The Inevitable Comes True, as Disney Becomes First Studio to Surpass $7B at the Global Box Office
Walt Disney Studios clicked past the magic number at the global box office yesterday, the first time a major studio has crossed that mark in a given year. Disney’s global B.O. to date beats the previous annual industry record set by Universal last year with $6.89B. (DH)
‘Moonlight’, ‘Love & Friendship’ Lead London Critics’ Circle Nominations
Barry Jenkins’ drama and Whit Stillman’s comedy each scored seven nominations from the UK’s leading film critics today. The 37th annual Critics’ Circle Film Awards also gave Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann, which has been shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, six nominations while La La Land, Manchester By The Sea and American Honey have five mentions each. (AL)
Paying Proper Homage To History, Disney Is Bringing Back Dick Van Dyke For Its ‘Mary Poppins’ Sequel
There is no news as to what role the 91-year-old actor will play in Mary Poppins Returns, and no word yet if co-star Juile Andrews will also return. Emily Blunt is stepping into the title role for the film, which reportedly picks up 20 years after the original took place. Lin-Manuel Miranda will play the male lead. Cameras are set to roll in January. (CB)
USA Network Likes New Drama ‘Shooter’ So Much, It Has Ordered a Second Season
The twice-delayed TV adaptation of the feature film of the same name has been renewed for a second season at the NBCUnviersal-owned cable network. The drama, starring Ryan Phillippe, has helped USA Network improve its fortunes on Tuesdays. Shooter ranks as USA’s No. 1 new series year-to-date among total viewers and adults 18-34. (LF)
AMC Must Sell Some Theaters in Order to Buy Carmike -Justice Dept.
The movie theater company will have to divest cinemas in 15 local markets and sell off most of its holdings in National Cinemedia LLC in order to complete its purchase of Carmike Cinemas Inc, the Justice Department said today. The department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court to block the proposed $1.2 billion acquisition, saying it would cause competitive harm to consumers. (RNS)
Disney Folds Maker Studios Into Digital Division, Courtney Holt Steps Down
Mouse House has moved Maker to its consumer products and interactive media division, and its top executive is shifting to a new role within the company. Maker, which previously was a standalone unit, is now part of DCPI, which is led by Andrew Sugerman. (VAR)
Oscars: Mel Gibson, Casey Affleck and Hollywood’s Sliding Scale of Moral Punishment
As Mel Gibson, once banished to directors jail for personal behavior, wins plaudits for Hacksaw Ridge, voter forgiveness seems to apply to some (Casey Affleck) but not others (Nate Parker). (THR)
‘Lion’: 7 Ways Garth Davis’ Tearjerker Dodged Melodrama to Get Oscar Buzz
Film is designed as a crowdpleaser that will tug at filmgoers’ tear ducts and heartstrings. Crafted by a largely Australian crew of Hollywood outsiders led by Garth Davis in his feature debut, the decently reviewed Weinstein Co. release is Harvey Weinstein’s Oscar mission. The movie is holding well in limited release, heading into national expansion. What did they do right? (IW)
Trailer Buzz: ‘A Cure for Wellness’
Twentieth Century Fox has released the latest look at the upcoming horror movie from director Gore Verbinski. Starring Jason Isaacs, Dane DeHaan and Mia Goth, it hits theaters February 17th, 2017. (SF)
Online Film School: The Five Best Steadicam Shots In Movie History
To celebrate the Steadicam’s 40th birthday, here’s a video highlighting the five best-known shots captured on it, from the films Bound for Glory, The Shining, Goodfellas, Rocky and, of course, Russian Ark. (FSR)