Steve Pond's Blog, page 2
October 1, 2025
‘The Daily Show’ Jokes the Government Shutdown Upstaged Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban Split | Video
“The Daily Show” drew comparisons between the government shutdown and the breakup of Hollywood couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban during Wednesday’s episode.
“I thought the worse thing that could happen this week was when Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban broke up,” host Ronny Chieng said during his monologue Wednesday evening. “I mean, I know, if two hot Australians with the same face can’t make it work then what hope is there for the rest of us?”
However, as Chieng told viewers tuning in, things got much worse when the government shut down just after midnight Wednesday — after Republicans and Democrats failed to move forward on a spending bill.
He continued, “But then, to make it worse, my favorite federal government also couldn’t make it work.”
“Look, this is a classic dispute between the parties,” he added. “Democrats say that the government should help pay for health care, and Republicans say, ‘That’s what GoFundMe is for.’ But, because Republicans need Democratic votes to keep the government open, the two parties have to come together.”
Word of Kidman and Urban’s divorce broke Monday, when reports claimed the spouses had separated earlier this year after 19 years of marriage. Kidman then filed for divorce on Tuesday, citing “irreconcilable differences” in documents obtained by TheWrap.
Neither Kidman nor Urban have publicly addressed the split.
As for the government shutdown, at the time of this writing, there’s currently no end in sight, as leaders from both sides continue to point the finger of blame at the other.
“The Daily Show” airs weeknights at 11 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.
The post ‘The Daily Show’ Jokes the Government Shutdown Upstaged Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban Split | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Jimmy Kimmel Takes Aim at FCC Amid Government Shutdown: ‘We Can Now Say Whatever We Want’ | Video
Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday evening after it was revealed that the agency ceased operating their complaint phone line amid the government shutdown.
The comedian called the update a “silver lining to the shutdown” during Wednesday’s monologue for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and pondered what the news meant for his jokes moving forward.
“According to their official website, during the shutdown, our friends at the FCC will cease their response to consumer complaint and inquiry phone lines,” Kimmel explained at the top of the show. “I’m not a lawyer, but I think this means we can now say whatever we want on TV. I mean, there’s nobody that takes the complaint.”
As a way to test this potential freedom, Kimmel dared his longtime sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, to say “the dirtiest and most inappropriate thing” he could say — all while dressed as a pigeon.
While Rodriguez did appear to spew off some NSFW phrases, viewers at home were not clued in to what was said, as the show ultimately censored the sidekick. (Though, it does seem like Rodriguez said something along the lines of, “F–k my a–hole, motherf—er.”)
Later on in the monologue, Kimmel criticized President Donald Trump’s response to the government shutdown, including his repeated sharing of racist A.I. videos of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.
“That video was posted by the President of the United States,” Kimmel added. “A Black man with a sombrero with mariachi. That’s how out of it this guy is. He can’t even keep his racism straight.”
This isn’t the first time Kimmel has taunted the FCC or President Trump this week. Kimmel, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, found himself briefly suspended after a controversy tied to his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer.
His suspension came amid condemnation from both FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Trump, with many accusing the administration of attacking free speech in the process.
Kimmel returned to the air on Sept. 23 after a multi-day suspension — though, his show was preempted by Nexstar and Sinclair until this past Friday.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
The post Jimmy Kimmel Takes Aim at FCC Amid Government Shutdown: ‘We Can Now Say Whatever We Want’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
DHS Adviser Warns ICE Agents Will Target Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: ‘We Will Deport You’
Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager-turned-adviser for the Department of Homeland Security, issued a warning about ICE’s potential presence at Super Bowl LX.
Lewandowski made an appearance on Benny Johnson’s web series, titled “The Benny Show,” on Wednesday, where he made it clear that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency planned to have a presence at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. in February, where the upcoming Super Bowl is set to take place. Bad Bunny was officially named the halftime performer for the big game on Sunday.
