicks off 2022 in Atlanta

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WWE® (NYSE: WWE) will kick off the new year at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday, January 1, 2022, marking the first time in history that a WWE pay-per-view event will be held on New Year’s Day. The event will stream live on the night of New Year’s Day at 8 pm ET exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

    “I don’t know about you but I think New Year’s Trae would be a great name for the event, and I can’t think of a better way to bring in 2022 than with the WWE Universe”

“I don’t know about you but I think New Year’s Trae would be a great name for the event, and I can’t think of a better way to bring in 2022 than with the WWE Universe,” said Atlanta Hawks All-Star Point Guard Trae Young, who exclusively announced the New Year’s Day event during tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown.

“State Farm Arena is a phenomenal venue with a long history of hosting world-class events,” said Scott Zanghellini, WWE Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Development. “We’re excited to deliver this pay-per-view to the people of Atlanta and the many that travel to the city to celebrate New Year’s.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Day pay-per-view event go on sale Friday, August 27, 2021 at 10 AM ET via Ticketmaster.com. The event will feature Superstars from both SmackDown and Raw including WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H, WWE Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews, Raw Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Omos, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, United States Champion Sheamus, Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya and Tamina, Drew McIntyre, Charlotte Flair, Randy Orton, Riddle, Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins, Alexa Bliss and many more.


About WWE:
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 900 million homes worldwide in 28 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX Sports, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network. The Company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Dubai, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Riyadh, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, results of operations and financial condition; entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution agreements; a rapidly evolving media landscape; WWE Network (including the risk that we are unable to attract, retain and renew subscribers); our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; the possibility of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets including possible disruptions and reputational risks; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including without limitation, claims alleging traumatic brain injury; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; privacy norms and regulations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our indebtedness including our convertible notes; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the volatility of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

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ViacomCBS Celebrates 66 Primetime Emmy Award Nominations

CBS Television Network, CBS Studios and Paramount+ Score 35 Total Nominations

Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, The Election Night Special and Tooning Out the News Receive 9 Nominations, the Most of Any Late Night Brand

ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group Earns 20 Nominations, Including First-Time Nominations for Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” and MTV Documentary Films’ “76 Days”

SHOWTIME® Receives Six Nominations, Including “Shameless” star William H. Macy for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViacomCBS earned 66 Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 73rd Primetime Emmy Award nominations across its combined portfolio.

CBS Television Network, CBS Studios and Paramount+ together received a total of 35 Primetime Emmy nominations:

•     CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – the #1 late night talk show on television – received five nominations, marking the series’ 18th Emmy nomination to date.
•     CBS landed several nominations for talent and special programming, including “Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special” and “John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero.” “The Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show Starring The Weeknd” and “The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards” also received multiple nods this year. For her starring role in “Mom,” Allison Janney was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
•     CBS Studios received 21 nominations, among them an Outstanding Competition Series nod for “The Amazing Race.” Short-form series “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” was also nominated.
•     Paramount+, together with CBS Studios, picked up six nominations this season, including four nominations for “Star Trek: Discovery.” “Star Trek: Lower Decks'' and “Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News'' each received their first-ever Emmy nominations.

ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group landed 20 Primetime Emmy nominations across its portfolio of MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, CMT and VH1:

•     Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” received nods for Outstanding Variety Talk Series plus Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series and “South Park” was also nominated for Outstanding Animated Program.
•     VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” earned 11 nominations this year, including Outstanding Competition Series, and two nominations for its aftershow, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked.”
•     Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone” and MTV Documentary Films’ “76 Days” each earned its first-ever Emmy nomination.
•     MTV Entertainment Studios picked up four nominations, with “Emily in Paris” and “Reno 911!” each receiving two respectively.

SHOWTIME® landed six Primetime Emmy Award nominations:

•     “Shameless” star William H. Macy was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series.
•     “Stephen Colbert's Election Night 2020: Democracy's Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020,” produced by CBS Studios, received three nominations.
•     “Vice” and “The Good Lord Bird” each received a nomination.

Additionally, Awesomeness earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the second season of “PEN15,” including Outstanding Comedy Series. Paramount Television Studios received two Emmy nominations for “Made For Love” and “The Haunting Of Bly Manor.”


About ViacomCBS:
ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions.

For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.

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The Walt Disney Company Celebrates 166 Nominations for the 2021 Primetime Emmys

Congratulations to The Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Emmy Award Nominees

The Walt Disney Company proudly announces an impressive 166 nominations across 85 categories and 38 titles for the 73rd Primetime Emmy® Awards. While the Television Academy announced the attributed total number as 146, the Company additionally recognizes all the programming produced for third party platforms and by all its production and studio entities.

