Steve Pond's Blog, page 93

SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify Interactive Media Agreement After 320-Day Video Game Strike

SAG-AFTRA members have voted to ratify the new interactive media agreement negotiated after an 11-month strike against video game developers and recording companies that were signatory to the contract.

The union announced on Wednesday that 95.04% of members voted in favor of ratification.

“I commend the strong leadership of Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Chair Sarah Elmaleh, who remained steadfast through three years of hard bargaining while facing many challenging headwinds during a challenging negotiation cycle,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement. “This deal achieves important progress around A.I. protections, and progress is the name of the game! My sincere respect goes out to the entire video game performer community and their allies for their solidarity during the strike which provided the necessary leverage to secure this deal’s many essential gains.” 

Unlike SAG-AFTRA’s 2023 TV/Theatrical strike, which had a variety of factors that led to the 118-day stoppage, the 320-day IMA strike was spurred solely by artificial intelligence, as the union’s bargaining committee did not feel that the companies provided terms that would ensure that performers would have the transparency needed to give their informed consent, if they wished, for companies to make digital replicas of their performances and likeness.

As part of the new deal, companies are required to inform performers about all the ways in which AI is planned to be used on their voice, likeness and movements and have their written consent to use the technology. Performers also have the ability to suspend consent of companies to use AI to create replicas of their work during a strike.

“All of us at SAG-AFTRA would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the video game performers and allies who endured a great deal of sacrifice throughout the 11-month strike,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in another statement. “I’d also like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee and its chair, Sarah Elmaleh, who have worked tirelessly for nearly three years in order to achieve these necessary gains and protections alongside our negotiating staff and lead negotiator Ray Rodriguez. Now that the agreement is ratified, video game performers will be able to enjoy meaningful gains and important A.I. protections, which we will continue to build on as uses of this technology settle and evolve.”

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers party to the agreement, added, “We are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new Interactive Media Agreement, which delivers historic wage increases, industry-leading A.I. protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers. We look forward to building on our industry’s decades-long partnership with the union and continuing to create groundbreaking entertainment experiences for billions of players worldwide.” 

Minimum rates will also be established for the use of digital replicas created with union-covered performances. If those performances are created for the purpose of “real-time generation” — i.e., creating a digital replica-voiced chatbot in a video game — the performer is entitled to at least 7.5x that minimum scale. Developers are also required to send performers that consent to AI usage a report detailing how their replica was used and which calculates their compensation.

Due to clauses in the previous IMA that exempted video games developed and released prior to the start of the strike, the impact of the strike on the video game industry wasn’t as widely felt as the 2023 TV/film strikes, where all Hollywood production was shut down.

But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t an impact. Riot Games announced this past December that skins in their popular game “League of Legends” would not come with new voice lines due to the strike. Famed developer Hideo Kojima also noted that his upcoming horror game “OD,” which he co-wrote with Jordan Peele and stars “It” actress Sophia Lillis, would be delayed due to the strike.

The post SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify Interactive Media Agreement After 320-Day Video Game Strike appeared first on TheWrap.

‘Love Island USA’ Star Cierra Ortega Agrees With Decision to Remove Her From the Show: ‘I Am Not the Victim’

“Love Island USA” contestant Cierra Ortega is taking accountability for her actions after she was removed from the Peacock series for her past use of a slur on social media.

In a Wednesday night Instagram video, the Season 7 Islander admitted she agreed with the producers’ decision to take her out of the villa while insisting this was not an apology, but rather a chance for her to hold herself accountable.

“I know a lot of people have been waiting for me to speak up about the news that’s come to light recently, and now that I’ve been back in the U.S. for about 48 hours and I’ve had the chance to process, I now feel like I’m at a space where I can speak about this without being highly emotional, because I am not the victim in this situation,” she began. “While I was in the villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. Before I get into the details, I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community: I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry.”

“I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that’s absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. It just doesn’t, and I just need you to know that I am so sorry,” Ortega continued. “But this is not an apology video, this is an accountability video. I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning, and it wasn’t until I made the public story post in 2024 when a follower of mine reached out to correct me and let me know that what I was saying was incredibly hurtful, it was a derogatory term, it was a slur.”

The 25-year-old then explained that once a follower of hers explained that the word in question was indeed a slur, she removed it from her vocabulary, contrary to other viral posts that insinuate she “doubled down” on using it.

