Latest news with #HowToTrainYourDragon
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Banijay Entertainment H1 Earnings Hit $236M As Company Plans YouTube Push
Banijay Group's entertainment and live units saw adjusted half-year earnings rise 5.7% to €207.5M ($236M), with sales also up and a YouTube push in the crosshairs. Revenues at Banijay Entertainment and Banijay Live came in at a combined €1.43B, up 3% year-on-year, with the production-distribution wing contributing €1.1B and distribution €149M for the six months to June 30. More from Deadline Epic Universe, 'How To Train Your Dragon' Buoy Comcast Q2 As Company Posts Gain On Sale Of Hulu Stake ProSiebenSat.1 Q2 Revenues & Earnings Fall Amid Continued "Economic Uncertainty" Mark Zuckerberg Tries To Explain "Personal Superintelligence" As Meta Blows Past Q2 Forecasts, Hits 3.48 Billion Daily Users The 'steady' growth was put down to 'further penetration' with global streamers, with 17% of revenue coming from deals with the likes of Netflix and Prime Video. Banijay – which makes shows such as Temptation Island, SAS Rogue Heroes and Big Brother – said it had a 'strong pipeline' of shows expected to deliver in H2. The Euronext-listed Banijay cited Netflix Spanish-language series El Jardinero (The Gardener), Black Mirror Season 7, LOL: Last One Laughing UK and Prime Video Germany unscripted show The Summit among key performers in H1. Around 5,000 hours were added to Banijay Rights catalog in the sathree months to end of June, meaning the company now shops 215,000 hours in total. Banijay Live, which is also led by Banijay Entertainment CEO Marco Bassetti and is grouped with the production business, saw its live experiences unit add €173M. 'Banijay Entertainment, with Banijay Live, continues to illustrate a robust business model, as demonstrated by these latest H1 results,' said Bassetti. 'Year-on-year, we have significantly increased our activities with streamers, maintained significant investment in creativity to bolster our competitive market advantage, and accelerated our digital transformation efforts. 'The latter will rapidly unlock greater efficiencies, further amplify the value of our catalogue, and enhance our presence on YouTube specifically. In embracing new technologies and diversifying our revenue streams in areas like sport too, we continue to prepare the group for the future, cementing our house as the number one for talent, IP, and creative innovation.' The wider Banijay Group, which also houses a betting business, took revenues of €2.21B, up 6.1% and adjusted EBITDA of €424.3M, up 15.8%. Adjusted free cash flow was €344.1M, though net debt grew to €2.79B. Restructuring and other single items cost Banijay €11.1M, down from €26.3M in 2024. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery Everything We Know About The 'Heartstopper' Movie So Far Everything We Know About 'Emily In Paris' Season 5 So Far
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Riding Your Way Through Epic Universe
'I hope you have an epic experience,' my Lyft driver said with a bit of an ironically cheerful tone as he dropped me off at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla. No worries. I was already primed to do just that. I had been reading about the park for the last couple of years, looking over designs, watching construction videos, imagining the worlds and anticipating the works. Now, I was on a mission. I booked two days at the park in June, only two weeks after its official May 22 opening, to experience each of its 11 rides and see if they lived up to what my imagination was conjuring. Here, the eight that I found worthy of attention, based on the ride experience, consistency of theming and just sheer fun. Surprise Favorite How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk As a roller coaster nerd, I went in expecting that I would be most wowed by the park's aggressive signature coaster, Stardust Racers. But I was even more taken by a family coaster in the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk section. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is a pleasure from beginning to end. I love a well-thought-out themed coaster and this one has fun little tidbits all along the journey. I had a smile on my face the whole time. The concept is that the character Hiccup, from the 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies, has built a flying machine that helps Vikings (like you) soar. You encounter him and the dragon Toothless in animatronic form early on, then Toothless presses a button with his paw (adorable) and launches you into the main part of the ride. There are some delightful weightless moments, and the track weaves its way across green landscapes, directly over water (with impressive splash effects), into a tunnel and through mist. It even has a moment involving some hatching dragon eggs in which the ride goes briefly in reverse before launching you again. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