For the second year in a row, Disney+ leads the way with Lucasfilm Ltd‘s The Mandalorian garnering 24 nominations including Outstanding Dramas Series. Additionally, Disney+’s limited Marvel Studios’ series WandaVision received 23 honors including a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress (Elizabeth Olsen) and Outstanding Lead Actor (Paul Bettany) in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Similarly, Disney+’s Hamilton became a fan-favorite this year with 12 total nominations including two nods for Outstanding Lead Actor—Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr.—as well as a nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded); and Marvel Studios/Disney+’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier scored five including Don Cheadle’s nod for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series.

Hulu Original The Handmaid’s Tale netted a series-best 21 nominations including Outstanding Drama Series and a Lead Actress nod for Elisabeth Moss, making season four the most nominated season to date. Additionally, Pen15 earned the platform its first Outstanding Comedy Series nomination, and Aidy Bryant earned her first lead actress nomination for Shrill.  Nat Geo scored 13 total nods including Cynthia Erivo’s critically acclaimed performance in Genius: Aretha as well as reality and documentary programming City So Real and Secrets Of The Whales. Whereas FX’s Pose earned 10, including Outstanding Drama Series as well as Outstanding Lead Actor for Billy Porter and a historic first-ever nomination for a transgender nominee for Mj Rodriguez as Outstanding Lead Actress; and much-talked-about The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears scored two nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

ABC’s black-ish earned a show-best of six nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and nods for Lead Actor (Anthony Anderson) and Lead Actress (Tracee Ellis Ross). This is Anthony Anderson’s seventh nomination, making him the most nominated Black actor in Emmy history in the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. Additional series with multiple nods include 20th Television-produced This Is Us and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

A complete list of all The Walt Disney Company nominations follows below. (As some of the nominations overlap, these are grand totals for each entity.)

The Mandalorian (Disney +/Lucasfilm Ltd.)

24 Nominations:
    Outstanding Drama Series
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series—Giancarlo Esposito
    Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series—Carl Weathers
    Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series—Timothy Olyphant
    Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series—Jon Favreau
    Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 16: The Rescue”
    Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Casting For A Drama Series
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)—“Chapter 15: The Believer”
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (One Hour)—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 11: The Heiress”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 15: The Believer”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series—“Chapter 16: The Rescue”
    Outstanding Period And/Or Character Hairstyling—“Chapter 16: The Rescue”
    Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score)—“Chapter 16: The Rescue”
    Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”
    Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
    Outstanding Stunt Coordination
    Outstanding Stunt Performance—“Chapter 16: The Rescue”
    Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)—“Chapter 13: The Jedi”

WandaVision (Disney+/Marvel Studios)

23 Nominations
    Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Paul Bettany
    Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Elizabeth Olsen
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Kathryn Hahn
    Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience”
    Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“Previously On”
    Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program (Half-Hour)
    Outstanding Casting For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
    Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes—“Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience”
    Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“On A Very Special Episode…”
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“The Series Finale”
    Outstanding Period And/Or Character Hairstyling
    Outstanding Main Title Design
    Outstanding Period And/Or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)—“Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience”
    Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)—“Previously On”
    Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics—“Agatha All Along”
    Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
    Outstanding Music Supervision
    Outstanding Sound Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special—“The Series Finale”
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“The Series Finale”
    Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
    Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—“All-New Halloween Spooktacular!”

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu Original)

21 Nominations

    Outstanding Drama Series
    Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series—Elisabeth Moss
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series—O-T Fagbenle
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series—Max Minghella
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series—Bradley Whitford
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series—Madeline Brewer
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series—Ann Dowd
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series—Yvonne Strahovski
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series—Samira Wiley
    Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series—Alexis Bledel
    Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series—Mckenna Grace
    Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
    Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series—“Home”
    Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)
    Outstanding Casting For A Drama Series
    Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series
    Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling—“Vows”
    Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)—“Pigs”
    Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score)—“The Crossing”
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
    Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes

Hamilton (Disney+)

12 Nominations
    Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Lin-Manuel Miranda
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Leslie Odom Jr.
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Daveed Diggs
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Anthony Ramos
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Jonathan Groff
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Phillipa Soo
    Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie—Renee Elise Goldsberry
    Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
    Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Series Or Special
    Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Special

Pose (FX /  20th Television / FX Productions)

10 Nominations
    Outstanding Drama Series
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series—Billy Porter
    Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series—Mj Rodriguez
    Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series—“Series Finale”
    Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series—“Series Finale”
    Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
    Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
    Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
    Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
    Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series—Pose: Identity, Family, Community

black-ish (ABC / ABC Signature)

6 Nominations
    Outstanding Comedy Series
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series—Anthony Anderson
    Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series—Tracee Ellis Ross
    Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
    Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance—Stacey Abrams

This Is Us (20th Television)

6 Nominations
    Outstanding Drama Series
    Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series—Sterling K. Brown
    Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series—Chris Sullivan
    Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series—Phylicia Rashad
    Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
    Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score)

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)