“I don’t care if it’s a concert for Johnny Smith or Bad Bunny or anybody else,” the DHS adviser told Johnson. “We’re going to do enforcement everywhere. We are going to make Americans safe. That is a directive from the president. If you’re in this country illegally, do yourself a favor: go home.”
Lewandowski also vowed that there was “nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else.”
“We will find you. We will apprehend you,” he further declared. “We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you. So know that that is a very real situation under this administration, which is completely contrary to what how it used to be.”
CONFIRMED: ICE will be active and on-site at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 1, 2025
Trump Advisor Corey Lewandowski warns: there’s no place ICE won’t go to remove criminal aliens from the US, even the Super Bowl:
"There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in… pic.twitter.com/kfKlGcuR7Q
Lewandowski went on to blast the NFL, accusing the sports organization of being too “woke” and slamming the league for picking someone who “seems to hate America.”
The commentator is likely referring to Bad Bunny’s decision to exclude the U.S. from his recent “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” world tour out of fear that ICE would target his shows.
The NFL did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
The post DHS Adviser Warns ICE Agents Will Target Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: ‘We Will Deport You’ appeared first on TheWrap.
Leonardo DiCaprio Pays Tribute to Late Conservationist Jane Goodall: ‘You Are My Hero’
Leonardo DiCaprio mourned the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall on Wednesday by penning a lengthy tribute for the famed zoologist, who he called his personal “hero.”
Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist and animal rights advocate, died from natural causes at the age of 91, her institute confirmed Wednesday, leaving fans of her work — including the Oscar winner — grief-stricken in the aftermath.
DiCaprio, an environmental activist in his own right, took to social media upon learning of Goodall’s death and posted a poignant tribute in her honor.
“Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit,” DiCaprio said on Instagram. “Her groundbreaking research on Chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to Chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”
He continued: “For decades, Jane traveled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world. She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, responsibility and the belief that every individual can make a difference. She inspired millions to care, to act and to hope. She never stopped.”
In his post, DiCaprio shared several pictures of himself with Goodall, as the two had developed a friendship through their shared causes. The two appeared together at a number of events, including the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala and United Nations ceremonies. The pair also both served as executive producers on the film “Howl,” directed by E. Elias Merhige.
“Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home,” DiCaprio concluded.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Leonardo DiCaprio (@leonardodicaprio)
Read his full statement above.
The post Leonardo DiCaprio Pays Tribute to Late Conservationist Jane Goodall: ‘You Are My Hero’ appeared first on TheWrap.
Japanese Oscar Contender ‘Kokuho’ Gets Limited U.S. Release
After acquiring the U.S. rights at TIFF earlier this year, GKids will release Japan’s smash hit drama “Kokuho” in a limited awards-qualifying run in Los Angeles and New York this November, with a nationwide release still to come.
The coming-of-age film — starring Ryo Yoshizawa and Ken Watanabe and directed by Sang-il Lee — will play for one week at the AMC Universal CityWalk in Universal City, Calif. starting November 14, followed by a one-week run at the Angelika Film Center in New York City on November 21.
Set in Nagasaki in 1964, “Kokuho” follows Kikuo, the 14-year-old son of a slain Yakuza leader who is taken under the wing of a Kabuki master. Over the next two decades, he dedicates himself to the ancient theatrical art form alongside his mentor’s son, Shunsuke.
Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata and Shinobu Terajima also star in the Japanese drama.
Premiering at Cannes in the Director’s Fortnight section, “Kokuho” has grossed $104 million at the Japanese box office. That’s second behind only the 2003 film “Bayside Shakedown 2” among Japanese live action films.
GKids was acquired last year by Toho, and “Kokuho” marks the first live-action release by the distributor, which historically has released anime films — with its highest grossing film being Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron” with $46.8 million in the U.S.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GKIDS (@gkidsfilms)
GKids released the poster for “Kokuho” on Instagram amid the U.S. release news, where they described the film as “a story of glory and heartbreak.”
The company added, “Japan’s official selection for Best International Feature and the second-highest grossing Japanese live-action film of all time, KOKUHO screens in one-week-only theatrical engagements in NY & LA this November.”
