Latest news with #TheHungerGames
Wall Street Journal
15 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Scholastic Became a Children's Publishing Giant. Now It Needs a Turnaround.
Scholastic SCHL -1.31%decrease; red down pointing triangle, known for 'Clifford the Big Red Dog,' 'The Baby-sitters Club,' 'Harry Potter' and 'The Hunger Games,' is trying to write its own comeback story. The iconic publisher's stock has fallen by more than 40% over the past year, and its cash pile is dwindling. One of its biggest businesses is mired in a yearslong slump.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Apollo-Backed Legendary Weighs Acquisition of Lionsgate Studios
(Bloomberg) -- Legendary Entertainment LLC, the independent film and TV studio behind the Dune trilogy and A Minecraft Movie, is considering a takeover of Lionsgate Studios Corp., according to people familiar with the matter. Legendary, which is backed by Apollo Global Management, first approached the company after Lionsgate finalized its separation from the Starz Entertainment Corp. TV network and streaming service in May, said the people, who asked not be named as the information is private. Those talks centered on a potential partnership to produce a handful of films so that Legendary could gauge how the two companies worked together and whether it should ultimately proceed with a takeover offer, the people said. Representatives for Legendary and Lionsgate declined to comment. Lionsgate shares jumped 8% after Bloomberg reported the news. Lionsgate, which currently has a market cap of $1.8 billion, owns the rights to popular film franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Twilight, has produced TV hits including AMC's Mad Men and would provide Legendary with a theatrical distribution network. A Minecraft Movie, which was co-produced by Legendary and released by Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.'s film studio in April, is the highest grossing movie at the domestic box office so far this year, having sold $423.9 million worth of tickets in the US and Canada. Josh Grode, Legendary's chief executive officer, said in a 2024 interview with Bloomberg Businessweek that he planned to tap Apollo's finances for takeovers in the entertainment industry that would collectively be worth billions of dollars. Last year, Legendary and Apollo were linked to a potential acquisition of Paramount Pictures film studio, and were later linked to a potential acquisition of parent company Paramount Global. That business is instead being acquired by David Ellison's Skydance Media LLC. More stories like this are available on
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollywood A-lister's notorious father was a contract-killing assassin
The famous Hollywood star's father was a two-time convicted murderer and armed robber who once even attempted a prison break A Hollywood A-lister's father is a twice-convicted murderer and armed robber. Famed for his roles in smash hits such as True Detective, The Hunger Games (no, not the prequel), Cheers, and No Country for Old Men — Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson has a notorious father. Charles Voyde Harrelson, Woody's dad, was tried for three murders, spent time behind bars on multiple occasions, and even attempted a prison break over the course of his colourful life. Two weeks ago, Instagram account historyfeels posted about Woody's infamous father, leading to fans exclaiming their shock and surprise. In a detailed caption, the Instagram post delved into Charles' "deep ties to organized crime" and reminded social media users of his conviction and "two consecutive life terms" post which Charles "spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007". The post further declared: 'In 1979, he was charged with the assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr., the first federal judge to be murdered in the 20th century. Harrelson carried out the hit for $250,000 on behalf of a drug dealer awaiting trial. He was captured after a six-hour standoff with police, during which he confessed to multiple killings, including JFK's, though that claim was widely dismissed. 'In 1982, Harrelson was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007.' One user commented: 'I was today years old when I learned this... Well alrighty then... Holy cow ! I never heard this story before!...' While a Woody fan wrote: "Hats off to Woody Harrelson for not letting his past personal life dictate his own life and, ultimately, his career as an actor. Brilliant actor." A third user said: "I bet poor Woody didn't need the world reminded of that." And another fan agreed, writing: "Poor woody doesn't need reminding and really don't see why it's any of anyone's business." Another Instagram user lauded Woody for breaking the cycle and said: "Congrats to Woody for breaking the cycle and becoming a peace loving person." While yet another fan was left surprised: 'Wow. Had no idea... Never knew this... Interesting. Glad to know his son turned the family legacy around.' The Oscar-nominated actor and his two brothers, Jordan and Brett, were brought up by their mum, Diane Harrelson, in Texas and Ohio. Born on July 23, 1938, in Lovelady, TX, Charles had a stormy existence. He worked as an encyclopedia salesman and professional gambler during his early professional years and was married four times throughout his life, reports the Mirror US. Texas Monthly reports that Charles and Diane Harrelson tied the knot in the 1950s while Charles was on leave from the Navy. In 1959, while residing in Los Angeles, he faced robbery charges but managed to secure five years probation after acting as a jailhouse "snitch," as reported by the Houston Chronicle. The couple settled in Midland, TX, and during the early 60s they had their three sons - Jordan, Woody, and Brett - in quick succession, over a span of three years. By 1968, Charles had abandoned his family just as the children were beginning school. Woody Harrelson reflected on these tough times in a candid 2012 interview with the Guardian, saying: "I think they separated when I was 7, but he was gone a lot before that, in prison. Away and back. Away and back. It wasn't like he was there all the time prior to that. [My mom] was well out of love with him. You know, I've got to give her credit because she never really soured us on him, she didn't talk negative about him, never, ever. And she could have - he wasn't the greatest husband. Or father." Charles, a man with a dark past as a convicted hitman, faced murder charges thrice and was convicted on two occasions, leading to extended periods in jail. He ultimately passed away at the age of 68 on March 15, 2007, while serving his prison sentence.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Snow White's Rachel Zegler dating Evita co-star as they're spotted kissing at Sabrina Carpenter gig