“Since that moment, I’ve done so much growing as an individual and I’ve tried my best to educate others who might be accidentally holding space for these types of words that could be offensive in their vocabulary,” Ortega said. “I completely agree with the network’s decision to remove me from the villa. I think that this is something that deserved punishment, and the punishment has absolutely been received, for sure. I think the backlash has obviously been very hard to deal with, but I understand that people are kind of confused on why I would have even said it or why I would have been ‘doubling down’ and continuing to use it, so I understand where the hate is coming from.”

“I can do my best to drown out the noise and pay attention to the truth, but what’s been extremely, extremely difficult is the way people are approaching my family and my loved ones,” she shared. “They have had ICE called on them. My family doesn’t feel safe in their own home. I’m receiving death threats, like, there’s no need to fight hate with hate. I don’t think that that’s justice. And if you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry and that I will move differently, I promise you, that’s what will happen.”

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A post shared by ♡ 𝖈𝖎𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖆 𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖌𝖆 ♡ (@cierra.ortega)

“I know that no apology could ever be enough for the harm that I’ve caused and the offense has taken place. I know that moving forward, my actions and how I decide to live my life from here on out, is going to speak louder than any apology ever could, but I do need it to be known that I am sorry and I did mean no harm, and hopefully there are people out there that can use my mistake as a learning moment and to just be better, because that’s what I’m going to do,” Ortega concluded her message. “I’m going to take today and tomorrow, and I’m going to take strides to be better, and all I can ask for is, even if you won’t give me forgiveness, if you can just allow me to grow with grace. And hopefully, instead of sitting here and trying to convince you that I am this amazing person who spreads light in the world and celebrates cultures and dynamics and backgrounds, one day you can see that from me. I’m deeply sorry again, and I thank anyone who’s listening.”

Ortega’s removal marked the second “Love Island USA” Season 7 contestant to exit the show this summer due to racial slurs. At the start of June, Yulissa Escobar was kicked off the show after just two episodes once podcast clips resurfaced showing her using racial slurs.

The “Love Island USA” season finale airs Sunday on Peacock.

The post ‘Love Island USA’ Star Cierra Ortega Agrees With Decision to Remove Her From the Show: ‘I Am Not the Victim’ appeared first on TheWrap.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Season 17 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Stream?

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” returns for its 17th season and is keeping things as fresh as ever with a pair of baffling crossovers.

The newest season of the FX comedy keeps the gang doing what they do best/worst – filling their free time being some of the most reprehensible people in the world. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” also boasts a pair of crossovers this season with “Abbott Elementary” and “The Golden Bachelor.”

Here’s everything you need to know about where and when to tune in for Season 17 of FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

When does “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 17 come out?

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 17 begins on Wednesday, July 9, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT with a two-episode premiere.

How can I watch “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 17?

The seventeenth season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” will air on FX beginning July 9. Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.

Are episodes released weekly or all at once?

Season 17 of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” drops two new episodes when it premieres on July 9 and moves to weekly for the remainder of the season. Here’s the full rundown:

Episode 1 – July 9Episode 2 – July 9Episode 3 – July 16Episode 4 – July 23Episode 5 – July 30Episode 6 – Aug. 6Episode 7 – Aug. 13Episode 8 – Aug. 20What is “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 17 about?

The latest season of the FX comedy continues the belligerent escapades of the employees of Paddy’s Pub. Along with their usual hijinks, Season 17 will also include the second half to the “Abbott Elementary” crossover that began on the ABC comedy earlier in 2025.

Who is in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 17?

The usual suspects from the gang are back for Season 17. Charlie Day, Rob Mac, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito all return for the next iteration of the raunchy FX comedy.

Watch the trailer:

The post ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Season 17 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Stream? appeared first on TheWrap.

Former Clinton Adviser Calls Gen Z ‘Useful Idiot Generation’ for Support of Mamdani, Socialism | Video

“OK, Boomer” incoming …

Mark Penn, the 71-year-old former Clinton adviser and strategist, had some harsh words Wednesday for Gen Z, the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012. Three that stand out: “Useful idiot generation.”

Penn, a veteran strategist, Bill Clinton pollster and communications consultant best known for his work as chief strategist for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, joined “America’s Newsroom” on Fox News to elaborate on his recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece “Gen Z, the Useful Idiot Generation.”

