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“Wicked” and “Gladiator” debut in the theater against gravity

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Wicked, Glicked, Wicked Gladiator, Gladiator, Gladiator II, Glicked opening weekend, Wicked opening weekend, Gladiator II opening weekend, 2024 holiday box office, 2025 Oscar contenders, Cynthia Erivo Wicked, Denzel Washington Gladiator II, theGrio.com

NEW YORK (AP) – With total worldwide ticket sales of $270 million, “Mean” AND “Gladiator II” breathed fresh life into the box office that did it he’s been struggling recentlyresulting in one among the busiest movie weekends of the 12 months.

Jon M. Chu’s lavish, big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted for Universal Pictures with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million worldwide, in line with studio estimates Sunday. This made it the third-biggest opening weekend of the 12 months, second only to it “Deadpool and Wolverine” AND “Inside Out 2”. This can be a record for a musical adaptation on Broadway.

“Gladiator II” by Ridley Scott the sequel to his best-picture-winning 2000 original, which grossed $55.5 million in ticket sales. The production cost of “Gladiator II” was roughly $250 million. Paramount Pictures took a giant step to return to the Coliseum with a largely latest forged, led by Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal. Although domestic ticket sales exceeded the projected $60 million, “Gladiator II” performed well overseas. It added $50.5 million internationally.

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The clash between the two movies caused some echoes “Barbenheimer” the results of last 12 months’s premiere of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”. This time a nickname “Gloss” it wasn’t as catchy and the cultural footprint was much smaller as well. Not many individuals he was searching for a double feature this time. The 2023 domestic grosses – “Barbie’s” $162 million and “Oppenheimer’s” $82 million – were also higher.

‘Glicked’ Doesn’t Compare to ‘Barbenheimer’

For Universal, which distributed “Oppenheimer” last 12 months, the weekend was more of a triumph for “Wicked” than for “Glicked.”

“We saw an opportunity to dominate the weekend and jumpstart Thanksgiving,” said Jim Orr, distribution chief at Universal. “We are sure he will perform ridiculously well in the Christmas corridor and into the new year.”

However, the counterprogramming effect was still strong for “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” which also split fundamentally along gender lines. Once again, it was a female-oriented release – “Wicked,” like “Barbie” before it – that easily won the weekend. About 72% of ticket buyers for “Wicked” were women, and 61% of people that watched “Gladiator II” were men.

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“On their own, you could argue that each of these films could have done exactly what they did, but it’s hard to say,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “Raising awareness can actually result in a rise in ticket sales. Let’s put it this fashion: they didn’t hurt one another in any respect.

Massive marketing campaigns paved the way for opening weekend

While “Barbenheimer” benefited enormously from the proliferation of memes, each “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” relied on all-out marketing attacks.

The “Gladiator II” campaign included all the pieces from Airbnb’s much-discussed cross-promotion with the real Colosseum in Rome to concurrently broadcast a one-minute trailer on over 4,000 TV networks, radio stations and digital platforms.

The “Wicked” attack went even further: pink and green Starbucks “Wickedly Delicious” drinks, Stanley cups and Mattel dolls appeared (a few of which led to an ungainly memory). Its stars visited the Met Gala and the Olympic Games.

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“For Wicked, we had about 400 brand partners from around the world, so the campaign was inescapable,” Orr said. “And our cast, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, worked very hard on it. They were everywhere. They did everything we asked them to do.”

Before the weekend, ticket sales were down about 11% in comparison with last 12 months and about 25% in comparison with pre-pandemic times. This meant that the week’s two major movies led to a much-needed revival in theaters. WITH “Moana 2” Premiering on Wednesday, Hollywood could also be historic Thanksgiving box office numbers.

Cynthia Erivo Recalls Her Reaction to Fan-Made 'Wicked' Poster: 'I Probably Should have Called My Friends'

Both movies improved on sluggish box office results

“Two strong releases this weekend are reinvigorating ticket sales that have fallen apart after a strong summer,” said David A. Gross, a movie consultant who publishes a newsletter for Franchise Entertainment.

