The re-release of Titanic in 3D has brought the movie’s gross box office earnings to $2.217 billion globally. This means that it still stands as number three in the top worldwide releases of all time. Avatar: The Way of Wateris coming closely behind at 2.213 billion. It is still the fourth movie on the list of top worldwide releases, but the gap between the films is smaller than ever at just $4 million through Sunday. The Avatar sequel will surpass Titanic, it is just a matter of when. Regardless, James Cameron owns the box office once again. Titanic‘s rerelease has earned $22.3 million and Avatar: The Way of Water has earned $25.8 million.
As far as the international box office goes, Avatar: The Way of Water has had a 35% drop in 52 material markets for an additional $18.8 million. It is still the number one non-local grossing title in France, Germany, Spain, and several other countries. The top five grossing markets are China ($242.6 million), France($144.9 million), Germany ($135 million), Korea ($106.9 million), and the UK ($89.7 million). When it comes to IMAX, Avatar: The Way of Water has hit $252.2 million in its final weekend. The film’s international cume is $164.6 million. This includes $52.2 million (the second-highest IMAX result ever) from China.
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Producer Jon Landau and director James Cameron leave their hand and footprints in cement during a ceremony held at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Like Avatar: The Way of Water, Titanic‘s rerelease for the film’s 25-year anniversary had impressive numbers. The film was number one in Italy, Belgium, Bosnia, Slovenia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Central America. Additionally, it made $15.9 million internationally from 51 markets. It also debuted in the Top 4 in Korea, Japan, India, Spain, Mexico, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Brazil, and more. Korea ($2.5M), France ($1.6M), Mexico ($1.2M), UK ($1M), and Japan ($1M) were the Top 5 booking passages. Additionally, IMAX generated $2M globally.
The media is buzzing about Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania‘s global release this coming week on February 17. Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverrolled out in the PCR starting on February 7 after a long break from Marvel movies in the market. It grossed $12 million across its extended opening session. Black Pather: Wakanda Forever was never expected to be the high-grossing Marvel return that it was. However, the film’s international cume is now at $401.4 million for $885 million globally.
Rust, the indie Western film, is eying a spring start date to resume production. The film will return from a halted production following the tragic accident of Halyna Hutchins’ death on set in October 2021. Rust Movie Productions confirmed the news on Tuesday. Bianca Cline (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) will join the team as a cinematographer. According to producers, Cline will donate her salary to charity in honor of Hutchins. With her will come other additions to the crew, as well as returning individuals to the project. A notable returning member is Joel Souza, the film’s director. He was also injured during the tragic on-set accident.
A statement on Tuesday announced that Halyna Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, will serve as an executive producer on the film. He previously filed a wrongful death suit against Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie productions. However, the sides reached a settlement on October 5, 2022. The settlement included Matthew Hutchins coming aboard as an executive producer to help finish Rust and honor Halyna’s legacy. Additionally, Matthew Hutchins is supporting Rust Movie Productions’ creation of a documentary about Halyna Hutchins’ life and work, including Rust. Rachel Mason will direct and Julie Metz will produce.
“Rust”
Halyna Hutchins attends the SAGindie Sundance Filmmakers Reception at Cafe Terigo on January 28, 2019 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images for SAGindie)
This is the second time that Rust producers have announced that the film was reentering production. In October of last year, they stated that filming would resume with the movie’s original cast in January 2023. However, since that time has passed, it is unclear as to when and where the production will be filmed. Additionally, returning members of the cast have yet to be announced. Producers have said that new workplace safety procedures will be added, including the fact that production “will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition.”
Historically, members of the cast and crew have spoken highly of Halyna Hutchins. Jensen Ackles said on Instagram that Hutchins “had a spunk and passion that infected the entire crew from the top down. She was an inspiration.” Director, Joel Souza, said today that “Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”
Fans famously know Bryan Cranston for his iconic role as Walter White in Breaking Bad. He even just reprised the role for a Super Bowl LVII commercial for PopCorners along with Aaron Paul, who reprised his role as Jesse Pinkman. However, before the hit AMC series, he was known as the hilarious father on Malcolm in the Middle. His character, Hal, worshipped his wife and was a laid-back father who was awful at disciplining his children. Fans loved him on the series and relished in his ability to be simultaneously the best and the worst (at times).
The sitcom could possibly be getting a new film. Cranston said he would only be interested in partaking “if it was a great idea.” Cranston told The Independent that “it’s a possibility.” He admitted that he had recently spoken with Malcolm in the Middle’s creator, Linwood Boomer. “He said he would think about it, and he got his writers together. If they can come up with a great idea, a legitimate idea, then he’ll pursue it. But if not, then nah. I don’t need a job. I’ve got plenty of jobs. I don’t need it, but I’d want it if it was a great idea.”