“Newsroom” host Bill Hemmer took a deep breath before introducing Penn, saying: “You had some humdingers in this piece … go ahead and explain yourself. … That’s tough.”

Penn didn’t pull his punch – he leaned into it.

“They don’t really know in depth the things that they’ve been adopted or indoctrinated with,” Penn said. “They have been taught to blame capitalism. You look at young people — close to 40% of young people now favor socialism over capitalism. What does that mean to them? It doesn’t mean Venezuela or Cuba to them. It means free stuff. Free rent, free buses. We all know you can’t have just free stuff. That never works. It always deteriorates. But they don’t have any history or knowledge.”

Hemmer noted that the generation that grew up with social media is getting its ideas there.

“Look at all these trends that come together,” Penn continued. “Lack of religion and belief in patriotism and American values. Belief that socialism, not capitalism, is the answer — and capitalism is really the problem here. The social media flood — particularly TikTok, which is, after all, still owned by the Chinese — that is getting directly to our young people. I think when you put this all together, you see how somebody like [NYC mayoral candidate Zohran] Mamdani, who has very antisemitic, socialist views, can come out ahead on top.”

Watch the entire exchange in the video above.

The post Former Clinton Adviser Calls Gen Z ‘Useful Idiot Generation’ for Support of Mamdani, Socialism | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Washington Post CEO Encourages Staffers to Resign if They Don’t ‘Feel Aligned’ With Its Reinvention

Will Lewis, CEO of The Washington Post, encouraged staffers who do not “feel aligned” with the news company’s “reinvention” to resign in a company memo on Wednesday.

Spotlighting The Post’s so-called “voluntary separation program” that offers buyouts for exiting employees, Lewis said “I truly wish you the best of luck” to employees who are weighing whether or not the company’s direction is for them — and that “if you believe in our next chapter, I’m excited for the work ahead of us.”

Lewis’ memo was first reported and shared by The New York Times’ Ben Mullin. Read it in full below:

Will Lewis emails the Washington Post staff, encouraging those who "do not feel aligned" with the company's future plans to consider the buyout offer. pic.twitter.com/b3a7w6HbuB

— Ben Mullin (@BenMullin) July 9, 2025

“Over the last year, we have embarked on a significant reinvention journey to make The Washington Post more appealing to, and trusted by, today’s audiences,” Lewis’ memo began. “We are reimagining our Opinion offering to champion timeless American values; tackling traditional subscription fatigue head-on through flexible access; launching new, engaging product improvements such as From the Source; and embracing AI rapidly across all of our workflows. 

“But we are far from done,” he continued. “The moment demands that we continue to rethink all aspects of our organization and business to maximize our impact. If we want to reconnect with our audience and continue to defend democracy, more changes at The Post will be necessary. And to succeed, we need to be united as a team with a strong belief and passion in where we are heading.”

Lewis then said that he understands that The Post’s “chosen path is not for everyone” before citing the company’s voluntary separation program, saying that’s “exactly why” it was introduced.

“As we continue in this new direction, I want to ask those who do not feel aligned with the company’s plan to reflect on that,” he said. “The VSP is designed to support you in making this decision, give you the ability to weigh your options thoughtfully and with less concern about financial consequences. And if you think that it’s time to move on to a new chapter, the VSP helps you take that next step with more security.”

“Regardless of what you decide, I want to thank all of you for everything you have done for this organization,” Lewis concluded. “If you choose to move away from The Post thank you for all your contributions, and I truly wish you the best of luck. If you believe in our next chapter, I’m excited for the work ahead of us.”

Representatives for The Post did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

Lewis was named chief executive of The Post in 2023, after having previously served as the CEO of Dow Jones. His tenure has seen widespread changes at the paper — and pronounced dissatisfaction from a number of longtime employees.

Over 400 journalists in January sent Jeff Bezos an open letter, saying they were “deeply alarmed” by the paper’s recent trajectory. The signees asked Bezos to meet with WaPo staffers, but that meeting never occurred.

In February, the Amazon founder announced his paper’s opinion section would be focused on “two pillars” moving forward, free markets and personal liberties. That decision led to former Opinion editor David Shipley quitting, as well as longtime columnist Ruth Marcus. The decision was also met with calls from former editors Leonard Downie and Bob Kaiser to fire Lewis as CEO.

The overhauling of the opinion section was criticized by many journalists, but it has been lauded by others: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Donald Trump have both commended the paper for its changes under Bezos and Lewis.

