Culture news

Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen to Star in Comedy Series at AMC

Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen are set to star as father and son in the comedy series "Happy Jack" at AMC and AMC+, Variety has learned.

ITV Boss, Sky's Content Chief Set Out Vision for Acquisition

ITV boss Carolyn McCall and Sky's chief content officer Cecile Frot-Coutaz have tried to allay fears around the acquisition.

Tom Cruise ‘Digger’ Reviews Are Brutally Split: From “Insufferable” to “Terrific”

Here's a roundup of the top critic reviews for Alejandro G. Iñárritu's bold new movie.

Americas

Variety and Outfront Announce the Experience and Culture Summit

The invite-only Oct. 7 summit in New York brings together marketing leaders to explore why real-world experience is moving to the center of marketing

Berlanti Productions Promotes Liam Driscoll to Creative Executive

Berlanti Productions has promoted Liam Driscoll to the role of creative executive, Variety has learned exclusively.

Celebrity Traitors star Michael Sheen says being an actor will be a 'disadvantage'

The Hollywood actor says he is a big fan of the BBC reality show, which he will now try and win.

Graham Norton Shoots Down Taylor Swift ‘Conspiracy Theory’

Graham Norton shot down the 'conspiracy theory' surrounding his appearance in Taylor Swift's 'Opalite' music video.

Beyond Fest: Improved Ticketing, 'Unhinged' Fans, 7 Titles Not to Miss

Beyond Fest at American Cinematheque has become one of the city’s popular cinema events, with some 37,000 people expected.

'Love Hypothesis' Sequel in the Works at Amazon MGM and MRC

A 'Love Hypothesis' sequel, 'The Two Body Problem,' is in the works at Amazon MGM and MRC.

Disney Makes More Job Cuts, Laying Off Several Hundred Employees

Disney continues to cut heads: The media company is laying off a few hundred employees across multiple departments, Variety has confirmed.

Cinema United Names New Executives

Cinema United named its senior vice president of external affairs and its vice president of membership and global affairs.

Verve Signs Maggie Kuntz (EXCLUSIVE)

Verve has signed film, television and theater actress Maggie Kuntz for representation

Prime Video, Sony, JioStar Chiefs on Connected TV and Storytelling

Prime Video, Sony, JioStar, Zee and NDTV execs at FICCI Frames on how connected TV is changing what Indian media makes and how audiences find it.

'Digger' Review: Tom Cruise Goes Over the Top in a Bombastic Satire

It wants to be the "Dr. Strangelove" of climate change. But instead of laughs, it has in-your-face overacting and a didactic disaster scenario.

Sundance Institute Reveals Doc Fund Grantees

In all, 19 filmmaker-led projects — some of which are supported by producers like Darren Aronofsky and Benjamin Bratt — got a thumbs up to receive more than $1 million in unrestricted funding.

Americas

Kerry Washington to Serve as Ambassador of 2027 American Black Film Festival

The 31st annual event will move from Miami to Los Angeles for the first time next May.

Premium TV 'Will End Up on YouTube and TikTok' Says Sister Boss

Jane Featherstone predicts that the sort of premium shows she produces and the talent she works with will gravitate away from mainstream platforms

Asia

JioStar's Kevin Vaz Urges India to Restore BARC TV Ratings

JioStar's Kevin Vaz urges immediate return of BARC ratings at the FICCI-Frames conference as Indian media sector grows 9% to $28.9 billion.

Sylvester Stallone Says Superhero Bodies in Movies Aren’t ‘Natural’

Sylvester Stallone talks his past steroid use while filming “Rocky III” and explains that no superhero bodies in Hollywood movies are “natural.”

Europe

Steven Knight on Going from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to Bond

Steven Knight discussed his career, including making the leap from creating hit quiz shows to drama, at the RTS London Convention

National museums to stay free to all visitors, government says

It follows discussions about whether charging tourists could boost museums' finances.

How to Watch MLB Playoffs 2026 Online, Wild Card, ALDS, NLDS, ALCS, NLCS

2026 MLB Playoffs starts on Tuesday, Sept. 29 until Saturday, Oct. 31: Here's how to find, watch, and livestream games online without cable for free

How Britney Spears and the ‘Cannibal Cop’ Left Erin Lee Carr Forever Changed

The in-demand documentary filmmaker talks “The Swan: Behind the Mirror,” backlash to “Britney vs Spears” and being stalked by the “Cannibal Cop.”

‘The Love Hypothesis’ Author Ali Hazelwood to Release Book Sequel, MRC Developing Film for Amazon MGM

The "movie and its cast made me fall for Adam and Olive all over again,“ the author shared on social media while also teasing, “MRC is developing a film based on the 'The Two-Body Problem.'"