Variety

Walmart has quietly built itself into perhaps the only company that can rival Amazon as an all-in-one streaming giant. 

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Are multicultural ads important to consumers? What attributes do consumers value most in entertainment brands? Check out the latest VIP+ report “Entertainment Everywhere,” presented by Amazon Ads, that explores the effects of improved consumer accessibility to content from regions all over the world. https://lnkd.in/gbTP_gVp

As good as 2024 has been for the likes of A24 and Neon, the return of stacked major-studio slates next year will truly test the independent distributors in navigating a crowded calendar for dozens of their own films.

Just announced! Incoming Sony Pictures Entertainment president and CEO Ravi Ahuja will headline Variety's Entertainment Summit at CES. See the full lineup and register here: variety.com/ces

Lady Gaga is set to make an appearance in “Wednesday” Season 2. The exact nature of Gaga’s role is being kept under wraps, but sources say it will be a cameo during the megahit show’s second season. https://bit.ly/4fmRw0r

Variety Intelligence Platform's latest report “Entertainment Everywhere,” presented by Amazon Ads, features data that reveals consumer sentiments on the value of cultural exchange via media. Read the VIP+ report to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gbTP_gVp

With a TV show, a classic play and a handful of films under his belt, Paul Mescal has cemented himself as one of the finest actors working today. BAFTA and Olivier awards — not to mention Emmy and Oscar nominations — have confirmed his talent, as has a growing fan base enthused by his nuanced portrayal of masculinity and fragility across a series of quietly devastating performances. But now he’s feeling the weight of Rome — and, more importantly, a $250 million-plus epic everyone is hoping has the firepower to ignite a flagging box office. In his Variety cover story, the “Gladiator II” star opens up about rejecting “big studio franchise-y” offers, convincing Ridley Scott to let him do his own stunts and much more. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gSQHcnMM 

VIP+ Analysis: As much as Tencent and other gaming leaders scoop up studios, the undisclosed buyer of Take-Two label Private Division is likely filling a specific niche.

The CW Network has laid off just over two dozen employees across its publicity and program development teams. https://bit.ly/48JQ1XH