Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Thursday 27 February 2025
Max launches in Australia; Ne Zha 2 breaks records; UK-US co-productions decline; Bond’s future uncertain; Cannes honours Brazil; Amazon adapts Gershkovich’s story; Daredevil overhaul praised.
Today’s Highlights:
Max to Launch in Australia This March - Warner Bros. Discovery will launch Max in Australia on March 31, replacing HBO content on Binge, with access through Foxtel but not Binge, featuring HBO Originals, Warner Bros., DC Universe, and The Last of Us season two on April 14.
Tubi: The Underdog Streaming Giant - Tubi, with over 275,000 titles, has expanded through Super Bowl simulcasts, WWE deals, and Latin American growth, attracting diverse audiences despite criticism for low-budget films.
"Ne Zha 2" Breaks Box Office Records - The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has surpassed Disney and Pixar films, earning $1.9 billion in China alone and nearing $2 billion in a single market.
UK-US Co-Production Model in Crisis - UK-US TV co-productions have plummeted, with funding dropping to £19.6 million in 2024 due to UK broadcaster cutbacks and reduced US investment in premium British dramas.
The James Bond Franchise Faces an Uncertain Future. Amazon’s MGM acquisition has raised questions about the franchise, and the Broccoli family remains cautious about creative changes.
Andy Harries Steps Down as CEO of Left Bank—The Crown producer Andy Harries will transition to Executive Chairman and oversee Left Bank’s creative direction while continuing to produce Netflix projects.
Cannes Marché du Film Names Brazil as Country of Honour - The 2025 Cannes Marché du Film will spotlight Brazilian cinema, marking 200 years of Brazil-France diplomatic relations with major industry events.
Amazon Developing Film on Evan Gershkovich’s Story—Amazon MGM Studios is adapting the story of journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was imprisoned in Russia on false espionage charges. Edward Berger will direct the film.
Patrick Wilson Joins Apple’s "Cape Fear" Series - Patrick Wilson will star alongside Javier Bardem and Amy Adams in Apple TV+’s Cape Fear, a modern take on The Executioners exploring true-crime obsession.
Charlie Cox Praises Overhaul of "Daredevil: Born Again" - Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio pushed for changes in Daredevil: Born Again, leading to a creative overhaul and a new showrunner at Marvel.
Plus: News, Insights, Festivals & Markets, Executive Moves, In Development, Deals, Renewals & Jobs with MUBI, Amazon, WBD, Netflix & BBC.
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NEWS
Max to Launch in Australia This March
Warner Bros Discovery will launch Max in Australia in March, replacing HBO content on Binge. A deal with Foxtel allows subscribers access to Max, except Binge users, and availability on Hubbl. Launching March 31, Max's catalogue includes HBO and Max Originals, Warner Bros Discovery, DC Universe, Harry Potter, Discovery, and Cartoon Network. Highlights include The Last of Us' season two debut on April 14 and returning seasons of popular series. Read More
INSIGHTS
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Netflix's One-Shot Drama "Adolescence"
Director Philip Barantini, writer Jack Thorne, and actors/executive producers Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters discuss their preparation and motivation for "Adolescence," a one-take drama on Netflix. Thorne, inexperienced in one-take projects, collaborated with Barantini to create a climactic scene without cuts. The series explores toxic masculinity and the incel subculture, focusing on 13-year-old Jamie Miller's arrest for murder. Each episode is filmed in one continuous shot, highlighting the real-time unfolding of events. Read More
Tubi: The Underdog Streaming Giant
Tubi boasts the largest content library of any streamer, with over 275,000 titles. The free, ad-supported service has gained traction, simulcasting the Super Bowl and inking deals with WWE and The Black List. Despite criticism for low-budget films, Tubi embraces diverse content without judgment. Its user-friendly model attracts viewers, especially in markets like Mexico, where it exclusively offers the Concacaf Champions Cup, and in Black communities, providing a platform for independent filmmakers. Read More
"Ne Zha 2" Surpasses Disney and Pixar at the Box Office
Disney and Pixar's "Frozen 2," "The Lion King," and "Inside Out 2" have been surpassed by "Ne Zha 2," a Chinese sequel that is now the highest-grossing animated film ever. The 2019 original grossed $726 million, but director Yang Yu's follow-up has reached $1.9 billion in China alone. "Ne Zha 2" is on track to gross $2 billion in a single market, making it the first film to do so. The film's success highlights its cultural impact and the global influence of Chinese cinema. Read More
The UK-US Co-Production Model Has Collapsed – Can It Be Revived?
The once-thriving UK-US co-production model for television has experienced a significant decline in recent years. In 2024, spending on British TV co-productions plummeted to £19.6 million, less than half of the £44.2 million recorded in 2023 and nearly 60% below 2022's £48.3 million. This downturn is attributed to several factors, including reduced activity in premium drama by major US media companies and financial challenges faced by UK public service broadcasters (PSBs) like the BBC and ITV. These broadcasters have slashed spending on big-budget TV shows to the lowest level in almost a decade, even as US streaming giants like Netflix continue investing heavily in UK productions. Read More
James Bond Franchise at a Crossroads with Amazon & MGM
The Hollywood Reporter examines the James Bond franchise’s uncertain future following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. The Broccoli family remains cautious about major changes, sparking industry speculation. Read More
Belgium's Oscar Submission: "Julie Keeps Quiet"
The Belgium submission for the 2025 Oscars, "Julie Keeps Quiet," directed by Leonardo Van Dijl, blends the sports intensity of "Challengers" with the emotional weight of "She Said." Tessa Van den Broeck stars as a top tennis player who remains silent when her coach is suspended amid an investigation. Executive produced by Naomi Osaka, the film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Critics Week and will be released in NYC and Chicago in March and April. Read More
Steve Coogan, Harriet Walter, Stephen Frears and the makers of Brian and Maggie | BFI Q&A
"Brian and Maggie," a Channel 4 drama by James Graham and Stephen Frears, stars Steve Coogan as Brian Walden and Harriet Walter as Margaret Thatcher. It reenacts the pivotal LWT interview that reshaped national opinion and ended Thatcher’s premiership, highlighting the bond and eventual rupture between Walden and Thatcher.
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