IT looks like Snow White actress Rachel Zegler might have found her Prince Charming while treading the boards in Evita. The American actress was spotted cosying up to her stage co-star Nathan Louis Fernand as she joined fans watching Sabrina Carpenter perform BST Hyde Park on Sunday night. 8 8 While Rachel plays the leading role in Evita, Nathan is part of the ensemble in the West End Show and has previously clocked up roles in The Lion King, Magic Mike and Hamilton, as well as performing as a backing dancer for KSI and EVE. 'Rachel and Nathan were with their Evita co-stars Bella Brown and Mia Mullarkey during Sabrina,' an onlooker told The Sun. 'But they only had eyes for each other and seemed really close. 'When Sabrina was performing Rachel was leaning back into Nathan and he looked really happy with himself. 'Later on in the night she gave him a kiss on the cheek as he showed her something on her phone. 'They make a really lovely looking couple and it looked like they had a blast.' Rachel had been in a relationship with Hunger Games actor Josh Andrés Rivera, with the pair going official with their romance back in 2021. The pair met while working on West Side Story together and later appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballads of Songbirds together. But last year insiders said they had broken things off after three years, with Rachel editing some of her Instagram photos to remove Josh from the pictures. It was announced Rachel had landed the leading role in Andrew Lloyd Webber 's Evita earlier this year and the production has become a huge success. Sabrina Carpenter leaves BST Hyde Park stunned as she bring out legendary British band for epic duet As part of the show, Rachel has been appearing on the balcony of the London Palladium to perform Don't Cry For Me Argentina for fans who have been hanging around outside to catch a glimpse of her. And it's gone down a treat, with clips of her performances going viral. It's been a key change moment for Rachel, who massively came under fire for Disney's woke reworking of Snow White last year - where she branded Prince Charming a 'stalker' and said the original 1937 classic was 'weird'. 8 8 8 8 8
Metro
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gripping prequel soars up Netflix charts as fans declare it 'best in franchise'
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has just dropped on Netflix, and fans are already calling it the 'best film in the franchise'. It's proving so popular, in fact, that following its Netflix debut this week, it's climbed into the top 10. Released in November 2023, the action/adventure movie is based on the 2020 novel of the same name, serving as a prequel to 2012's hugely successful The Hunger Games, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Set decades before the iconic Mockingjay era, this dark and dazzling prequel tells the origin story of a young Coriolanus Snow—the man who would later become Panem's most feared president. Long before he wore white suits and ordered rebel bombings, Snow was just another ambitious teenager clawing his way out of poverty and into power. He's played by Tom Blyth with an unnerving mix of charm, desperation, and icy control, making the fall from grace feel both inevitable and hard to watch. Opposite him is Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, a District 12 tribute with a voice that hypnotises and a will to survive that rivals Katniss', though she's anything but a carbon copy. Lucy Gray is no rebel, and Zegler cleverly brings her to life with her electric performance. From her haunting ballads to her quiet tricks, she commands every scene she's in—and fans can't stop talking about her. 'I like how they made another strong female character without having to resort to Katniss' clone who fights good,' @nogoodpho wrote on Reddit. Add in a show-stopping performance from Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman and Viola Davis as the terrifying Dr. Gaul, and you've got a film that's part dystopia, part musical, and 100% watch-worthy. When it hit cinemas in late 2023, Songbirds and Snakes received mixed reviews—some critics loved its ambition, while others were put off by its slow burn and darker tone. It did, however, gross $349million (£255.6m) off its $100m (£73.2m) budget. And now that it's streaming, audiences are giving it—and its 64% Rotten Tomatoes score—a second look, and this time, they're hooked. Social media is buzzing with praise, fan theories, and 'I told you so' posts from people who always believed the prequel would be a game-changer. @nolanpflan wrote: 'In my opinion this hands down the best movie in the Hunger Games franchise.' 'I was gripped the entire runtime and never felt an ounce of boredom. I just wish they went the extra mile and went a full three hours for the sake of the last act, but I'm still very pleased.I truly think this is leagues above the other four Hunger Games films,' @tacomasters added. Another viewer, @karpaensi, praised the release: 'You know it's a good movie when it haunts you. I watched it and I've been thinking about it all day.' And they're not wrong. Unlike the later films in the original series, which leaned heavily into politics and revolution, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—which features the song Can't Catch Me Now from Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo—keeps the focus on the arena and the twisted beginnings of the spectacle we came to know. It's brutal, raw, and unflinching in its depiction of how easily human suffering can be turned into entertainment—and how fast a desperate boy can become a monster. Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire (2013) and both Mockingjay (part 1 in 2013 and part 2 in 2015) films, returns with a sharper eye, creating a world that's more grimy than glossy—and all the better for it. This is Panem at its most fragile and dangerous, and the Capitol isn't the polished powerhouse we're used to—it's the definition of chaos, and it is just starting to realise how powerful fear can be. More Trending Without giving too much away, it pulls the rug out from under you, then pulls it once again, just when you think you're back on your feet. Everyone has a different theory, and that's all part of the magic. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is streaming now on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Andrew Lloyd Webber shares safety fears over Rachel Zegler's Evita stunt MORE: Rachel Zegler's Evita faces backlash over trigger warnings – but critics miss the point MORE: Evita fans give verdict on Rachel Zegler's controversial balcony performance