“Malcolm In The Middle”
Dos Hombres Mezcal co-founder, Bryan Cranston, co-hosts ‘An Introduction to Mezcal’ during the Austin Food & Wine Festival at Auditorium Shores on November 05, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)
Cranston spent seven seasons on Malcolm in the Middle playing Hal. He acted opposite Frankie Muniz, who played Malcolm. He was also famously paired with Jane Kaczmarek, who played his wife, Lois. Cranston described his time on Malcolm in the Middle as “seven years of glory.” He continued, elaborating that “Going to work every day and making yourself and others laugh. That was my job.” He looks back on his time on the show fondly, explaining that reminiscing about the seven seasons is like getting to kiss that really pretty girl all those years ago.
This is not the first time that Cranston has discussed the possibility of a Malcolm in the Middle reboot film. In January, Cranston spoke to E! News about the possibility of returning to the character, Hal. He said, “There was some talk about the possibility of doing, like, a reunion movie of Malcolm in the Middle. We had such a great family on that, and I certainly would be open to that if there was a good idea that came up — like, ‘Oh, that would be fantastic to explore what happened to this family 20 years later.’ I can’t believe it’s already that, but that would be fun to do.”
We’re quickly approaching this year’s Oscars ceremony and unsurprisingly, Will Smith is a hot topic. On year ago, the acclaimed actor became irate with Chris Rock in th middle of the show’s airing. He was seen taking to the Oscars stage and slapping Rock before returning to his seat. Smith was able to finish out the show in the audience and even took home the award for Best Actor. It was a bittersweet moment as his accomplishment was applauded while simultaneously facing ridicule.
The controversy that unfolded afterward was the biggest fallout of Smith’s career. Rock still hasn’t directly addressed the incident, and it’s rumored that won’t happen until his next Netflix special airs. Recently, The Academy hosted its 2023 Oscars Nominees Luncheon, and during the event, its president Janet Yang spoke about last year’s controvery.
US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “King Richard” onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Hollywood’s elite was in attendance to celebrate the March ceremony. “I’m sure you all remember we experienced an unprecedented event at the Oscars,” said Yang. “What happened onstage was fully unacceptable and the response from our organization was inadequate. We learned from this that the Academy must be fully transparent and accountable in our actions, and particularly in times of crisis you must act swiftly, compassionately and decisively for ourselves and for our industry. You should and can expect no less form us going forward.”
Immediately following the slapping incident, Smith released a statement apologizing for his behavior. His future with The Academy hung in the balance until they revealed the actor’s punishment. Not only would his membership be revoked, but he was banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years. It was a blow to Smith, who has been hailed for his unblemished Hollywood record until that time.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Will Smith appears to slap Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year,” The Academy previously said in a statement last year. “However, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage. During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.”
Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy team up for You People, but in a scene that didn’t make the film’s final cut, more legends find their way into the movie. Specifically, a number of hip-hop icons, when Hill’s character makes his pick for the top five rappers ever and gets roasted for including Eminem.
In the clip, Ezra (Hill’s character) and Mo (played by Sam Jay) are hosting an episode of their The Mo & E-Z Show podcast when the topic of their top five rappers comes up. Ezra makes his picks: “1. Jay-Z, 2. Biggie, 3. 2Pac, 4. Nas, and 5. Eminem.”
Mo responds, “That’s in order? — Eminem though?” Ezra replies, “Why do I have to keep defending Shady? I mean, his sole purpose is to be on other people’s tracks and murder them. I mean, ‘Renegade?’ ‘Dead Wrong,’” he says in reference to tracks by Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G.
Mo then says, “Dog, he’s like, I don’t know the Larry Bird of rap, you know what I mean? He’s not great: He’s just great because he’s a white man in a Black man’s game.” Ezra retorts, “That is so stupid. That might be the dumbest sh*t you’ve ever said to me.”
Yesterday (February 12) was a massive day for Rihanna. The pop star made her long-awaited, nerve-wracking comeback with her legendary performance at the Super Bowl. While fans are stoked about this, many are also expressing discomfort and frustration about something another celebrity said involving the “Umbrella” singer.
Olivia Wilde posted a video of ASAP Rocky, famously Rihanna’s boo, on her Instagram Story. “If I thought he was hot before, this really put me over the edge,” she wrote. The quote-tweets on Pop Base’s post about it are far surpassing the retweets; users are dunking on Wilde, especially for tagging Rihanna in the Instagram Story while being so flirty.
Olivia Wilde reacts to video of A$AP Rocky recording Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl:
Of course, no one will let this ruin the special moment for Rihanna or her fans. On the contrary, it only gets better from here, mainly because she revealed in an interview that she’s “exploring, discovering, creating things that are new” in music.