The Labubu effect: Cute sidekicks rule multiplexes, from Lilo & Stitch to Fantastic Four
(Clockwise from left) Stitch in Lilo & Stitch, H.E.R.B.I.E. in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Toothless in How To Train Your Dragon. NEW YORK – This summer has been invaded by a group of adorable furry monsters with sharp teeth. They are known as Labubus, and they are everywhere. The trendy key-ring dolls, from Chinese purveyor Pop Mart, have received endorsements from Barbadian pop star Rihanna and American singer Cher, and are omnipresent on social media. In a way, they have also infused the movies. Not literally, of course, though I wouldn't put it past some executive to be developing a Labubu franchise right now. No, it is more that the spirit of Labubus is everywhere on-screen. The blockbuster business has been overtaken by cuteness – sometimes ugly, chaotic cuteness in the style of the Labubu craze, but cuteness nonetheless. Nearly every major movie released since May features a cute sidekick, there to make audiences coo with delight. The season opened with Disney's live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, featuring the charmingly manic blue alien Stitch. It became a box-office success in part because of fans' enduring love for the extraterrestrial with a penchant for causing a ruckus. You could say Stitch is the original Labubu. They do look an awful lot alike. Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities. PHOTO: AFP In June, another remake was buoyed by a CGI cutie: Toothless, the title star of How To Train Your Dragon, whose oversized eyes and pointy chompers have a Labubu-esque quality. Also like Stitch, Toothless looks wild but, at times, acts as a pet, be that a cat or a dog depending on the moment in the story. Toothless in How To Train Your Dragon. PHOTO: UIP Speaking of dogs, Superman now has one in James Gunn's adaptation of the Man of Steel. Krypto, based on the American writer-director's own pup Ozu, is arguably the most traditionally cute of the bunch. After all, he looks like a regular scruffy dog, just one in a cape, but he is also a menace who bites feet and thinks any flying gadget is a toy. Krypto the superdog in Superman is inspired and modelled after director James Gunn's dog Ozu. PHOTO: WBEI The summer's other big superhero flick also has a winsome little buddy: H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot for the title crew in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He is made of metal, but has been designed for maximum awws, with a sweetly chirping voice and spinning reels for peepers. H.E.R.B.I.E. in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. PHOTO: THE WALT DISNEY CO There is more. In Pixar's Elio, a human boy befriends a slug-like alien named Glordon, who is sweetly naive despite descending from a race of warlords intent on conquering the galaxy. And Jurassic World Rebirth introduced Dolores, an Aquilops who, unlike the T. rex, enjoys candy and human companionship. What is with this inundation? Of course, cuteness is a solid marketing tactic. One reason Stitch, who debuted in the 2002 animated version, has become such a beloved character in the Disney stable is the volume of merchandise featuring him. The same could be said for Toothless, who even has a Labubu crossover toy. For what it is worth, Pop Mart is also in the Stitch business. Stitch in Lilo & Stitch. PHOTO: THE WALT DISNEY CO Meanwhile, the Labubu fad has started to merge with movie marketing. Celebrities are now being asked to interact with the toys during their press tours. The stars of both the sports racing drama F1: The Movie and horror reboot I Know What You Did Last Summer – two films in which adorable characters would be extremely out of place – have been subjected to this. F1: The Movie cast member Javier Bardem holding up a Labubu and gleefully declaring 'I got Baba' made me smile, even if the interaction felt like a forced viral moment. Sure, all this cuteness is in many ways a crass ploy for moviegoers' dollars, but it works for a reason. There is a comfort in the twee, especially when it is a little bit askew or offbeat. These characters allow people to switch off their brains and simply exist in their charming, oddball worlds . When every piece of news that hits the phone is largely depressing, it is a relief to spend