While “Wicked” will face direct competition from “Moana 2,” it appears to be higher positioned for an extended and lucrative theatrical run than “Gladiator II.” While some have panned “Wicked” for being an extended film, clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it received mostly excellent reviews. Audiences gave it an “A” grade on CinemaRating. The reception of “Wicked” was so great that Oscar forecasters expect it to be a contender for, amongst others, the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Producers, perhaps sensing successful, also decided to separate “Wicked” into two parts. Part two, already shot, shall be released in November next 12 months. Each “Wicked” installation cost roughly $150 million to create.

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“Gladiator II” also received good reviews, especially for Washington’s charismatic performance. Audience performance was weaker, nevertheless, with ticket buyers giving it a “B” on CinemaRating. However, the film will partially compensate for this with solid foreign sales. It was launched in multiple overseas markets every week ago and has already raised $165.5 million worldwide.

Taking third place over the weekend was “Red One,” Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ holiday movie-turned-action movie. In its second week of release, Amazon’s MGM Studios release grossed $13.3 million, bringing its two-week global gross to $117 million. At $250 million, “Red One” is the biggest failure of the season, though Amazon could recoup some value if it becomes more popular once streaming begins.

Cynthia Erivo, Regina King and more will be honored at the annual Black Cinema & Television Awards

Final national data shall be published on Monday. According to Comscore, estimated ticket sales from Friday through Sunday in U.S. and Canadian theaters:

1. “Wicked” – $114 million.

2. “Gladiator II” – $55.5 million.

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3. “Red” – $13.3 million.

4. “Bonhoeffer: Pastor-Spy-Killer” – $5.1 million.

5. “Venom: The Last Dance” – $4 million.

6. “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” – $3.5 million.

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7. “The Heretic” – $2.2 million.

8. “Wild Robot” – $2 million.

9. “Smile 2” – $1.1 million.

10. “Real Pain” – $1.1 million.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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Trump threatened 100% tariff in a film made outside the USA. Here’s what we know

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President Donald Trump looks at Hollywood at the next round of tariffs, threatening to download all movies produced outside the US 100%.

At the weekend, Trump accused other countries of “theft of film abilities” of the USA and said that he authorized the US trade and US trade representative to instantly start the strategy of implementing this recent import tax on all foreign movies. But further details or dates haven’t been delivered. And the White House confirmed that no final decisions were made from Monday.

Later Trump said that he would meet with industry directors about this proposal, but many remain unclear as to how you may even implement import tax on complex, international productions.

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If they’re imposed, experts warn that such a tariff would dramatically raise the costs of making movies. This uncertainty can place film creators suspended, like other industries which have recently been caught on the sight of today’s ongoing industrial wars.

Unlike other sectors, which were recently addressed to tariffs, movies transcend physical goods, questioning the greater consequences of mental property. Here’s what we know.

Why does Trump threaten this steep film tariff?

Trump refers to fears related to national security, justification, which is similarly used to impose import taxes in some countries and a variety of goods specific to the sector.

On Sunday evening post On its Social Social Trump social networking platform, the American film industry “dies for a very fast death” because other countries offer “all kinds of encouragement” to drag out movies from the USA

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Trump previously expressed concern about the production of movies abroad. And in recent years, American film and tv production has been difficult between Covid-19 pandemic failures, Hollywood Guild Strikes from 2023 and up to date fires in the Los Angeles region. Motivation programs have also been inspired for a very long time where movies are shot each abroad and in the USA, and more production leaves California to states similar to Georgia and New Mexico-also countries similar to Canada.

But unlike other sectors directed until recently imposed Trump tariffs, the American film industry currently has a industrial deficit, which is in favor of the USA.

In cinemas, movies produced by America predominantly dominate the domestic market. Data from the Motorcyclist Association also show that American movies have earned $ 22.6 billion for export and $ 15.3 billion in 2023 – with the last report noted that these movies “generated a positive trade balance in every main market in the world” for the USA for the USA

Last yr, international markets accounted for over 70% of total money revenues in Hollywood, notes Heeyon Kim, assistant to the strategy professor at Cornell University. He warns that tariffs and potential retaliation from other countries affecting this industry may result in billions of dollars of lost earnings and 1000’s of jobs.