The post Japanese Oscar Contender ‘Kokuho’ Gets Limited U.S. Release appeared first on TheWrap.
‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Passes ‘Superman’ at Global Box Office
Here’s another box office surprise in a year that has had plenty of them: “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” has surpassed the DC blockbuster “Superman” at the global box office.
Released by Aniplex and Toho in Japan and Sony Pictures’ Crunchyroll internationally, the latest film from Ufotable’s acclaimed anime action series has become the first in history not produced in the English or Mandarin languages to gross more than $600 million worldwide.
On Tuesday, the film reached $617 million, passing the $615 global total of “Superman” to become the seventh highest grossing film this year. It needs roughly $18 million to pass Apple/Warner Bros.’ “F1” and Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” remake to crack the top 5.
In the United States, “Infinity Castle” has passed “Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back” as the highest grossing anime film of all time with more than $120 million grossed. That’s higher than animated releases like “Bad Guys 2” and “Elio” and stands as Sony’s highest grossing film this year.
While a very unique case of a wildly popular anime series getting a theatrical release that is a direct continuation of the story arc playing out on TV, “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” shows how anime has become a global force at the box office. That has been aided by Sony’s commitment to releasing anime films on a regular basis in theaters and promoting those releases to subscribers of Crunchyroll’s streaming service.
Sony and Crunchyroll’s next anime release will be a film from the series “Chainsaw Man” on October 24, followed by Mamoru Hosoda’s fantasy film “Scarlet” in December.
The post ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Passes ‘Superman’ at Global Box Office appeared first on TheWrap.
On the Scene With Bruckheimer, Katzenberg and More Industry Leaders at TheGrill 2025 | Photos
TheWrap hosted its annual TheGrill business conference on Tuesday, with over 300 industry professionals descending on the DGA Theater Complex in Hollywood to hear from speakers like Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Irving Azoff and many more.
TheGrill is one of two flagship events hosted by TheWrap each year, welcoming experts in media and technology as they discuss the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry. This year’s 10 panels highlighted various topics about the business and future of entertainment, from artificial intelligence to the business of streaming to sky-high drone entertainment.
TheWrap founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman kicked the day off with an opening address before moderating a spotlight conversation with The Azoff Company CEO Azoff. The keynote conversation came in the middle of the day, when storied Hollywood producer Bruckheimer (who recently worked on the Brad Pitt summer blockbuster “F1”) spoke with our own Drew Taylor about his latest hit and upcoming franchise projects. Several panels were dedicated to the increasing conversation of AI’s presence in Hollywood, with the so-called “AI actress” Tilly Norwood becoming a particular point of interest throughout the day.
In between programming, attendees took various opportunities to network and dine. A series of experts led various small-group industry conversations during a lunch session, while a post-conference drinks reception gave professionals a final chance to meet and connect at TheGrill.