She said, “Musically, I’m feeling open. I’m feeling open to exploring, discovering, and creating things that are new. Things that are different. Things that are off, weird, might not ever make sense to my fans [or] the people that know the music that I put out. I just wanna play. I wanna have fun. I want to have to fun with music.”
The Super Bowl was quite the hub of trailer releases this year, and this is no exception. A closer look at Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny aired during the program. The exciting new film will include flashbacks of a young Harrison Ford as the character. It will also include flashbacks with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Killing Eve) playing Jones’ goddaughter Helena. This addition to the Indiana Jones saga takes place during the United States-Soviet Space race of 1969. Indiana Jones and Helena go up against the Nazis for their last adventure.
The franchise will add Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook to the cast. They will play the film’s villains, Jürgen Voller and Klaber, respectively. Additional new cast members include Antonio Banderas, Shaunette René Wilson, and Toby Jones. Plus, John Rhys-Davies will bring back the character of Sallah from the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.The first trailer for the fifth installment of the franchise was an action-packed showcase of the archaeologist’s highly-anticipated return to the big screen. The Super Bowl’s addition to the film’s promotion was a continuation of the celebration.
Indiana Jones 5 Trailer: Watch
Indiana Jones 5 is coming a whopping 15 years after the fourth film in the series. Ford confirmed to audiences of the franchise that it will be his final appearance of the iconic character. He told Variety‘s Marc Malkin last month at the premiere of his new Apple TV+ series, Shrinking, “I always wanted to do it. I wanted to do the rest of the story to see the end of his career.” The film’s musical composer also announced that this feature would be his last, however, he more recently said that he will not be retiring any time soon. The 91-year-old told Variety’s Jon Burlingame in January, “I’ll stick around for a while. I can’t retire from music. A day without music is a mistake.”
James Mangold is the writer and director of the film. He also directed Logan (2017) and Ford vs. Ferrari (2019). The creators of the series, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, directed the franchise’s previous films. Fans do not need to worry, as they are both listed executive producers for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The movie is scheduled for release in theaters on June 30, 2023.
February 2023 is a big month for streaming. Highly-anticipated movies and shows are coming back to screens and even streaming for the first time. Beginning on February 1, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will become available. On the same date, La La Land and It will be added to the platform. The highly anticipated You Season 4 will stream Part 1 on February 9 and Outer Banks Season 3 will stream on February 23. The highly acclaimed The Woman King will be available to stream on February 16 and We Have a Ghost will stream on February 24.
HBO Max also has an impressive amount of additions coming in February 2023. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Season 10 will premiere on February 19. The platform’s added movies include the likes of Force Majeure, Take This Waltz, and Swiss Army Man on February 1. Empire of Light and All That Breathes will be available on February 7. Additionally, The Last of Us will continue to air new episodes every Sunday throughout the month of February.
February 2023
In this photo illustration a Hulu logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Disney+ is competing with a similarly impressive lineup for February 2023. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is taking to streaming screens on February 1. The explorative special, Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be added as a companion to the hit film on February 8. The platform will also add The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 to the service on February 1. There will also be the addition of House of Darkness starring Kate Bosworth and Justin Long on February 10 and the documentary j-hope in the Box on February 17.
Other streaming services also have competitive additions to their platforms for February 2023. Hulu is adding the horror film Piggy on February 9 and Planet Sex with Cara Delevigne on February 14. AppleTV+ is adding Dear Edward Season 1 and the highly anticipated film, Sharper, starring Sebastian Stan on February 17. Peacock is adding Spoiler Alert on February 3 and Bel-Air Season 2 on February 23. Prime Video is adding Beast starring Idris Elba on February 7, as well as the films Somebody I Used to Know (February 10), Smile (February 21), and The Consultant (February 24). Check out the extensive list of media available to stream on top platforms below.