5 Nominations
    Outstanding Choreography For Variety Or Reality Programming—Artem Chigvintsev, Choreographer
    Outstanding Choreography For Variety Or Reality Programming—Derek Hough, Choreographer
    Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
    Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series
    Outstanding Contemporary Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program (Non-Prosthetic)

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Disney+/Marvel Studios)

5 Nominations
    Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series—Don Cheadle
    Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)—“One World, One People”
    Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
    Outstanding Stunt Coordination
    Outstanding Stunt Performance—“Truth”

The Oscars (ABC)

4 Nominations
    Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
    Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special
    Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special
    Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Special

Ratched (20th Television)

4 Nominations
    Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series—Sophie Okonedo
    Outstanding Period Costumes
    Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling
    Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)

Fargo (FX/FX Productions)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Series Or Anthology Series or Movie
    Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
    Outstanding Sound Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special

Genius: Aretha (National Geographic / 20th Television )

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie—Cynthia Erivo
    Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Life Below Zero (National Geographic)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Nonfiction Or Reality Program (Single or Multi-Camera)
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Reality Program
    Outstanding Picture Editing For An Unstructured Reality Program

Pen15 (Hulu Original)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Comedy Series
    Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series
    Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

The Politician (20th Television)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
    Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
    Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)

Secrets of the Whales (Disney+ / National Geographic)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program
    Outstanding Narrator—Sigourney Weaver

Shark Tank (ABC)

3 Nominations
    Outstanding Structured Reality Program
    Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program—Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary
    Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program

Framing Britney Spears (The New York Times Presents) (FX)

2 Nominations
    Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special
    Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program

Central Park (20th Television Animation)

2 Nominations
    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance—Tituss Burgess
    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance—Stanley Tucci

City So Real (National Geographic)

2 Nominations
    Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program

The Conners (ABC)

2 Nominations
    Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
    Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC / ABC Signature)

2 Nominations

    Outstanding Variety Talk Series
    Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series

Archer (FX/FX Productions)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance—Jessica Walter

Becoming (Disney+)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program

Bob’s Burgers (20th Television Animation)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Animated Program

The Disney Holiday Singalong (ABC)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming—Derek Hough, Choreographer

Family Guy (20th Television Animation)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance—Seth MacFarlane

grown-ish (Freeform/ ABC Signature)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)

Inside Pixar (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series

Last Man Standing (20th Television)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series

Maggie Simpson in: The Force Awakens From Its Nap (Disney+ / 20th Television Animation)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Short Form Animated Program

Once Upon A Snowman (Disney+/Walt Disney Animation Studios)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Short Form Animated Program

Rebuilding Paradise (National Geographic)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lincoln Square Productions)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Television Movie

Running Wild With Bear Grylls (National Geographic)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Structured Reality Program

Shrill (Hulu Original)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series—Aidy Bryant

The Simpsons (20th Television Animation)

1 Nomination
    Outstanding Animated Program

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Kevin Hart's "Die Hart" Renewed for a Second Season

Roku Orders Second Season of Kevin Hart’s ‘Die Hart’ from Laugh Out Loud

Hart to Star and Executive Produce ‘Die Harter’ for The Roku Channel After Record-Setting Debut of Season One

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) and Laugh Out Loud, the multi-platform comedy brand, today announced Kevin Hart’s comedy action series, ‘Die Hart,’ will return to The Roku Channel for a second season titled, ‘Die Harter.’ Following the series premiere on May 20, 2021 the greenlight is the first Roku Original renewal for The Roku Channel. 'Die Hart' had a spectacular weekend debut, with a record number of households streaming the series.

    “‘Die Hart’ exploded out of the gate and after a spectacular debut weekend, has quickly become one of the most watched Roku Originals on The Roku Channel”

“‘Die Hart’ exploded out of the gate and after a spectacular debut weekend, has quickly become one of the most watched Roku Originals on The Roku Channel,” said Colin Davis, Roku’s Head of Original Scripted Programming. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring an equally hilarious, action-packed second season to the record number of viewers who have watched in recent days.”

‘Die Harter’ will be produced by LOL Studios - Laugh Out Loud’s in-house production division. In addition to returning to his starring role, Hart will also executive produce the second season; Laugh Out Loud CEO and Hart’s longtime business partner, Jeff Clanagan, will serve as producer on the project. Tripper Clancy, Candice Wilson, Bryan Smiley, and Thai Randolph also serve as executive producers. Eric Appel will return to direct the second season. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

“It’s been great to see the incredible response to ‘Die Hart’ on The Roku Channel,” said LOL founder and chairman, Kevin Hart. “We’re excited to be partnering with Roku to bring another season to its audience.”

“The return of ‘Die Hart’ marks a pivotal moment in the continued growth and expansion of LOL Studios,” said LOL CEO Jeff Clanagan. “We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with Roku and be the first Roku Original to get a second season. We can’t wait for fans to dive into what is sure to be an even bigger, more action-packed season two.”