Check out highlights from on the ground at the Directors Guild of America in the photo gallery below.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees check in at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Check in at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Breakfast set up at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, interacting with event attendees at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees enjoy breakfast and networking at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Coffee Cart sponsored by NYF TV & Film at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Coffee Cart sponsored by NYF TV & Film at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA) on Sept. 30, 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, shares opening remarks at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Audience members get ready for the day ahead at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, and Irving Azoff, Chairman & CEO at The Azoff Company, speak onstage during the Spotlight Conversation: Irving Azoff Unplugged panel at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Irving Azoff, Chairman & CEO at The Azoff Company, speaks onstage during the Spotlight Conversation: Irving Azoff Unplugged panel at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jaime Maggio, Los Angeles Sports Anchor at CBS, Bennett Spector, EVP & GM at Bleacher Report, Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports at ROKO, Pamela Duckworth, Head of FUBO Studios, and Ross Gerber, CEO & President at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management speak onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap; Christian Muirhead, Co-Chairman at WME Group; Mark Shapiro, President & Managing Partner at WME Group and President & COO at TKO; and Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group speak onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Christian Muirhead, Co-Chairman at WME Group speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the WME: The Next Chapter panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Mark Shapiro, President & Managing Partner at WME Group and President and COO at TKO speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the WME: The Next Chapter panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the WME: The Next Chapter panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)WME: The Next Chapter panel at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group; Christian Muirhead, Co-Chairman at WME Group; and Mark Shapiro, President & Managing Partner at WME Group and President & COO at TKO attend TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, Christian Muirhead, Co-Chairman at WME Group and Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group, at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees mingle during morning break at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Roger Cheng, Managing Editor, Business & PRO at TheWrap, Jed Weintrob, Partner at 30 Ninjas, and Jonathan Zepp, Head of Entertainment Content & Platforms at Google, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Filmmaking in the Age of AI panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jed Weintrob, Partner at 30 Ninjas, and Jonathan Zepp, Head of Entertainment Content & Platforms at Google, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Filmmaking in the Age of AI panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jed Weintrob, Partner at 30 Ninjas, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Filmmaking in the Age of AI panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jonathan Zepp, Head of Entertainment Content & Platforms at Google, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Filmmaking in the Age of AI panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Roger Cheng, Managing Editor, Business & PRO at TheWrap, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Filmmaking in the Age of AI panel at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jed Weintrob, Partner at 30 Ninjas, and Jonathan Zepp, Head of Entertainment Content & Platforms at Google, at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Roger Cheng, Managing Editor, Business & PRO at TheWrap; Annie Chang, VP, Creative Technologies at NBCUniversal; Melody Hildebrandt, CTO at Fox Corporation; and Yves Bergquist, Director, AI in Media at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the From Ideation to Innovation: AI in the Studio Pipeline panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Annie Chang, VP, Creative Technologies at NBCUniversal; Yves Bergquist, Director, AI in Media at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center; and Melody Hildebrandt, CTO at Fox Corporation at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Networking and lunchtime with table topics led by experts presented by WrapPRO during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Networking and lunchtime with table topics led by experts presented by WrapPRO during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Networking and lunchtime with table topics led by experts presented by WrapPRO during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Networking and lunchtime with table topics led by experts presented by WrapPRO during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)“Ashes to Rebirth” California wildfire photo and art exhibit on display during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)“Ashes to Rebirth” California wildfire photo and art exhibit on display during TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Photographer Chad Unger at “Ashes to Rebirth” at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Edward Menicheschi, President & COO at TheWrap, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 ahead of its Spotlight Conversation: The Road to “F1” With Jerry Bruckheimer, presented by Apple Original Films.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Drew Taylor, Senior Film Reporter at TheWrap, and “F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer speak onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)“F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Drew Taylor, Senior Film Reporter at TheWrap, and “F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer speak onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Drew Taylor, Senior Film Reporter at TheWrap, and “F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer speak onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jerry Bruckheimer, award-winning film producer, at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Colleen Bell, Executive Director at the California Film Commission and Jerry Bruckheimer speak at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Dhar Mann, Founder at Dhar Mann Studios; Brent Weinstein, Senior Leadership Team at CAA; Sean Atkins, CEO at Dhar Mann Studios; and Shana Tepper, Head of Entertainment Communications at YouTube at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Adam Chitwood, Executive Editor at TheWrap and Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, VP at the National Research Group, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Gen Alpha Saves the Box Office? panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Adam Chitwood, Executive Editor at TheWrap and Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, VP at the National Research Group, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the “Gen Alpha Saves the Box Office?” panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, Nina Shaw, Founding Partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang, and Jerry Bruckheimer, award-winning film producer of “F1,” chat inside the green room and portrait studio at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group, Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, Mark Shapiro, President and Managing Partner at WME Group & President and COO at TKO, and Irving Azoff, Chairman & CEO at The Azoff Company, inside the green room and portrait studio during TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Christian Muirhead, Co-Chairman at WME Group, Richard Weitz, Co-Chairman at WME Group, Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, Mark Shapiro, President and Managing Partner at WME Group & President and COO at TKO, and Irving Azoff, Chairman & CEO at The Azoff Company, inside the green room and portrait studio during TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jerry Bruckheimer and photographer Steve Limones inside the green room and portrait studio at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer inside the green room and portrait studio at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Attendees enjoy an afternoon break at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution at The Walt Disney Company, Eduardo Acuna, CEO at Regal Cineworld, and Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures speak with moderator Greg Foster, Owner & Principal at Foster + Crew, at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA).
