Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 21 February 2025
Netflix invests in Mexico & expands Extraction, Disney faces lawsuit, Amazon takes Bond control, Scorsese & DiCaprio team up, Olivia Colman joins FX, Territory cancelled, Apple plans UFO thriller.
Today’s Highlights:
Netflix’s Toxic Town Explores UK’s Environmental Scandal - Netflix's four-part drama Toxic Town, premiering February 27, tells the true story of the Corby poisonings, where toxic waste caused birth defects and led to a landmark 2009 court case.
Disney Investor Lawsuit Over Streaming Losses Moves Forward - A federal judge ruled that Disney investors can proceed with their lawsuit, alleging former CEO Bob Chapek and executives misled them about Disney+ losses by concealing costs and inflating subscriber growth projections.
Netflix Commits $1 Billion to Mexican Film and TV Production - Netflix is investing $1 billion in Mexican film and TV over four years, including a $2 million upgrade for Churubusco Studios, to boost local industry and job creation.
Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Dwayne Johnson Developing New Crime Movie - Martin Scorsese will direct a crime drama featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt about a Hawaiian crime boss battling rivals and corporations in the 1960s-70s.
Amazon Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise - Amazon MGM Studios now controls the future of James Bond as longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson step back, with no casting or direction decisions confirmed.
Apple Teams with Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer for UFO Thriller - Apple is developing a UFO thriller with Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, exploring extraterrestrial encounters with high-concept storytelling.
Netflix Expands Extraction Franchise with Omar Sy-Led Series - Netflix is developing an Extraction spin-off series starring Omar Sy, focusing on high-stakes international rescue missions that build on the action franchise’s success.
CBS Greenlights Mayday, a New Air Crash Investigations Spin-Off - CBS is launching Mayday, a documentary series expanding Air Crash Investigations, exploring additional aviation disasters with in-depth analysis.
Olivia Colman to Star in FX Limited Series Cry Wolf - Olivia Colman will star in and executive produce FX’s Cry Wolf, a family drama about a social worker investigating domestic abuse allegations, inspired by the Danish series Ulven Kommer.
Netflix Cancels Territory, ANZ’s Biggest Returnable Series - Netflix has cancelled Australian neo-Western Territory after one season, despite its strong viewership and industry funding, marking the end of ANZ’s biggest returnable project.
Plus: News, Insights, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations & Jobs with Paramount & WBD.
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INSIGHTS
Netflix’s Toxic Town Explores UK’s Environmental Scandal
Netflix’s four-part drama Toxic Town, premiering February 27, tells the true story of the Corby poisonings, where toxic waste led to birth defects. Written by Jack Thorne, the series stars Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie, Rory Kinnear, and Robert Carlyle. It follows a group of mothers who fought for justice, culminating in a landmark 2009 court victory. Read More
David Suchet Returns to TV in Channel 5 Thriller The Au Pair
David Suchet makes his TV return in The Au Pair, a four-part thriller on Channel 5. Starring alongside Sally Bretton, Kenny Doughty, and Ludmilla Makowski, the series follows a woman whose seemingly perfect life unravels after hiring a mysterious au pair. Produced by Pernel Media and filmed in Ireland, the show explores hidden agendas and family secrets. Read More
Judge Allows Disney Investor Lawsuit Over Streaming Losses to Proceed
A federal judge has ruled that investors can proceed with their lawsuit against Disney, alleging former CEO Bob Chapek and executives misled them about Disney+ losses. The suit claims financial restructuring concealed costs while inflating subscriber growth projections. The court found sufficient evidence that Disney’s leadership engaged in deceptive practices to meet ambitious targets. Read More
Viaplay Focuses on Unscripted Content Amid Financial Recovery
Viaplay has unveiled its 2025 content strategy, prioritising documentaries and unscripted shows as part of a cost-conscious shift. Scripted offerings include The Meaning of Life (Season 2) and Wisting (Season 5). CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann noted improved financials, reducing losses to SEK 230 million in Q4 2024. The streamer is focusing on commercially viable formats like Paradise Hotel and Luxury Trap. Read More
Netflix Commits $1 Billion to Mexican Film and TV Production
Netflix has announced a $1 billion investment in Mexican film and TV production over the next four years, aiming to boost the local industry and create jobs. CEO Ted Sarandos made the announcement alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, highlighting Mexico’s role in Netflix’s global expansion. The investment includes $2 million for upgrading Churubusco Studios in Mexico City. Read More
Grand Tour Trailer Unveiled for Miguel Gomes’ Oscar Entry
Miguel Gomes’ Grand Tour, winner of Best Director at Cannes 2024, has released its first trailer ahead of its U.S. theatrical debut on March 28. The film follows a British diplomat (Gonçalo Waddington) fleeing across Asia in 1917, pursued by his abandoned fiancée (Crista Alfaiate). Blending black-and-white period visuals with modern documentary footage, it was Portugal’s Oscar submission. Read More
Kahlil Joseph & James Shani Discuss ‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ and Plans for Wide Release
Kahlil Joseph’s feature debut BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions premiered in Berlin’s Perspectives competition, evolving from his BLKNWS art project into a genre-defying film. The film weaves archival visuals, fictionalized scenes of W.E.B. Du Bois, and an imagined Transatlantic Biennial, creating a layered cinematic experience. Rich Spirit acquired the film from Participant, with plans for a wide release. Read More
True Crime Needs Honesty, Not Sensationalism
Criminology professor David Wilson emphasizes the need for honesty over sensationalism in the true crime genre. He advocates for narratives prioritising factual accuracy and ethical storytelling, moving away from exploitative content. Wilson's perspective aligns with emerging trends in 2025, where audiences seek more authentic and responsible true crime media. This shift reflects a growing demand for content that respects victims and provides insightful analysis without dramatising. Read More
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