The Roku Channel has seen record growth this year, reaching U.S. households with an estimated 70 million people in Q1 2021. Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform. It features a diverse lineup of more than 40,000 free movies and programs and 190+ free live linear television channels. The Roku Channel licenses and distributes content from more than 175 partners. In addition to Roku devices, The Roku Channel is available on Web, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung TVs and can be accessed internationally in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

For more information, visit https://therokuchannel.roku.com.

About Laugh Out Loud:
Laugh Out Loud is a comedy brand and multi-platform entertainment company dedicated to keeping the world laughing together. Founded by comedian, actor, and producer Kevin Hart, LOL delivers the best in comedic content and experiences across its multiple divisions—LOL Audio, LOL Network, LOL Studios, and LOLX. From stand-up legends to the next generation of comedic talent, LOL curates comedy’s boldest voices to produce original scripted and unscripted series, stand-up specials, radio shows and podcasts, live broadcasts, experiential activations, and more. LOL content is distributed to a diverse, global audience of more than 100 million fans across the LOL OTT Network of FAST Channel partners including Pluto, Peacock, Tubi, Roku, Xumo, Redbox, and more. LOL Audio has access to an additional 100 million listeners via our partnerships with SiriusXM, Stitcher, and Pandora. Known for content such as Cold As Balls, What the Fit, Die Hart, and more, the company has amassed more than 1 billion video views across its digital platforms, and has worked with brand partners such as AT&T, Headspace, Lyft, Old Spice, P&G, Viacom, and more. Find us online at www.laughoutloud.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat via @lolnetwork.

About Roku, Inc.:
Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. We connect users to the streaming content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku streaming players and TV-related audio devices are available in the U.S. and in select countries through direct retail sales and licensing arrangements with service operators. Roku TV™ models are available in the U.S. and in select countries through licensing arrangements with TV brands. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. U.S.A.

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements that are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to the content, benefits, features, timing and availability of Die Harter and other Roku Originals on The Roku Channel; trends related to TV streaming; and the features, benefits, growth and reach of The Roku Channel and the Roku platform. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are detailed from time to time in the reports Roku, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on Roku’s website and are available from Roku without charge.

Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.

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NatGeo to Air "Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer" Fri., June 18th

National Geographic Documentary Films Partners With Acclaimed Director Dawn Porter in Search of Justice and Peace 100 Years After the Tulsa Massacre in New Feature Documentary RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER

Award-Winning Journalist DeNeen Brown Chronicles the Investigation of a Mass Grave in Oklahoma, Reporting on the Early 20th Century's Reign of Racial Terror and Legacy of Violence in the Two-Hour Special To Premiere On National Geographic Friday, June 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and Available To Stream on Hulu the Next Day, Juneteenth, Saturday, June 19, 2021

Get a first look at YouTube.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Documentary Films is partnering with acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter ("The Way I See It," "Good Trouble: John Lewis") and Trailblazer Studios on a feature documentary that sheds new light on a century-old period of intense racial conflict. RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER comes one hundred years from the two-day Tulsa Massacre in 1921 that led to the murder of hundreds of Black people and leaving thousands homeless and displaced. The film will premiere on National Geographic on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It will also be available to stream on Hulu the next day, Saturday, June 19, 2021, commemorating Juneteenth, when the last enslaved Black people in Texas received news of their emancipation, and will air globally in 172 countries and 43 languages.

Award-winning Washington Post journalist and Oklahoma native DeNeen Brown is at the heart of the film, reporting on the search for a mass grave in her native state. Digging into the events that led to one of the worst episodes of racial violence in America's history, Brown reveals insights into racial-conflict incidents that erupted in the early 20th century. Between 1917 and 1923, when Jim Crow laws were at their height and the Klu Klux Klan was resurging across the nation, scores of Black homes and businesses were razed, and hundreds of Black people were lynched and massacred with impunity.

Brown's reporting highlights the revived call for justice for victims and survivors. Following a 2018 investigative report, Brown explores the current new anti-racism movement in the context of the Tulsa Massacre and the Red Summer. With access to family members of those killed, city officials, archeologists and historians, the film reveals the decades-long effort by descendants and community members to find the victims' bodies and unearth truths that have been suppressed for nearly a century. RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER also untangles the role the media played in covering events at the time in order to reveal the full extent of the nation's buried past.

"I'm interested in following the evidence where it leads while giving a voice to those directly affected by the tragic events in Tulsa and throughout the Red Summer. This is the time to tell this story, which is not only about Black victims but also about Black resistance. There is so much our society is currently reckoning with, but seeking the truth about the damage wrought by unchecked mob violence against the Black community is a starting point. Sadly, the racism motivating the Red Summer has not been eradicated. It is clear, we must acknowledge these wrongs if healing is to begin," said Dawn Porter.