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution at The Walt Disney Company, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Big Screen, Big Questions: What’s Next for Theaters? panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Greg Foster, Owner & Principal at Foster + Crew, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Big Screen, Big Questions: What’s Next for Theaters? panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeff Goldstein, President of Global Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Eduardo Acuna, CEO at Regal Cineworld, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution at The Walt Disney Company, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during the Big Screen, Big Questions: What’s Next for Theaters? panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Andrew Cripps, Eduardo Acuna, Jeff Goldstein and Greg Foster at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Andrew Cripps, Eduardo Acuna, Jeff Goldstein and Greg Foster at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, and Greg Foster, Owner & Principal at Foster + Crew, inside the green room and portrait studio at TheGrill 2025 at The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeffrey Katzenberg, founding partner at WndrCo, Kimbal Musk, CEO & Co-Founder at Nova Sky Stories, and Courtney Walsh inside the green room and portrait studio at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Johanna Fuentes, Head of Global Communications at Benton Strategies, inside the Greenroom at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap; Jasmine Daghighian, VP, Film at Topic Studios; Nina Shaw, Founding Partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang; Sev Ohanian, Founder at Proximity Media; and Tommy Oliver, Filmmaker & CEO at Confluential Films at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sev Ohanian, Founder at Proximity Media, and Tommy Oliver, Filmmaker & CEO at Confluential Films, speak during The State of Indie Filmmaking: Show Me the Money (If There Is Any) panel at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Nina Shaw, Founding Partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang, Sev Ohanian, Founder at Proximity Media, and Tommy Oliver, Filmmaker & CEO at Confluential Films, speak during The State of Indie Filmmaking: Show Me the Money (If There Is Any) panel at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jasmine Daghighian, VP, Film at Topic Studios, speaks during The State of Indie Filmmaking: Show Me the Money (If There Is Any) panel at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Tommy Oliver, Filmmaker & CEO at Confluential Films, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The State of Indie Filmmaking: Show Me the Money (If There Is Any) panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Nina Shaw, Founding Partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The State of Indie Filmmaking: Show Me the Money (If There Is Any) panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap; Jasmine Daghighian, VP, Film at Topic Studios; Nina Shaw, Founding Partner at Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang; Sev Ohanian, Founder at Proximity Media; and Tommy Oliver, Filmmaker & CEO at Confluential Films at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sev Ohanian, Nina Shaw, Jasmine Daghighian and Tommy Oliver at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Brent Weinstein, Senior Leadership Team at CAA, Toni Gray, Head of Production at Dhar Mann Studios, and Sean Atkins, CEO at Dhar Mann Studios, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The Rise of Creator-Led Studios with Dhar Mann and Sean Atkins panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Toni Gray, Head of Production at Dhar Mann Studios, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The Rise of Creator-Led Studios with Dhar Mann and Sean Atkins panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Brent Weinstein, Senior Leadership Team at CAA, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The Rise of Creator-Led Studios with Dhar Mann and Sean Atkins panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Brent Weinstein, Senior Leadership Team at CAA, Toni Gray, Head of Production at Dhar Mann Studios, and Sean Atkins, CEO at Dhar Mann Studios, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during The Rise of Creator-Led Studios with Dhar Mann and Sean Atkins panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Sean Atkins, Toni Gray and Brent Weinstein at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Laura Holson, Journalist & Founder at The Box Sessions, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founding Partner at WndrCo, and Kimbal Musk, CEO & Co-Founder at Nova Sky Stories, speak onstage at TheGrill 2025 during Stories in the Sky: A New Era of Live Entertainment panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Kimbal Musk, CEO & Co-Founder at Nova Sky Stories, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during Stories in the Sky: A New Era of Live Entertainment panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founding Partner at WndrCo, speaks onstage at TheGrill 2025 during Stories in the Sky: A New Era of Live Entertainment panel.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)A scene from TheGrill 2025 during Stories in the Sky: A New Era of Live Entertainment panel
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Kimbal Musk and Jeffrey Katzenberg at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeffrey Katzenberg chats with USC film students at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jeffrey Katzenberg chats with USC film students at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Jed Weintrob, (center) Partner at 30 Ninjas, at TheGrill 2025
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Edward Menicheschi, President & COO at TheWrap, and Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, speak with an attendee at TheGrill 2025.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Kimbal Musk, CEO & Co-Founder at Nova Sky Stories, attends TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)
Sharon Waxman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at TheWrap, and Laura Holson, Journalist & Founder at The Box Sessions, attend TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
(Photo by Randy Shropshire for TheWrap)Guests mingle at TheGrill 2025’s networking and cocktail reception.
