Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Wednesday 12 March 2025
Disney wins Moana lawsuit; Skydance fights Paramount bid; Netflix adapts Cujo; Dexter casts Stonestreet; Owen Cooper joins Wuthering Heights; Tribeca Lisboa expands; Warner Bros. execs promoted.
Today’s Highlights:
Disney Wins Copyright Infringement Trial Over Moana - A federal jury ruled in Disney’s favour in a copyright lawsuit filed by Buck Woodall, who claimed Moana copied his screenplay, with the jury finding the film was independently developed.
Paramount-Skydance Merger Faces Fraud Allegations - Skydance accuses Project Rise Partners of fraudulently interfering in the Paramount merger review, with a judge declining to halt the deal but scheduling an expedited lawsuit.
Denis Leary Discusses Going Dutch - Denis Leary reflects on his new Fox sitcom Going Dutch, which explores military life and family dynamics, while also discussing improvisation and his career origins.
Netflix Adapting Cujo Into a Feature Film - Netflix is developing a new adaptation of Stephen King’s Cujo, a psychological horror story about a rabid St. Bernard terrorising a mother and son.
Owen Cooper Joins Wuthering Heights After Adolescence Breakout - Rising actor Owen Cooper, who gained attention in Netflix’s Adolescence, has been cast in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Eric Stonestreet Joins Dexter: Resurrection - Eric Stonestreet will play a suspected serial killer in Dexter: Resurrection, the latest instalment of the Dexter franchise, premiering in mid-2025.
My Dear Théo Documentary Chronicles Ukraine’s War Through Letters - Filmmaker Alisa Kovalenko’s documentary My Dear Théo, premiering at CPH:DOX, features letters she wrote to her son while fighting on the Ukrainian frontlines.
Warner Bros. Television Promotes Clancy Collins White and Mele Nagler - Clancy Collins White has been promoted to President of Creative Affairs, while Mele Nagler is the new EVP and Head of Casting at Warner Bros. Television.
Tribeca Festival Lisboa Returns in 2025 - Expanding to three days in October 2025, Tribeca Festival Lisboa will feature U.S. and Portuguese films, series, podcasts, and live events.
Screen Australia Invests in Below-the-Line Talent - Screen Australia has allocated $1.1 million to support training and mentorship programs for below-the-line talent, addressing industry skills shortages.
Plus: News, Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Cancellations & Jobs with Netflix & ITV.
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NEWS
Disney Wins Copyright Infringement Trial Over Moana
A federal jury in Los Angeles ruled in favour of Disney in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning Moana. Animator Buck Woodall had claimed that the studio copied elements from his screenplay, Bucky the Surfer Boy, alleging similarities in the storyline and characters. Woodall sought $100 million in damages, but the jury determined that Moana was independently developed. Woodall has a separate pending lawsuit over Moana 2, seeking $10 billion in damages. Read More
INSIGHTS
Denis Leary on 'Going Dutch': Comedy, Improvisation, and Military Mayhem
US star Denis Leary discusses Fox’s military sitcom Going Dutch, improvisation's power, and comedy's success secrets. Reflecting in London, where his career began, Leary recalls performing and meeting future British stars. Famous for Rescue Me and Ice Age's Diego, he now stars in Going Dutch. The series follows Colonel Patrick Quinn, reassigned to a luxurious but strategically unimportant Dutch base, clashing with his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn. Read More
Paramount-Skydance Merger Fraud Claim
Skydance accuses a late-arriving Paramount bidder of fraud and "hijacking" the merger review process. In a letter to the FCC, Skydance's lawyers outlined concerns about Project Rise Partners, which submitted an offer after the 45-day "go-shop" period. Skydance claims Project Rise's objections lack merit and standing. A Delaware judge declined to halt the merger but set an expedited schedule for a shareholder lawsuit. Paramount aims to close the merger by June. Read More
Dennis Quaid Discusses Transformation for Happy Face
Dennis Quaid discusses his role as serial killer Keith Jesperson in Paramount+ series "Happy Face," highlighting its unique focus on Jesperson's daughter, Melissa, played by Annaleigh Ashford. The show explores Melissa's struggle to reconcile her father's loving persona with his monstrous actions. Quaid and the cast share their favorite on-set memories, emphasizing the balance between tackling heavy subject matter and enjoying lighter moments together. Read More
My Dear Theo Documentary Chronicles Ukrainian Mother’s Letters During War
Ukrainian documentarian Alisa Kovalenko enlisted in 2022 to defend her country, leaving behind her husband and son. Her film My Dear Théo, premiering at CPH:DOX, is a series of letters to her son from the frontline, discussing war, love, and tough choices. The film captures the harsh reality of war and the emotional turmoil of waiting. It reveals her struggle and her son's plea for her to stay safe. Read More
Vicky McClure on Trigger Point and Advocacy for Dementia Awareness
Vicky McClure, known for Line of Duty, discusses her role as a bomb disposal officer in Trigger Point. The ITV thriller, produced by Jed Mercurio, has been renewed for a third season following its success on ITVX, where it garnered 30 million streams. McClure also highlights her work with Our Dementia Choir, raising awareness about dementia. Read More
Sam Bot Documentary Explores AI and Deepfake Technology in Filmmaking
Director Adam Bhala Lough's latest film, Deepfaking Sam Altman, follows his journey to create a Large Language Model of OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman after failing to secure an in-person interview. Inspired by his fascination with AI and Scarlett Johansson's voice copying controversy, Lough's documentary blends comedy and existential inquiry. It premiered at South by Southwest and explores humanizing AI by injecting personal experiences and emotions into the narrative. Read More
Breakout star in Wuthering Heights & Adolescence
Owen Cooper, who stars in Netflix's emotionally intense series "Adolescence," is gaining attention for his debut acting role. Directed by Philip Barantini and co-written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the series explores bullying, toxic masculinity, and radicalization. Cooper's remarkable performance has led to his casting in Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Cooper discussed his swift transition from casual drama classes to major acting roles. Read More
Fatima Sana Shaikh Reflects on Her Journey from Dangal to Bollywood Stardom
Fatima Sana Shaikh discusses her transition from child actor in Dangal to a leading Bollywood star. She shares insights on the challenges of growing in the industry and her commitment to taking on diverse and impactful roles. Read More
TV Must Acknowledge Its Ageism Problem
Dr Carole Easton has called for a major shift in the television industry’s approach to ageism, following a recent parliamentary report highlighting widespread discrimination against older individuals. While representation has improved, many portrayals still focus on active seniors, sidelining those in advanced age. The industry has also faced criticism over its treatment of older women, with past legal cases exposing entrenched biases. Calls are growing for stronger protections and inclusive storytelling. Read More
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