DeNeen L. Brown added, "In Tulsa, there is an increased urgency to properly honor Black people who were murdered during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Black activists in Tulsa have been working for years to bring national attention to this horrific chapter in U.S. history, in which as many as 300 Black people were killed by white mobs, and the prosperous Black community of Greenwood was destroyed. This year, as the city recognizes the 100th anniversary of the massacre, Tulsa finds itself at a point of inflection to learn from its horrific history and bring justice to survivors and descendants who have been denied true justice for too long."

Also being covered in a future issue of National Geographic Magazine, the excavation of a possible mass grave in Tulsa will continue early 20th century calls from Black newspapers, which reported on the Red Summer era seeking justice for the dead. The excavation is just one part of the effort to reckon with the past.

National Geographic Documentary Films' RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER comes on the heels of its highly successful docuseries CITY SO REAL, continuing to shed light on social justice and racial equality in America. The banner's most recent films, REBUILDING PARADISE, from director Ron Howard, debuted at Sundance 2020, and THE CAVE, from director Feras Fayyad, was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature in 2020. National Geographic Documentary Films previously released the Academy Award-, BAFTA- and seven-time Emmy® Award-winning film FREE SOLO; the Sundance Audience Award winner SCIENCE FAIR; Emmy winners LA 92 and JANE, both of which were included in the top 15 documentaries considered for an Academy Award in 2017; and duPont Award winner HELL ON EARTH: THE FALL OF SYRIA AND THE RISE OF ISIS.

RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER is produced by Dawn Porter's Trilogy Films and Trailblazer Studios in association with National Geographic Studios. Porter serves as producer and director, with DeNeen Brown as contributing reporter and Lauren Capps as story producer. For Trailblazer Studios, Jeff Lanter and Ashleigh Di Tonto are executive producers. For National Geographic, Christine Weber is executive producer, and Courteney Monroe is president, Content.


About National Geographic Documentary Films:
National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information, visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About Trilogy Films:
Trilogy Films specializes in creating award-winning, feature-length documentaries that elevate important issues and spark necessary conversations. Led by filmmaker Dawn Porter, Trilogy has produced content for some of the globe's largest content brands and distributors, while earning several of the industry's highest honors, including a Peabody Award for the 2016 documentary Trapped and Independent Spirit Award nomination for her 2013 film Gideon's Army. Recent projects include John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures), about the late Congressman John Lewis and The Way I See It (Focus Features), about photojournalist Pete Souza, who served as Chief Official White House photographer for President Barack Obama and as an Official White House photographer for Ronald Reagan. Trilogy Films is currently producing an Apple TV multi-part documentary series with Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry that focuses on mental illness and wellbeing.

About Trailblazer Studios:
Trailblazer Studios is an Emmy-winning entertainment, production, post and sound facility. Based in Raleigh, N.C., Trailblazer's nearly 20,000 sq. ft. facility boasts a soundstage, production offices, edit suites, picture finishing, sound mixing and other related services. Most recently, the company announced a first-of-its-kind television endeavor with Reuters to adapt its highly acclaimed, award-winning investigative series The Body Trade. Trailblazer, which delivered nearly 100 hours of original programming in 2020, is currently producing several announced blue-chip, natural-history and premium-documentary series for several networks, including National Geographic, OWN, Discovery and PBS. The company also assists clients with delivering content to HBO, Netflix, Amazon and numerous film festivals, including Sundance, Full Frame and Tribeca.

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#WandaVision Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2021 - Update #14

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  One minute TV trailer released Tuesday, Jan. 12th, 2021

WANDAVISION News: 

6/1 - From RollingStone:   "The Oral History of 'WandaVision.'"

3/5 - From Vox:  SPOILERS! - WandaVision episode 9 finale: Recap and 2 credits scenes, explained

2/26 - From TheWrap:   "WandaVision" just retconned the MCU in a really big way

2/19 - From YahooInsider:   "WandaVision" Episode 7 recap with SPOILERS.

2/10 - From GamesRadar:  Marvel artist shares his design sketches for "Sparkly," the dog from "WandaVision."

2/3 - From YahooLifestyle:   "WandaVision" Fans Think This Leak Might Confirm the Show Will Finally Bring X-Men Into the MCU

From Sideshow:   Watching WandaVision on Disney+? Here’s What Marvel Comics to Read Next

1/26 - From YahooEntertainment:   Paul Bettany Says Major "WandaVision" Actor Hasn’t Been Leaked Yet: "Scenes Are Pretty Intense"

1/22 - MensHealth:   SPOILERS: Monica Rambeau—Also Known as "Geraldine"— Is the Key to Expanding WandaVision's Story

1/22 - From YahooEntertainment:   SPOILERS: "WandaVision" - What you need to know about the bonkers ending of the Marvel show's third episode

1/18 - From GazetteXtra:   A list of comic book stories that might help readers understand what is happening in "WandaVision."