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“For me (this) there is simply no sense,” she said, adding that such tariffs can “undermine the flowering part of the American economy differently.”

The international Alliance of theatrical Stage Employees who represents the behind -the -scenes entertainment employees in the USA and Canada, on Monday said that Trump “correctly recognized” “urgent threat from international competition”, which is facing the American film and tv industry. But the union said that as a substitute, she really useful the administration of the implementation of the federal encouragement of production on production and other provisions regarding the “leveling of the pitch”, while not harming the industry.

Experts warn that Trump Cuts to Federal Grants will make black communities less safe and prosperous

How could a tax on foreign movies work?

This is no person.

“Traditional tariffs apply to physical imports cutting boundaries, but film production includes primarily digital services-photographing, editing and post-production work that takes place electronically,” notes Ann Koppuzha, a lawyer and lecturer in business law at the Leave School of Business University at the University of Santa Clara.

Koppuzha said that film production is more like a used service that could be taxed, not a cell. But taxes require confirmation by the Congress, which could also be a challenge even in the case of a republican majority.

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Making a film can be an incredibly complex – and international process. Both large and small movies include production in the US and other countries. For example, large budget movies, similar to the upcoming “Mission: Impossible-The Final Reconing”, are shot throughout the world.

US studies often shoot abroad because tax incentives may help in production costs. But the general tariff around the world can discourage or limit options, she said Kim – hurting each Hollywood movies and global industry that help to create them.

“When you create this kind of vocabulary, you lack any nuances of how production works,” added Steven Schiffman, a longtime industry veteran and assistant professor at Georgetown University. “Sometimes it is enough to go to the location, because to be honest, it is too expensive to try to create on the sound stage”

Schiffman points to popular titles shot outside the USA – similar to the “Harry Potter” Warner Bros series, which was almost entirely shot in Great Britain “the costs of making that would literally produce these films under the proposed tariff,” he said.

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Trump in a new interview says that he does not know if he supports constitutional rights

Can film tariffs have repercussions on one other mental property?

In general, experts warn that the perspective of tariffing foreign movies falls into unexplored waters.

“There is simply no precedent or the sense of using tariffs for this type of creative services,” said Koppuzha. And although the Trump administration can extend similar threats to other types of mental property, similar to music, “they would encounter the same practical obstacles.”

But if it succeeds, some also warn of potential retaliation. Kim points to “amounts” that some countries had to assist in increasing their national movies, ensuring that, for instance, they get a few of the theater screens. Many of them have reduced or suspended such amounts over the years in the name of an open trade-but if the US imposes a wide tariff to all foreign movies, such amounts could return, “which will hurt a Hollywood film or any intellectual property,” Kim said.

And although the US domination in the film means “there are fewer substitutes”, Schiffman notes that other types of entertainment – similar to game development – could see related effects on the road.

Others emphasize the potential consequences of international cooperation.

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“Creative distribution of content requires thoughtful economic approaches that recognize how modern story story flows over the boundaries,” notes Frank Albarrella, the American leader of the media and telecommunications sector at KPMG. “The question hanging on every screen: can we better cultivate American history through intelligent, targeted incentives, and maybe inadvertently force the audience to pay for more for what can become a narrower creative landscape?”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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“Sinners” by Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler is the number 1 at the ticket office, earning $ 45.6 million at the opening weekend

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As expected, the film “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler, with the participation of Michael B. Jordan, was an enormous success at the ticket office at the opening weekend. According to Diversity“Sinners” reached first place at the ticket office, earning about $ 45.6 million in the USA and $ 15.6 million abroad, which is $ 61 million of their global debut.

“When we still try to introduce a number of films to filmmakers, we are glad that Ryan Coogler Sinners’ original film (…) resonated with the audience in such a star way,” said in an announcement Mike de Luca and Pam Ryan Abdy Ryan Ryan Bros. Motion Picture Group for a thr. “Movies have the power to transport us to the worlds seen only on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains involved in providing individual experience in the theater among viewers looking for bold films, both original and based on beloved existing real estate.”