“I’ve gotten to know him, and I think he’s trying to do a real job,” Trump said about Bezos’ handling of the paper in recent months. “Jeff Bezos is trying to do a real job with The Washington Post, and that wasn’t happening before.”

The president also mentioned that he had dinner with Bezos on the day he announced his revamp of the opinion section.

The post Washington Post CEO Encourages Staffers to Resign if They Don’t ‘Feel Aligned’ With Its Reinvention appeared first on TheWrap.

Hugh Grant Accidentally Becomes a Meme After Falling Asleep at Wimbledon

Hugh Grant attended the Wimbledon quarter-finals Wednesday, but rather than watching a tennis match from his very exclusive seat, the “Bridget Jones” star accidentally took a trip to Nodding Hill.

As the telecast turned its cameras to Grant, viewers at home noticed that the actor had apparently fallen asleep. It wasn’t long until social media users began sharing memes about the extremely costly nap.

Grant’s tickets weren’t just pricey — they were priceless. Not only did the actor fall asleep at the popular event, he did so in the highly exclusive Royal Box. The invite-only seats in the 74-person Centre Court suite is often occupied by members of royal families as well as heads of state, tennis stars and other prominent celebrities. Sitting directly in front of Grant was Queen Camilla.

Some took Grant’s slumber as a sign of a boring match. Others expressed frustration that the 64-year-old star would take a coveted seat only to sleep through the function.

You can see some of the social media reactions to Grant’s big nap below:

– so what if it's 2 AM, let me watch another episode

me at work the next day: pic.twitter.com/3iY6qcZLiA

— Đorđe (@theDjole) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant is taking one of the most expensive naps in human history right now pic.twitter.com/4OydHpEr4S

— BetMGM (@BetMGM) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant being asleep behind Queen Camilla at the Djokovic match#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/WQywFkpUi0

— Brit of a Reality Check (@BritsandBlobs) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant asleep at the tennis #Wimbledon2025 pic.twitter.com/VUyatBNWIf

— Scarlett Pebble  (@Pebble2012) July 9, 2025

People have been queuing since 3am to get into Wimbledon to have a chance of being able to be at this match or even to watch it on the big screen in the grounds.

And Hugh Grant slept through the tie break.

Frankly, I think it is rude.

pic.twitter.com/vbst8u0hFh

— Miss Jo (@therealmissjo) July 9, 2025

Now why Hugh Grant look like he asleep at #WIMBLEDON pic.twitter.com/kKsYSfGV3U

— Ayana| (@AyanaMonique) July 9, 2025

Not convinced Hugh Grant is awake.

Can someone check on him as he’s a National treasure. #wimbledon #wimbledon2025 #bbctennis #hughgrant #Djokovic #cobolli pic.twitter.com/R4eBMDimXM

— Karl Cunliffe (@KDCunliffe) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant asleep during the Djokovic match Even he’s bored of Novax’s pushing pic.twitter.com/BPhl9CDMX8

— Fednanen #MarescaOut (@fednanen) July 9, 2025

Hugh grant sleeping while watching cobolli vs djokovic is k1lling me #Wimbledon2025 pic.twitter.com/7HdkCe2n7i

— Flav⎊ (@Darveyinbed) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant Wimbledon 2025 pic.twitter.com/vn7kjHgL98

— Retro Toys and Cartoons (@toys_retro) July 9, 2025

We are all Hugh Grant #Wimbledon2025 pic.twitter.com/NI3rp7EgAw

— KG Miles (@barberville) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant dreaming of a Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz final at #Wimbledon… right now… in the Royal Box pic.twitter.com/7HYbyHIQvG

— Randy Walker (@TennisPublisher) July 9, 2025

hugh grant would not have fallen asleep watching the final match of challengers (2024) https://t.co/AT1eAC079r

— niamh (@niamhtaysvers) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant looks like he's enjoying the tennis #Wimbledon2025 pic.twitter.com/XUE6mk319A

— Stephen Havard (@StephenHavard) July 9, 2025

What is audacity? It's daring to sleep in the middle of the Royal Box

(How can Hugh Grant sleep during this Djokovic v Cobolli? )pic.twitter.com/7n3Asg0tXr

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant is catching some z’s pic.twitter.com/Am5msOVkEz

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) July 9, 2025

Hugh Grant waking up to see he's been caught napping in the Royal Box at Wimbledon… pic.twitter.com/d6tczBOIV1

— AntiDanGuy (@17Prguy) July 9, 2025

Suffice it to say, Grant will have a lot of scrolling to do when he wakes up.