1/14 - From YahooEntertainment:   When Paul Bettany was called in for a meeting at Marvel Studios, he thought he was being fired.  Instead, he was offered a TV show.

1/8 - From THR:  The Marvel Comics titles to read before "WandaVision" arrives.

1/4 - From IndieWire:  Everything you need to know about "WandaVision"

From Wikipedia:  "WandaVision" has a "Wikipedia" page.

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Cinemark Theaters to Screen Zack Snyder's "Army of the Dead"

Cinemark To Show Army of the Dead in Theatres Across the U.S. Prior to Release on Netflix

The Zack Snyder film will have the widest release of its kind between the two companies

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinemark Holdings, Inc., one of the world’s largest and most influential movie theatre companies, announced today that it will be showing Netflix’s Army of the Dead in both Cinemark XD and Digital Cinema auditoriums across its domestic circuit beginning May 14, 2021. Tickets are on sale now at Cinemark.com and on the Cinemark mobile app to watch the much-anticipated Zack Snyder film in theatres before it is available on Netflix on May 21, 2021.

    “Following the success of our limited-run in-theatre tests with Cinemark for films like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Midnight Sky and The Christmas Chronicles 2, we are looking forward to the wider theatrical release of Army of the Dead”

“Cinemark is excited to work with Netflix on our first wide release and provide movie lovers the opportunity to see Army of the Dead in our theatres across the U.S.,” said Justin McDaniel, Cinemark SVP of global content strategy. “Zack Snyder fans will love seeing the action in an immersive, cinematic environment with larger-than-life sight and sound technology.”

“Following the success of our limited-run in-theatre tests with Cinemark for films like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Midnight Sky, and The Christmas Chronicles 2, we are looking forward to the wider theatrical release of Army of the Dead,” said Spencer Klein, Head of Distribution at Netflix. “We are thrilled to offer consumers the opportunity to watch this highly anticipated film in theaters and on Netflix.”

Army of the Dead, starring Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, Theo Rossi, Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Garret Dillahunt, Tig Notaro, Raúl Castillo, Huma Qureshi and Samantha Win, follows a group of mercenaries who travel to Las Vegas to pull off a casino heist during a zombie apocalypse. The film will hit Cinemark theatres on Friday, May 14, across the exhibitor’s domestic circuit prior to being available on Netflix beginning Friday, May 21. Cinemark and Netflix have worked together on limited releases that put multiple films on the big screen. While this is the first wide release of a Netflix film at Cinemark theatres, the companies anticipate there will be more to come.

Cinemark XD is the world’s No. 1 exhibitor Premium Large Format brand, and each auditorium boasts the theatre’s biggest screen, a projector capable of 35 trillion colors and custom surround sound that makes moviegoers feel part of the on-screen action.

The Cinemark Standard:

The health and safety of employees, guests and communities is a top priority. All Cinemark theatres have The Cinemark Standard, greatly enhanced cleanliness, sanitizing and safety measures at every step of the moviegoing experience. Each theatre also has a designated Chief Clean and Safety Monitor on duty to ensure the highest standards of safety, physical distancing, cleanliness and sanitization.

Since beginning its phased reopening of U.S. theatres in June 2020, the exhibitor has consistently received 96 percent guest satisfaction with Cinemark protecting their health and safety. Moreover, a resounding number of those moviegoers polled stated they would return and would also recommend visiting Cinemark to a friend.

Employees undergo extensive training on all new protocols and wear face masks while working, in addition to completing a wellness check-in prior to every shift.

•     Each auditorium is extensively disinfected with products identified by the EPA to be effective in eliminating COVID-19.
•     Theatres have staggered showtimes and limited capacities to maximize physical distancing.
•     Seat-Buffering Technology automatically blocks seats adjacent to a party upon ticket purchase.
•     Face masks are mandatory for all guests within the theatre and may only be removed for eating and drinking in the auditoriums. Face masks are required for all employees.
•     All public and high-touch spaces are thoroughly sanitized frequently.
•     Ample supplies of seat wipes and hand sanitizer are available for customer use.
•     Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and use contactless payment methods for a more contact-free experience.
•     Cinemark’s advanced, three-point air quality standard is designed to deliver an abundant supply of fresh outdoor air, maintain optimal circulation and eliminate pollutants.
•         Increased fresh-air rate. Cinemark is substantially raising the fresh-air rate of building HVAC systems by constantly utilizing supply fans to increase the total volume of fresh, outside air flowing into theatres.
•         Smart-flow air circulation design. Each auditorium within the theatre has its own HVAC system, which consistently diffuses fresh air from the ceiling down toward the floor where it is then returned to the filtration equipment, constantly refreshing the air.
•         Elimination of pollutants. Cinemark utilizes MERV filters in its HVAC systems to capture the majority of particles and pollutants.
  