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“Sinners” not only defeated “Minecraft Movie” from place 1, but apparently it is also the best starting of the original film since Jordan Peele’s “US”, who reached $ 71.1 million at the opening weekend in 2019. However, money sales should not the only thing that makes Coogler’s film observed. When negotiating the production of a movie with studies, Coogler reportedly asked to take care of the final reduction of the film, the percentage of revenues from the money register, and not waiting for a return, and most significantly, Property of “sinners” 25 years after its release.

“My uncle James was from Mississippi, he was born there and raised. I was very close to him and was my introduction, my point of entry into the blues (because) listened to him when I spent time with him,” explained Coogler. “After my death in 2015, I listened to CDs with a renovated perspective and a desire to understand my uncle again, although he was not here anymore. And thanks to these research I found the motivation to make this movie.”

(*1*)

With an almost ideal rating at Rotten Tomatoes, vampires Horror tells everyone talking. In 1932, Mississippi, “Sinners” appears in Jordan in double roles as an identical twins that smoke and piles that return to his hometown to open Juke Juke. But things are taken by an unexpected phrase when the great opening of dual entrepreneurs, which was to be full of music and fun, is interrupted by vampires. Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku and Pękaw Miles CatonThe sinners make clear the blues delta, spirituality and way more.

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Storm Reid: Actress and spokesman for diversity in entertainment

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2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards - Red Carpet

Storm Reid has been in the industry for over 10 years, with a complete variety of performances recognized by critics already in its CV. He can also be famous for its cooperation with the predominant brands, speaking about representation and other vital problems and difficult standards in the entertainment industry.

Learn more about this shiny star, in this movies and television programs Storm Reid, its origin and its spokesperson.

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Cultural origin and heritage

Los Angeles, California – 27 February: Storm Reid participates in the Essence Black Women in Hollywood in Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Essence) – credit: photo Leon Bennett / Getty Images

Storm Reid was born on July 1, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father comes from Jamaican and African-American origin, and her mother has African-American and European-American origin.

Impact of identity on skilled elections

Storm often chooses movies and television programs that tell black narratives. In “When the sees us” by Ava DuverNay, Storm plays the figure of Lisa, who’s in a relationship with one among the Central Park Five, five African -American teenagers falsely convicted of raping a white woman in New York.

Representation in the media

Talking to the Instyle magazine, Storm says that he chooses projects as a chance to “represent people and situations of insufficiently represented.” Together with the mother and sister, co -founder of Seed & Wings, a production company that gives greater high -quality roles for black contractors.

Spokeswoman for diversity in entertainment

Storm reid jhud thegrio.com
Storm Reid takes part in the premiere of Los Angeles “The Last of Us” on the Village Theater Regency on 09 January 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo of Rodin Eckenroth/Wireimage)

Fans love a storm for difficult industry standards and attempt to make film and television industries more positive places.

Impact on industry standards

Storma was open to improving standards in the entertainment industry, especially for African -American women. For example, she said that she continues to be to be done for television and film scenes to be an environment that features black hair. Thanks to its huge supporters, such comments can affect the industry and encourage studies to make positive changes.

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Change of narrative in film and television

One of probably the most famous roles of Storm is Meg Murray in Disney “A Wrinkle in Time” based on the book Madeline L’Engle. The film, also organized by Ava DuverNay, as the primary with a budget of $ 100 million directed by an African -American woman, which is a major change in the entertainment industry.

By promoting the film, Storm said:

“We all inspire girls in color and African-American people to see that they are powerful, and know that they can be on the screen-that they are not only a stereotype and can be much stronger that they can see and believe.”

Noteworthy performances

Met gala in 2024
New York, New York – 06 May: Storm Reid participates in the MET 2024 Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reavning Fashion” on the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York. (Photo Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) – credit: photo on Dipasupil / Getty Images

Despite the proven fact that he’s so young, Storm already had a powerful profession in the entertainment industry. There can also be far more for fans, including the cooperation of Storm Reid and TEYANA Taylor and a brand new series made by the manager director called “Jazzy Jumpers”.