The post Hugh Grant Accidentally Becomes a Meme After Falling Asleep at Wimbledon appeared first on TheWrap.

X’s Daily Users Dropped 10% in Linda Yaccarino’s Final Year

X’s daily user base dropped 10% in the year leading up to Linda Yaccarino stepping down as CEO on Wednesday, according to data shared with TheWrap from Sensor Tower, a market intelligence firm.

That dip puts Elon Musk’s social media platform at 217 million daily users. Yaccarino took over as chief executive in June 2023, about eight months after Musk purchased the platform formerly known as Twitter; because X is now a private company, it does not report its daily or monthly users.

Representatives for X did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

Still, Sensor Tower’s report also noted that, despite the drop-off in users since last year when the 2024 presidential race was driving the news, X has been “displaying signs of renewed strength with notable advertisers.” Disney, Comcast, and Apple are among the big-name companies that have returned to advertising on X in the last year.

Increasing ad revenue, along with trimming costs and headcount, was a key focus for Yaccarino when she came joined X in 2023. She joined after leaving NBCUniversal, where she was the chairman of global advertising and partnerships.

Sensor Tower further noted that despite the user dip, X is still 65% bigger than Instagram’s Threads and 10 times larger than Bluesky when it comes to daily users. X users spend much more time on the platform as well — 31 minutes per day, according to ST, compared to eight minutes per day for Threads users.

Yaccarino announced she was leaving X on Wednesday morning, a day after Grok, X’s artificial intelligence model, went haywire and started posting antisemitic and pro-Hitler responses.

X’s valuation took a big hit in the two years after Musk bought the platform for $44 billion in 2022, with Fidelity valuing the company at $12.32 billion late last year. However, its valuation bounced back to $44 billion earlier this year, right before it was acquired by xAI, Musk’s AI platform, in March.

Yaccarino, soon after joining the company, said she was committed to what Musk called his “Freedom of speech, not freedom of reach” approach, where the platform was less focused on censoring and kicking off users than under its previous leadership.

“X is enabling an information independence that’s uncomfortable for some people,” she said in 2023. “We’re a platform that allows people to make their own decisions.”

Critics, meanwhile, have said X has become more toxic than ever under its more relaxed approach to censorship. Many users ditched X after the 2024 election and headed to Bluesky, which some left-leaning users dubbed “Blue Heaven,” in protest of Musk and his support of President Donald Trump.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, who primarily covers Tesla, told TheWrap that Yaccarino “did a great job and was a key part of the foundation of X.” He added that she “will be tough shoes to fill.”

Another Wall Street analyst who spoke to TheWrap on Wednesday afternoon said it “isn’t a surprise” that Yaccarino decided to leave X. “She had a very hard job from the start that was made worse by some of Elon’s actions to limit content moderation and harass advertisers,” they said.

Yaccarino, in her X post announcing her departure on Wednesday morning, said she is “immensely grateful” to Musk for “entrusting me with the responsibility of protecting free speech” during her time at the company.

“Thank you for your contributions,” Musk posted in response to Yaccarino, about 40 minutes after she announced her exit.

The post X’s Daily Users Dropped 10% in Linda Yaccarino’s Final Year appeared first on TheWrap.

Jasmine Crockett Says Podcast Appearances by Less ‘Vibrant’ Reps Hurt the Democratic Party: ‘Not Even Being Shady’ | Video

Rep. Jasmine Crockett believes that putting less “vibrant” members of the Democratic party on podcasts is hurting the left as a whole.

During a conversation on Wednesday’s “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” podcast, the Texas House Representative was shown a clip of Chuck Schumer and Maxine Waters at a press event. Minhaj said he “felt bad” for them and Crockett agreed that the party is not putting the right people in the right places.

“There is value to having leadership that understands who the players are on your team and making sure they’re playing their best positions,” she said. “Is this really Chuck’s space? Not necessarily. I think that he could have been very effective. They did have some senators that are a little more vibrant and it could have been him doing a press conference where he looks natural and basically saying ‘I thought that it made sense to send Senator Chris Murphy, to send Senator Cory Booker out so that they could go and represent for us.’ Then I think that you look more cohesive, you look more normal.”