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.:

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark (NYSE: CNK) is one of the largest and most influential movie theatre companies in the world. Cinemark’s circuit, comprised of various brands that also include Century, Tinseltown and Rave, operates 531 theatres (331 U.S., 200 South and Central America) with 5,958 screens (4,507 U.S., 1,451 South and Central America) in 42 states domestically and 15 countries throughout South and Central America. Cinemark consistently provides an extraordinary guest experience from the initial ticket purchase to the closing credits, including Movie Club, the first U.S. exhibitor-launched subscription program; the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat penetration among the major players; XD - the No. 1 exhibitor-brand premium large format; and expansive food and beverage options to further enhance the moviegoing experience. For more information go to https://investors.cinemark.com/ 

 

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Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment Sign Content Agreement

Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment Announce Unprecedented Post-Pay 1 Content Licensing Agreement

Deal Includes U.S. Rights to New Theatrical Releases from 2022-2026 Following Their Pay 1 TV Window and Library Titles from Sony Pictures for Disney’s Streaming Services and Linear Networks

Agreement Provides Disney with a Robust Collection of Sony Pictures’ Universe of Marvel Characters Films in Post-Pay 1 TV Windows

BURBANK, Calif. – The Walt Disney Company (DIS) and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) today announced a multi-year content licensing agreement for U.S. streaming and TV rights to Sony Pictures’ new theatrical releases across Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution’s vast portfolio of platforms including its streaming services Disney+ and Hulu, as well as linear entertainment networks including ABC, Disney Channels, Freeform, FX and National Geographic. The deal covers theatrical releases from 2022-2026 and begins for each film following its Pay 1 TV window. The agreement builds upon the companies’ prior arrangement which saw SPE movies licensed to FX in the post-Pay 1 TV window.

The deal also grants rights to a significant number of SPE’s iconic library titles, ranging from the “Jumanji” and “Hotel Transylvania” franchises to Sony Pictures’ Universe of Marvel Characters films, including Spider-Man. This gives Disney enormous programming potential across its platforms and makes them key destinations for a robust collection of Spider-Man films. Notably, the agreement provides Hulu access to a significant number of library titles beginning as early as this June.

“This landmark multi-year, platform agnostic agreement guarantees the team at Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution a tremendous amount of flexibility and breadth of programming possibilities to leverage Sony’s rich slate of award-winning action and family films across our direct-to-consumer services and linear channels,” said Chuck Saftler, head of Business Operations for ABC, Freeform, FX Networks, and Acquisitions in DMED’s Networks division, who played a key role in the negotiations. “This is a win for fans, who will benefit from the ability to access the very best content from two of Hollywood’s most prolific studios across a multitude of viewing platforms and experiences.”

“This groundbreaking agreement reconfirms the unique and enduring value of our movies to film lovers and the platforms and networks that serve them,” said Keith Le Goy, president, Worldwide Distribution and Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “We are thrilled to team up with Disney on delivering our titles to their viewers and subscribers. This agreement cements a key piece of our film distribution strategy, which is to maximize the value of each of our films, by making them available to consumers across all windows with a wide range of key partners.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.


ABOUT DISNEY MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTION:
Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) manages The Walt Disney Company’s vast content commercialization and distribution ecosystem that delivers the Company’s unparalleled storytelling to audiences worldwide. This entails P&L management and operation of the Company’s portfolio of streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and the international general entertainment offering, Star; its linear television channels and the ABC-owned stations; theatrical film distribution; content licensing and distribution, including Disney Music Group; global advertising sales; and the technology that powers these groups. Using a wealth of consumer insights from across the Company, DMED makes content investment and distribution decisions to maximize audience engagement and commercial impact across platforms, collaborating with creative leaders in Disney’s Studios, General Entertainment, and Sports organizations.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

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Netflix and Sony Pictures Sign Exclusive Streaming Deal

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment Sign Pay-One U.S. Licensing Deal for Feature Films

Agreement includes a first-look at films Sony Pictures intends for direct-to-streaming

Hollywood, Calif. -- Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) announced a multiyear, exclusive first pay window licensing deal in the U.S. for theatrically released SPE feature films, beginning with their 2022 film slate. This new agreement builds upon Netflix’s pre-existing output deal with Sony Pictures Animation films to now include all SPE film labels and genres.

Under the deal, Netflix will obtain first pay window rights to SPE titles following their theatrical and home entertainment windows. Tentpoles such as Morbius, Uncharted, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Bullet Train will be among the initial 2022 offerings. They will be followed by continued entries in Sony Pictures’ rejuvenated slate of IP, including the sequel to Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and several more SPE films featuring Marvel characters, including future installments of Venom and Spider-Man; and expected follow-ups for the Jumanji and Bad Boys franchises. Netflix will also license rights to select titles from SPE’s vast movie library.