The post On the Scene With Bruckheimer, Katzenberg and More Industry Leaders at TheGrill 2025 | Photos appeared first on TheWrap.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Bosses on Season 5 Embracing Change, Why Filming at the Phillies Game Was Their Hardest Challenge Yet
Note: This story contains spoilers from “Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episode 1.
“Abbott Elementary” has embraced a central theme each season, whether it be battling with the district, grappling with charter schools or reckoning with gentrification, but last season taught showrunners Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker it’s okay not to stick to the plan.
Season 4’s biggest storyline happened much later in the season, when Ava (Janelle James) was fired as principal after taking the fall for the school accepting bribes from the golf course next door — a plot that, despite leading most of the central action for the back half of the season, came together “late in the game” in the writers’ room.
“We really liked the results of Season 4 and … the climax and all of that, so we went into [Season 5] a little bit more open-minded,” Schumacker told TheWrap, noting that clear skies approach was both liberating and daunting. “We have figured out what our main themes are and the general thrust of the season, we just figured it out a little bit later than we normally did.”
Like Ava’s Season 4 firing — and subsequent re-hiring — Season 5 embraces changing roles for its teachers that switch up dynamics and prompt them to look inward. Just as Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) has a new lease on life as she takes on her music class, the Season 5 premiere sees Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) embrace her move to middle school, that is, before Jacob (Chris Perfetti) and Morton (Jerry Minor) scare her with their tales of mean middle-schoolers.
Likewise, the arrival of Abbott’s newest teacher and Barbara’s old student, Dom (Luke Tennie), prompts Janine (Quinta Bruson) to reconsider her role at the school after Barbara quickly takes him under her wing.
“We also just try to continue our character’s growth so that it stays fresh,” Halpern added. “At the start of every year, we’ll be like, ‘Hey, let’s put to bed these types of jokes or these types of interactions with these characters that they’ve grown past.’ We were always trying to find the comedy in newer places by the characters growing.”
The showrunners are also careful about incorporating too much Gen Alpha slang, joking that if it gets to them, “it’s probably lame by that point,” but promised a couple labubu references in Season 5.
While last season’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” crossover presented a massive logistical challenge for Halpern and Schumacker — as they pieced together schedules for the busy cast members — they upped the ante with Season 5 by filming Episode 3 at the Philadelphia Phillies game.
“That was more challenging than the crossover — this was like, ‘Hey, we got to move 60 crew and cast to Philly for four or five days,'” Schumacker said, detailing the three days of production in the city of brotherly love, both outside the stadium, in the empty stadium with about 500 extras, and then on the actual game night. They applauded writer Ava Coleman (a coincidence with the character), line producer Scott Sites and location manager David B. Lyons for pulling the episode off.
The team had to pivot in real time for its post-game scene with Phillies star Kyle Schwarber — which was set to include Barbara making a comment about the player slumping — when Schwarber made history as the 21st player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game.