Netflix
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (February 1)
La La Land (February 1)
It (February 1)
Bad Boys and Bad Boys II (February 1)
Freeridge Season 1 (February 2)
True Spirit (February 3)
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (February 4)
Bill Russell: Legend (February 8)
You Season 4, Part 1 (February 9)
Love Is Blind: After the Altar (February 10)
Your Place or Mine (February 10)
Perfect Match (February 14)
African Queens Season 1 (February 15)
Full Swing Season 1 (February 15)
Red Rose Season 1 (February 15)
The Upshaws Part 3 (February 16)
The Woman King (February 16)
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (February 22)
The Strays (February 22)
Outer Banks Season 3 (February 23)
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (February 24)
We Have a Ghost (February 24)
A Whole Lifetime With Jamie Demetriou (February 28)
Disney+
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (February 1)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 (February 1)
Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3 (February 1)
Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (February 8)
House of Darkness (February 10)
j-hope in the Box (February 17)
Hulu
Killing County Season 1 (February 3)
Piggy (February 9)
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (February 9)
Planet Sex With Cara Delevigne (February 14)
Wu-Tang: An American Saga (February 15)
Animaniacs (February 17)
Bruiser (February 24)
Paramount+
65th Grammy Awards (February 5)
At Midnight (February 10)
Star Trek: Picard (February 16)
HBO Max
Force Majeure (February 1)
Take This Waltz (February 1)
Swiss Army Man (February 1)
C.B. Strike: Troubled Blood Season 3 (February 6)
Empire of Light (February 7)
All That Breathes (February 7)
Edge of Tomorrow (February 7)
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special (February 9)
Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark (February 11)
Fruitvale Station (February 13)
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Season 10 (February 19)
You People has been one of the most talked about movies to come out so far this year. The movie stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In the movie, Hill’s character and London’s character get married. But, they must deal with the real-life consequences of putting together an interracial marriage. Because of this, a bit of controversy has emerged since the film’s release on Jan. 27. Critics have questioned the amount of chemistry Hill and Lauren’s characters display on screen. These conversations are fueled by the rumor that their kiss at the end of the movie was actually CGI-manufactured instead of legitimate.
Nevertheless, the movie’s earnings have been terrific, and continued coverage surrounding it has led to more discoveries. In a recently surfaced bonus clip from the movie, Hill’s character Ezra hosts a show on Complex, alongside his friend Mo portrayed by Sam Jay. In the clip, the duo discusses their top 5 rappers ever, and Mo questions Ezra’s group of favorite MCs.
For his “deal or alive” top 5, Ezra names Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Nas and Eminem, in that order. When asked to elaborate on his Eminem choice by Mo, Ezra does not back down. “Why do I have to keep defending Shady? I mean, his sole purpose is to be on other people’s tracks and murder them. I mean, ‘Renegade’? ‘Dead Wrong’?” To which Mo rebuttals, calling him the Larry Bird of Rap. “He’s not great. He’s just great because he’s a white man in a black man’s game,” she says. Ezra fires back, “That is so stupid. That might be the dumbest sh*t you’ve ever said to me.”
It’s not clear whether or not this is Ezra’s opinion or Jonah’s, though. Jonah has a long history of rap fandom. As a matter of fact, he put out a top 5 favorite rappers list in 2018, but none of the MCs he mentioned back then are listed by Ezra. His list in 2015 included A Tribe Called Quest, Big L, Gang Starr, Mobb Deep and Kendrick Lamar. Additionally, Jonah has helped direct a few music videos for rappers. Videos for “Ain’t It Funny” by Danny Brown and “Wake Up” by Travis Scott were both aided by Hill’s directorial skills. Being the huge hip-hop fan he is, it is not surprising he would use his latest movie to rattle off some of his favorite rappers. But, it’s still uncertain whether or not the You People list is the one he abides by in his real life.
In the sea of highly-anticipated film trailers that aired during the Super Bowl, Marvel released the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie since 2017 will reunite the Guardians with Gamora, played by Zoe Saldaña. The Super Bowl trailer showed audiences that Gamora will return, despite the fact that she was killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. A new Gamora returned in Avengers: Endgame, but she had no memory of Star-Lord. Now, Peter Quill must get her memories back while the Guardians fight one last mission against Chukwudi Iwuji’s villain, the High Evolutionary.
Marvel revealed the first official trailer to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3in December 2022. The initial trailer showed the Guardians teaming up for a mission “one last time,” as Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) tells Star-Lord. Returning cast members include Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Saldaña as Gamora, and Cooper as Rocket. With them, Dave Bautista will return as Drax the Destroyer. Vin Diesel will return as Groot, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Karen Gillian as Nebula, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord, and Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha. There will also be newcomers to the franchise, including Will Poulter as Adam Warlock, Iwuji as the High Evolutionary, and Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Spacedog. Bakalova’s character was introduced in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
“Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” Trailer
James Gunn directed all three films in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. He was recently chosen to lead DC Studios for Warner Brothers Discovery in October. While starting his new position as co-chairman and CEO, Gunn is seeing the Guardians of the Galaxy saga through. He is overseeing post-production on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He confirmed to fans at 2022’s San Diego Comic Con that this is the final film for the fan-favorite crew of superheroes. He said, “This is the end of that story. I’m sorry. Some stories have an end. It doesn’t mean everybody dies.”
Bautista visited The Tonight Show on January 31. He announced to fans that the upcoming third Guardians of the Galaxy movie would definitely be his last performance as Drax the Destroyer. He said, “With Drax, I just got to end the perfect way. And I would never sign up for another job as Drax just to get a paycheck. I would tarnish that [perfect ending], and I won’t do it.” Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters on May 5.