The Democratic Party’s rush to fill up podcast appearances is another area Crockett admitted they are well behind on compared to the Republican party. Again, she points to not getting the best people for the job on those appearances.

“I get that you’re like ‘Ok, we’re probably in about the 1970s when it comes to where we are on comms and the Republicans are like 2030.’ So we’re trying to catch up but I’m like not everybody goes on the podcast,” she said. “It’s not even being shady, it’s just being honest about the type of communication. You don’t go on a podcast and then sound like you’re on CNN or MSNBC.”

Minhaj agreed that the political game had changed and the party should be putting their people in the places they can best succeed.

Watch the full conversation between Crockett and Minhaj in the video above. You can listen to the full “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” episode here.

The post Jasmine Crockett Says Podcast Appearances by Less ‘Vibrant’ Reps Hurt the Democratic Party: ‘Not Even Being Shady’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

‘Ne Zha 2’ Sets English-Language Theatrical Release From A24 and CMC Pictures

“Ne Zha 2” is coming back to theaters.

A24, the arthouse darling behind “The Brutalist” and “Queer” (among many others), and Chinese company CMC Pictures are teaming up for an English-language version of “Ne Zha 2,” the Chinese animated blockbuster. The new “Ne Zha 2” rerelease will arrive in theaters across the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand beginning Aug. 22. What’s more, this version will be presented in Imax, 3D and other premium formats.

The English-language cast will be led by “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.

“Ne Zha 2” was released Jan. 29, on the first day of Chinese New Year, and has grossed more than $2.2 billion globally. A sequel to 2019’s “Ne Zha,” it is based on the Chinese mythological character, along with Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century novel “Investiture of the Gods,” and written and directed by Yang Yu. According to the official release from A24, the movie is “considered a milestone in modern animation – merging emotionally resonant storytelling, mythological spectacle and cutting-edge visual artistry. Building on the legacy of its groundbreaking predecessor, the film introduces a bold new chapter to the legend of Ne Zha.”

Additionally, the film is the highest-rated animated film of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and one of the highest-rated films of the year on Letterboxd. Along with being the highest-grossing animated film of all time, it has become the highest-grossing non-English language film and the fifth highest-grossing film ever. Any way you slice it, its success is impressive.

“I’m honored to be part of ‘Ne Zha 2,’ a landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be,” Yeoh said in a statement. “Sharing this with audiences in English is such a joy, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry and magic of this film on the big screen.”

This will be A24’s first fully animated feature. (Its “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” released in 2022, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, but was partially live-action.)

The post ‘Ne Zha 2’ Sets English-Language Theatrical Release From A24 and CMC Pictures appeared first on TheWrap.

‘The Daily Show’ Host Ronny Chieng Celebrates ‘Long Overdue’ End of Airport Shoes-Off Policy: ‘T-S-A! T-S-A!’ | Video

“The Daily Show” host Ronny Chieng says it’s time to stop whining – at least you can keep your shoes on at the airport.

“I know a lot of people out here are always like, oh, the news is so awful,” Chieng said Tuesday night on the Comedy Central show. “Everything is terrible. I hate fascism. Do something! Wah, wah, wah! Well, stop whining, OK, because finally there’s some great news for America.”

Chieng was referring to a Tuesday announcement from the TSA, which said travelers in the U.S. will no longer be required to take off their shoes at airport security checkpoints – and led the crowd in a chant of “TSA! TSA! TSA! TSA!”

“Yes, the TSA finally got fed up with yelling at people to take their shoes off — just like Asians when white people visit. Just take your shoes off, you barbarians, OK? There is no argument for shoes in the house. There’s feces on the sidewalk.”

The shoes-off policy dates back to the 9/11 terror attacks of nearly a quarter-century ago.

“Ending this policy is long overdue,” Chieng said. “It’s 2025. Terrorists don’t crash airplanes anymore, OK? Boeing crashes airplanes.”

Chieng did have at least one complaint about the policy change:

“The only people this is not good for is elites like me who, and I don’t want to brag here, have PreCheck,” he said. “What benefits do I still have over you plebs? Because I pay to keep my shoes on. And now, what, everyone else is just keeping their shoes on for free? So what the [BLEEP] am I paying for?”

Watch the entire monologue in the video above.

The post ‘The Daily Show’ Host Ronny Chieng Celebrates ‘Long Overdue’ End of Airport Shoes-Off Policy: ‘T-S-A! T-S-A!’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.