Roles in regards to the turn

After appearing on the tv program “A Cross to Bear” Storm switched to a big screen in which he appears in the film “12 years of slave” from 2012 and the “Sleight” superhero. From there, she took the leading roles in which “Wrinkle in Time” perform with Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mandy Kaling.

Early awards for her acting are the Storm Reid’s Rising Star Award award in the course of the second annual Bether Awards dinner.

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Recognition and recognition of critics

One of probably the most respected roles of Storm is Gia Bennet in “Euphoria”, the HBO series, in which Zendaya also appears. (Storm won’t appear in the “Euphoria” season.) She also demanded attention after appearing in the episode “The Last of Us” “Left Behind”, which was broadcast in 2023. Storm won each the unique Emmy and Black Reel Award for its role.

Cooperation and partnerships

21. Annual film festival African American Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts – August 08: Storm Reid participates in the “Jazzy Jumpers” panel in the course of the twenty first AFRICAN AMERICAN MARTHA’s Vineyard Film Festival on August 8, 2023 at Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo Nick Hunt/Getty Images for MVAAFF) – credit: photo Nick Hunt / Getty Images

Like other stars, Storm has been cooperating with various organizations for years, especially in the cosmetics industry.

Kiss Colors & Care Initiative initiative

In 2024, the textured Hair brand Kiss Colors & Care announced Storm as the most recent brand ambassador, and the star says that she was enthusiastic about cooperation with the corporate and celebrates “confidence, expressing herself and the beauty of diversity.” Thanks to the partnership, Storm hopes to encourage other people to simply accept the “uniqueness” of their beauty and “express themselves fearlessness.”

Other significant projects

Storm is a brand ambassador in Prada and appeared in many promoting campaigns of the corporate. He also designs the Pacsun swimsuits line and has previously worked with New Balance.

A task model for beginner actors

USC DRAMATIC ARTS DRAMAT Center Ceremony and a great opening
Los Angeles, California-28 March: Storm Reid speaks on the DRMA DRMATIC Arts Dramatic Arts ceremony ceremony and an excellent opening on the Duramatic Center of the USC School of Dramatic Arts on March 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo of Amy Sussman/Getty Images) – credit: photo of Amy Sussman / Getty Images

In addition to the favored film star, Storm has change into a job model for individuals who need to enter the industry.

Strengthening the following generation

According to Bombshell, Storm has a positive impact on young and aspiring actors and actresses because of its composure, intelligence and spokeswoman in social issues:

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“He is constantly using his platform to speak about public issues, including misleading and less diversity in Hollywood. She is also a supporter of mental well -being and strengthen the position of women.”

Inspiring various talents

Storm Reid often talks in regards to the representation in Hollywood and cooperates with creators promoting diversity, equivalent to Ava DuverNay. Speaking of his role in “Wrinkles in time”, says:

“The representation is everything. If I was younger, if I saw meg as myself, Meg would strengthen me and inspire me and make me save the world. So have these characters and be able to be that for young African American girls or only young people in general.”

Personal observations and philosophy

Premiere of Los Angeles Amazon MGM Studios "Challengers" - arrivals
Los Angeles, California – April 16: Storm Reid participates in the premiere of “Challengers” Amazon Mgm Studios in Westwood Village Theater on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Monica Schipper/Getty Images) – credit: photo Monica Schipper / Getty Images

Here are some Storm quotes with diversity and inclusion and how he juggled a successful profession as an activist.

Views for diversity and inclusion

  • “Diversity should be forever; it should be a normal thing.”
  • “I just think that women should be treated equally, not only in this industry, but in all industries, because unfortunately we are not.”

Balancing a profession and activism

  • “Fortunately, I do not have to act just to work. I can be very, very special with projects in which I will decide to be part. We, the actors, have a duty to tell representative stories and representing the world. I really feel that way.”
  • “I feel that we have the opportunity and the platform – not all of us, but many of us in Hollywood at the moment – say something. Say something in our art, is in a sense selfish.”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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