Legendary Entertainment is eyeing a deal to acquire Lionsgate Studios, following the latter company’s recent separation from Starz. If completed, the deal would bring together Legendary, which is behind the Dune movie franchise and a “monster-verse” collection that includes several Godzilla movies, with Lionsgate, whose film franchises include John Wick and the Hunger Games. Legendary first reached out about a potential partnership with Lionsgate Studios following the split-off of Starz in May

Ever wish you could rent out a movie theater just for you and your friends? Metro Private Cinema, created by Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League, offers exactly that — with a luxury twist. Opening soon in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood, the 20-screen venue lets you choose your theater (seating 4–20 people), pick a film, and enjoy a gourmet menu featuring seasonal dishes like summer risotto and garlic-themed feasts. Some menus are custom-designed to match films like Superman or Goodfellas, offering a full “culinary cinematic adventure.” Prices start at $200 for a four-person room and go up to $600 for larger groups. Food is $100 per person, with alcohol adding at least $50 more.

Skydance CEO David Ellison has held talks about acquiring Bari Weiss’ online publication The Free Press, The New York Times reported, citing two sources. The talks comes as Ellison’s Skydance is trying to close its acquisition of Paramount, which owns CBS News. This is the second news item floating the idea that Ellison may be looking to make a deal with Bari Weiss. In late June, Oliver Darcy reported in his newsletter Status that Weiss was being courted for a role at CBS News.

EXTRA NEWS

Dropout, the subscription-based comedy streaming service offering independent, ad-free, uncensored comedy programming, has signed with CAA across entertainment categories, the goal being to expand into new revenue streams, expand their IP off-platform, reach new audiences, diversify distribution, and support the core business with talent and content partnerships.

Podcast company Kaleidoscope has raised $5 million in Series A funding to expand its original show lineup and adapt its audio content into movies and TV series. Led by Burda Principal Investments and North Base Media, the round also included backing from The Raine Group, Tom Freston, and Nimble Ventures. The funds will support new shows and Hollywood adaptations of existing content.

SAG-AFTRA members have overwhelmingly approved the 2025 Interactive Media Agreement, officially ending the nearly yearlong video game strike that began last July. The deal, supported by over 95% of voters, follows a tentative agreement reached last month with major companies including Activision, EA, Disney, and WB Games. The new contract takes effect immediately.

A San Francisco judge ruled that Don Lemon has met the threshold to continue his lawsuit against Elon Musk‘s X on claims including fraud, misappropriation of name and likeness and breach of implied contract.

The premiere of South Park's 27th season is in doubt due to a contract dispute involving creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Paramount Global, and incoming owner Skydance. The conflict centers on a proposed 10-year, $3 billion deal for the duo—over triple their current contract’s value. While Parker and Stone’s team believed they had a framework with Paramount, Skydance, which must approve deals during its merger process, is pushing for a shorter five-year term. With tensions rising, the dispute may head to court, as the creators have hired a top litigator to challenge what they see as interference by Skydance leadership.