(Credit: Instagram)“Kyle Schwarber was amazing,” Schumacker said. “He had to rehearse his scene before the game. He played the game, and then he shot his scene, where he actually has dialogue after the game.”
Schwarber is just one of the guest stars gracing “Abbott Elementary” this season, with “SNL” star Mikey Day appearing in the Season 5 premiere and other comedians set to appear as well.
“We have some cool people that are known in the comedy world, but maybe aren’t quite known to the world, that I think will be really fun adds to the cast,” Halpern said. “We’re always looking for somebody who lives within our tone, but brings a completely different POV to the show, and we have a couple people that are newer that I really am excited about.”
“Abbott Elementary” airs Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
The post ‘Abbott Elementary’ Bosses on Season 5 Embracing Change, Why Filming at the Phillies Game Was Their Hardest Challenge Yet appeared first on TheWrap.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out?
It’s back to school for the teachers of “Abbott Elementary” as the sitcom returns for Season 5 this fall.
All your favorite teachers are back, including Quinta Brunso as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.
While this season won’t include a crossover with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Season 5 will bring viewers to the Philadelphia Phillies, among other non-school locations.
When does “Abbott Elementary” Season 5 premiere?The new season of the ABC sitcom debuts Wednesday, Oct. 1.
When do new episodes of “Abbott Elementary” Season 5 premiere?Episodes drop Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC after “Shifting Gears” and before “The Golden Bachelor.”
Where is “Abbott Elementary” streaming?New episodes stream on Hulu the day after their ABC debut.
“Abbott Elementary” Season 5 Episode Schedule:S.5 Ep.1: “Team Building” — Oct. 1The teachers prepare for the upcoming school year with new faces and big changes on the horizon.S.5 Ep.2: “Cheating” — Oct. 8Melissa tries to outsmart her students; Tariq causes chaos in Janine’s class, and a new guidance counselor joins the school.S.5 Ep.3: “Ballgame” — Oct. 15The Abbott crew heads to the ballpark for Teachers’ Appreciation Night at the Philadelphia Phillies game.The post ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out? appeared first on TheWrap.
‘Shifting Gears’ Season 2 Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Coming Out?
Start your engines folks, ABC is revving up Season 2 of the hit sitcom “Shifting Gears.” Tim Allen and Kat Dennings are back as a father-daughter duo re-navigating their relationship after she moves back in with her young son. But Season 2 promises to shake up the familiar dynamics, with Jenna Elfman bringing unexpected romance to Allen’s widower. The second season also promises a “Home Improvement” reunion, along with several more guest stars, including “Last Man Standing’s” Nancy Travis and “Shark Tank’s” Lori Greiner.
The series returns at the start of October, here’s everything to know about when new episodes of “Shifting Gears” debut.
When Does Season 2 Premiere?“Shifting Gears” returns for Season 2 with a single-episode premiere on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
When Do New Episodes Come Out?New episodes debut weekly on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
“Shifting Gears” Season 2 Episodes:ABC has revealed details for the first three “Shifting Gears” Season 2 episodes. We’ll update here as more titles, dates and plot descriptions are announced, so stay tuned for more!
S2 E1: “Secret” – Oct. 1, 2025Matt wrestles with his feelings for Eve, and Charlotte convinces him to go to a grief group. Meanwhile, Riley struggles with her own “will she or won’t she” about her feelings for Gabe. Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning guest star.S2 E2: “Date” – Oct. 8, 2025Matt and Eve go on their first date but have different ideas of what it should entail. Riley befriends the mom of Georgia’s new friend while Carter mediates a tiff between Gabe and Stitch. L.A. Dodger Mookie Betts and Lilly Singh guest star.S2 E3: “Passion” – Oct. 15, 2025When Carter’s job pays more than Riley’s, she decides to find her forever career and clashes with Matt over her future. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias drops by Parker Customs, and Matt debates letting go of a piece of the past. Lori Greiner guest stars.The post ‘Shifting Gears’ Season 2 Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Coming Out? appeared first on TheWrap.
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