a couple of hours gallivanting with Toothless or playing hypothetical fetch with Krypto. Their brand of chaos is the fun kind, not the nightmarish type. Of course, not every summer movie creature can work this kind of magic. The Jurassic World Rebirth social media team tried to turn Dolores into a phenomenon, with early X posts like one captioned: 'Protect Dolores at all costs!' The comments included questions about who Dolores was, and the mini-dino did not get any more popular after the film's release, possibly because she did not have a very distinctive personality. But when the characters are successful, they allow even adult viewers to regress into a childlike state of wonder, which partly explains why most of these movies have taken in huge amounts of money. The notion that these things have traits that society has deemed unlovable – Glordon's buggy form, for instance – makes them all the more lovable. It also may be why Labubus have become the accessory du jour. Their faces look as if they are about to create havoc, but their bodies are snuggable. They are like your personal Stitch: There by your side to make you giggle with the spicy-sweet personality you project onto them. Isn't that the fantasy all these movies sell? It sure would be fun to have your own little impish companion around at all times. NYTIMES
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
25 Affordable Carter's Outfits For Stylish Toddlers
A summer gauze set for your suave Stitch enthusiast. They'll wear this outfit almost as many times as they ask to watch Lilo and Stitch again. Price: $14.99 (originally $38; available in sizes 2T–5T and in three character options) A ruffly combo that'll keep your little one effortlessly breezy — literally. No shame if you're already looking for a matching one in your size. Price: $28 (originally $46; available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) An active skort and tank to introduce your little mini me to the glory of athleisure wear early. Are you heading to the pickleball courts or to the ice cream shop? The world is your oyster. Price: $21.48 (originally $44; available in sizes 2T–5T) A dino set that's so cute you just might want to take a wee little chomp out of it. I mean look at those little dino print shorts. 😍 Price: $12.79 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A terry dress in a baby-soft material even if your toddler is demanding teenager-level attention nowadays. Price: $14.39 (originally $22; available in sizes 2T–5T) A pair of ~tropi-cool~ pajamas that'll have your favorite toddler looking like an island explorer every night. Price: $18 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in seven styles) And a darling polka-dot swimsuit with an adorable ruffle flower for your little 1950s beach diva. Add a pair of round sunnies and get ready to hear "pass me the crackers, dahling." Price: $6.39 (originally $14; available in sizes 2T–5T and in three styles) And a pair of water shoes so puddles, sand, or sprinklers are no match for your summer fun. Just rinse 'em off and keep on playing. Price: $9 (originally $12; available in sizes 4–12 and in two colors) A sweet bow-tie dress that I low-key wish was in my size. There's nothing wrong with looking like you're headed to a posh garden party even if you're just headed to the park. Price: $16 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A pair of sandals with a flower appliqué to jazz up those cute little toddler stompers. Price: $18 (originally $36; available in sizes 4-12) A How To Train Your Dragon play set for your kiddo who can't stop talking about Hiccup and Toothless. This set will have them ready for their own epic adventures — even if it's just in the backyard. Price: $15 (originally $30; available in sizes 2T–5T and in five character options) A pair of dino romper PJs — just because they're a toddler doesn't mean they can't have an adorable romper anymore. As a mom whose kids are out of the romper stage, let me tell you: enjoy this stage for as long as you can. 