As part of the partnership, Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group will offer Netflix a first look at any films it intends to make directly for streaming or decides later to license for streaming, and Netflix has committed to make a number of those films over the course of the deal. Any such direct-to-streaming projects will be additive to SPE’s full theatrical film slate, which will continue at its current volume.

“Sony Pictures is a great partner and we are thrilled to expand our relationship through this forward-thinking agreement,” said Scott Stuber, Head of Global Films at Netflix. “This not only allows us to bring their impressive slate of beloved film franchises and new IP to Netflix in the U.S., but it also establishes a new source of first run films for Netflix movie lovers worldwide.”

“Netflix has been a terrific partner as we continue to expand our relationship,” said Keith Le Goy, President, Worldwide Distribution and Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “At Sony Pictures, we produce some of the biggest blockbusters and the most creative, original films in the industry. This exciting agreement further demonstrates the importance of that content to our distribution partners as they grow their audiences and deliver the very best in entertainment.”


ABOUT NETFLIX:
Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services with 204 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

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"Godzilla vs. Kong" Attacks the Worldwide Box Office

“GODZILLA VS. KONG” CRUSHES AT THE BOX OFFICE, CLOSING IN ON $300 MILLION WORLDWIDE IN ONLY 12 DAYS

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Riding the wave of a massive opening in international markets, including $137.1 million in China so far, “Godzilla vs. Kong” debuted this week in the U.S. in theaters and on HBO Max, taking in $48.5 million at the domestic box office over five days, pushing the Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures film close to the $300 million mark at the global box office in its 12th day in release. Legendary handled all aspects of the film’s release in China. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Jeff Goldstein, and President of International Distribution, Andrew Cripps.

Despite the ongoing challenges in markets throughout the world due to the pandemic, the film has already earned a total of $285.4 million globally, thanks to record debuts both domestically and internationally, opening at number one in every major market in which it has been released, including the U.S., Australia, Mexico, Russia and the UAE. In the U.S., as market restrictions ease, the film has set several domestic records, including the largest number of locations at 3,064, the largest opening day at $9.6 million, the largest single day (Saturday) at $12.5 million, and the largest opening weekend, with $32.2 million, and a five-day cume of $48.5 million. Internationally, the film took in $76.1 million over the weekend, bringing the international total to $236.9 million.

Across the U.S., the film continues to perform strongly in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago and San Francisco. It also has much-anticipated openings to come in such key international markets as Japan, Brazil and much of Western Europe, when theaters open around the world and expand audience capacity as appropriate.

Goldstein stated, “Moviegoers have been waiting for an event film like ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ to arrive on the big screen and the numbers don’t lie—it’s clear that wherever audiences are ready to safely return to the theater, they have, and we’re thrilled with the results. And with the film’s A Cinema Score and being Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 93%, we look forward to sharing the movie with even more fans as theaters continue to open up around the U.S.”

Cripps added, “It’s no surprise that these two iconic Titans would lead the charge back to theaters around the world and even exceed expectations in such a massive way. With our incredible numbers in China leading the charge, and powerful openings in such markets as Australia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Mexico, we’re looking forward to a robust theatrical run for ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ across the globe.”

Mary Parent, Legendary’s Vice Chairman of Global Production, noted, “The global reception to the theatrical release of this film is a positive sign for moviegoing as people continue to look towards entertainment in a post pandemic world. Congratulations to our director, cast and crew along with our partners at Warner and everybody who worked so hard on this film internally at Legendary as theaters begin to once again become a destination.”

“The HBO Max audience has spoken very clearly and loudly: they love this film and are watching it more than once,” said Andy Forssell, Executive Vice President and General Manager, WarnerMedia Direct-to-Consumer. “Comparing audience metrics in the first four days since its release, ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ had a larger viewing audience than any other film or show on HBO Max since launch.”


About “Godzilla vs. Kong”:
From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes the long-awaited showdown between two icons in the epic adventure “Godzilla vs. Kong,” directed by Adam Wingard.

Legends collide in “Godzilla vs. Kong” as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The initial confrontation between the two Titans—instigated by unseen forces—is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

The film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, with Kyle Chandler and Demián Bichir.

Wingard directed from a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Max Borenstein, story by Terry Rossio and Michael Dougherty & Zach Shields, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO CO., LTD. The film was produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull and Brian Rogers, with Jay Ashenfelter, Herbert W. Gains, Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira executive producing.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Ben Seresin, production designers Owen Paterson and Thomas S. Hammock, editor Josh Schaeffer, costume designer Ann Foley and visual effects supervisor John “DJ” DesJardin. The music is by Tom Holkenborg.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, A Film By Adam Wingard, “Godzilla vs. Kong.” The film is available in the U.S. on HBO Max in 4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos on supported devices for 31 days from theatrical release.

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