😭 Price: $12 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in four patterns) A short-sleeve color-changing rain jacket for keeping them extra ~rawrsome~ for any rainy day. Just put that hood on and watch them turn the world into their own little Jurassic Park. Promising review: "So cute, quality is top notch and the design couldn't be any cuter!! Bring on the rain." —SarahPrice: $28 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in five styles) A Barbie tutu dress because EVERY summer should be Barbie summer. This dress is totally Ken-ough for any occasion. Price: $23 (originally $30; available in sizes 2T–5T and in a Disney Princess version) A ~berry~ soft PJ set that'll make those bedtime snuggles so soft, you'll want to rock them to sleep forever. Price: $18 (available in sizes 2T–5T) A Hawaiian-themed short set for making them look like they're on island time. Toddlers in Hawaiian shirts?? I'm not crying over the cuteness — you are. Price: $11.99 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–4T) A skort because your toddler loves to twirl hard *and* play hard. The detail in the skirt still gives plenty of daintiness — even if that daintiness is climbing onto a slide with reckless abandon. Price: $16 (originally $26; available in sizes 2T–5T) A tie-front top aka a look that somehow always looks both fashion-forward and timelessly classic — just like the kid who's wearing it. Price: $5 (originally $6; available in sizes 2T–5T) A solid tee because every shirt doesn't have the be plastered with trucks, dinosaurs, or baseballs to look great. Just mix and match to your heart's content and enjoy a little effortless parenting. Promising review: "I always buy these in a bunch of different colors. You can mix and match with anything." —JessPrice: $5 (originally $6; available in sizes 2T–5T and in 16 patterns and colors) And a pair of stretchy chinos — your basic short that's going to look good with pretty much any shirt. Plus they're nice and stretchy for big play or big potty emergencies. Price: $14 (originally $28; available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) A double set of fleece pajamas for your little one who can't stop banging into the wall trying to twirl like a ballerina. Price: $20 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in seven styles) A pair of colorblocked sneakers to add a much-needed dose of the rainbow to your toddler whose favorite color changes daily. Price: $23 (originally $38; available in sizes 4–12) A button-down baseball shirt for your T-ball enthusiast. They may not be able to hit the ball eight times out of 10, but this shirt will certainly make them think they can. Promising review: "Love the blue baseball set I bought for my 14-month-old son. I plan on having him wear it for a family member's upcoming birthday." —SeattlePrice: $12 (originally $24; available in sizes 2T–5T and in two designs) A two-piece play outfit for your rough-and-tumble, Disney Princess–loving energy machine. Price: $18 (originally $30; available in sizes 2T–5T and in five character options) A "food critic" tee in case you want to make light out of your toddler's *ahem* refined palate. Price: $5 (originally $6; available in sizes 2T–5T and in 29 styles)
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
How to shoot your reboot
As most parents of small children can attest, one of the world's greatest places to take a nap is a cinema. This holds particularly true if that cinema's head honchoes have had the foresight to install reclining leather seats and an industrial-strength air conditioning unit blasting out shades of the Arctic. It is why so many brave souls will fork over hard-earned money to sit through the Smurfs film this summer, probably the reason Inside Out 2 was able to rake in over a billion dollars last year, and must be why filmmakers deem it perfectly acceptable to toss out a sequel to Bad Guys next month. There is nothing that primary caregivers of young children love more than a good nap, and they are willing to pay to get it. However, if scheduling a decent daytime nap is your primary goal when you cave to child-originated requests to watch the live action remake of Dreamworks' How To Train Your Dragon at the cinema (which has already been out for about five weeks, so it is time you stopped dragging your feet), then you are urged to reconsider. No naps will be had here today. For a solid two hours, writer and director Dean DeBlois and his How To Train Your Dragon team have just one goal: to blow your mind, completely and utterly. How to make a remake You are defenceless against this incoming mind-blowiing no matter which side you are approaching this remake from. It doesn't matter if you are a taking your first baby steps into this franchise, or are a devoted fan of the animated original, or if have only the wispiest of memories of when you watched it twice 15 years ago. Whatever your current state of mind is, Gerard Butler's blue eyes - lifted straight from the animation (as is Butler himself) - will give you an electric shock. As Stoic the Vast, Butler's beautiful Scottish lilt and the soliloquies of seething frustration he spits out at his son (and our hero) Hiccup are lifted straight from the original. You will either swim in an ocean of nostalgia as memories of the original ticker-tape before you, or squirm as the tiniest hidden part of you begins to relate - for the first time - to this unreasonable mountain of a man. Stoic desperately wants his son to live up to his dragon-slaying Viking heritage, and is genuinely flabbergasted at how he can produce a boy so unlike him in every way. Fifteen years later, we may still swear our allegiance to Hiccup, but now, with Butler there in the flesh to make us understand Stoic better than ever, is it possible that we understand his growing desperation over the generation gap? You will see Vikings of unorthodox ethnicity as the cast expands to include diversity, but Stoic offers the simplest of explanations to explain as to how they came to be here in the cold and dragon-infested Isle of Berk. However, it is our most important Viking, the almost twig-like Hiccup, who will abscond with your heart. A hero in the purest form, Hiccup's struggles for acceptance will twang a chord in anyone who has ever struggled to gain acceptance, be it at school or at home or anywhere else. His story speaks to everyone in that movie theatre, whether you are the child who dragged your parents, or the parents who gave in to the child. You cannot help but adore this boy with a beautiful soul, who does everything he can to protect the dragon he once vowed to kill. If you somehow remain unmoved by the boy, the first time you see Toothless the dragon slide open one giant cat-like emerald eye, you may understand that love at first sight does, in fact, exist. It is a love that will blossom with every tentative step both boy and dragon take towards one another, and burgeon to bursting point when you take to the skies with Toothless and Hiccup for the very first time. As you soar above mountains, dive through valleys and glide over seas, you will realise only now that you are doing what neither Peter Pan nor Aladdin's magic carpet could pull off. You are flying without wings, transported far beyond the confines of your cinema leather chair. However, all of this is a moot point, regardless of whether or not you cherished that longstanding childhood ambition of flying; from the moment those opening credits roll across the screen, the music will swallow you whole with no intention of letting you go. It really doesn't matter what Stoic, Hiccup or Toothless get up to. At the end of the day, you get a gift of plaintive orchestra that conveys Vikings' struggle with dragons, a boy's bottomless love for the pet who gave him a purpose, and a dragon's undying devotion for the one person who ever understood him. Close your eyes, and you will picture it all playing out in the screen of your mind. If music could speak words, John Powell's score says as much as every word spoken by the cast - and beyond. And now, because we are also happy to include even the most reluctant filmgoer, if you still find yourself checking your Instagram notifications during this mesmerising two hours, then it is possible you are cyrogenically frozen and you are watching this as you time-travelled from a dystopian future. In which case you probably have bigger problems than one live-action remake. A final lesson If Disney could somehow learn how Dreamworks and DeBlois harness all the devotion and attention to detail that goes into creating a true faithful remake, nitpickity fans could perhaps stop complaining about the off-centre sunrise in the 2019 Lion King or the muted lifeless colours of the 2019 Aladdin. (For one thing, they wouldn't have to complain because no one filmmaker would have been idiotic enough to allow it to happen.) Because this is 2025, and we have thus already suffered through numerous Disney reboots, by now we already know that when we hear the phrase 'live-action remake', it is really code for 'soulless cash grab'. We have no one but ourselves to blame for production houses' predeliction for soulless cash grabs when it comes to children's films, because, if you recall, parents are by no means averse to very expensive naps in a dark room. DeBlois, however, is the man responsible for the first animated How To Train Your Dragon in 2010, and has thus sidestepped all these Disney-esque pitfalls to give us the direct opposite of a soulless cash grab. Instead, with consummate surgeon-like precision as he reconstructs the film shot-by-shot, he has given us, a soulful tribute - one that is emboldened with a rich orchestra and a cast and crew who treat the original with reverence it deserves. In conclusion, your dreams of that nap will, regrettably - albeit fittingly in a film featuring fire-breathing dragons - go up in smoke. Save the nap for when you are forced to go and endure Smurfs.
