Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson release statement after meeting with David Zaslav to discuss future of TCM.

Update: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have released a statement following their meeting with Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav about the future of TCM, which seems to have gone well.

Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been a profitable endeavor since its inception.

Earlier this week, David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, got in touch to talk about the restructuring of TCM. We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as WBD, of which TCM is one moving part.

We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him.  Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.

We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure

THR also reported today that Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, Co-Chairpersons and CEOs of Warner Bros Film Group, will now oversee TCM, which was reportedly welcomed by Spielberg, Scorsese, and Anderson.

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Earlier this week, a number of executives at Turner Classic Movies were laid off, leading some to believe that the future of the network might be in doubt. Thankfully, TCM has some heavy hitters ready to go to bat for them, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson.

According to IndieWire, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have scheduled an emergency call with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to discuss the layoffs at TCM. Some of the people laid off from TCM include EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, VP of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, VP of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and VP of Studio Production Anne Wilson. There were the people who were responsible for “everything from curating lineups, to shooting intros and outros, and for creating original shows, documentaries, and video essays that serve as major contributions to American cultural history.“

Turner Classic Movies is one of the few traditional networks where audiences can discover classic cinema, but the changing entertainment landscape has put TCM in danger. “I fear for the future of TCM,” director Martin Scorsese told the Los Angeles Times in 2021. “So does everyone else I know who loves movies.” Scorsese added that he regularly has TCM on in the editing suite. “It gives me something to turn to, to bounce off of, to rest in, to reinvigorate my thinking — just glancing at some image or combination of images at a certain moment,” he said. “It’s more like a presence in the room, a reminder of film history as a living, ongoing entity.“

David Zaslav has frequently said that he wants Warner Bros. to become a home for filmmakers, but his obsession with the bottom line comes into conflict with attracting those desiring creative freedom. You might second-guess signing a deal with a studio that shelves movies for a tax write-off.

Many credit TCM for introducing them to movies they didn’t even know existed. The curated programming and original documentaries help keep the era of classic cinema alive, so I can only hope that Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson are able to convince David Zaslav of the worth of TCM.

Jensen Ackles wants to play Batman in the DCU by taking on the role in Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold.

With the new DC Universe taking shape, we’re due to meet fresh versions of classic heroes, including the Dark Knight in The Brave and the Bold. It remains to be seen who will play Batman in the new movie, but Jensen Ackles is ready to take on the role.

There have been rumours that Jensen Ackles might be in the running to play Batman in The Bold and the Brave, and the actor addressed them while speaking at the Jus In Bello Convention in Italy. “Uh, I don’t know. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you,” Ackles said. “I mean, could I do it? Sure. Would I want to do it? Yes.” Ackles then joked that Pedro Pascal would probably get the role. “Will I be mad when Pedro Pascal gets it? Yeah,” he said. “God bless you, Pedro. You just keep killing it, buddy. Let me know when you pass on something.” Ackles had previously campaigned to play Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us before the role went to Pascal.

Jensen Ackles certainly has experience in the DC world, especially with Batman. After voicing Jason Todd in Batman: Under the Red Hood, Ackles went on to voice Batman in Batman: The Long Halloween, Legion of Superheroes, and the upcoming Justice League: Warworld.

Jensen Ackles continued, reminding the audience about the WGA strike. “Look, right now nobody’s talking about anything,” he said. “There’s a strike going on in the entertainment industry, and until that gets solved, nobody is having conversations about anything. Would I entertain the idea of playing my favorite superhero of all time? Nah, I’m good. It seems like a lot of work, you know. You gotta put in a bat suit and be a superhero. I would love it. Sign me up.“

It was recently confirmed that The Flash director Andy Muschietti would helm The Brave and the Bold. “It’s a magnificent film (The Flash) — funny, emotional, thrilling — and Andy’s affinity and passion for these characters and this world just resonates through every frame,” reads a statement from DC. “So when it came time to find a director for The Brave and the Bold, there was really only one choice. They’re an extraordinary team, and we couldn’t have better or more inspiring partners as we embark on this thrilling new adventure in the DCU.“

Could you see Jensen Ackles as Batman in The Brave and the Bold?

Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk isn’t shy about saying he wants the show to be nominated for multiple Emmys.

As Saul Goodman once said, “Money is the point!” And so too are awards, at least according to Bob Odenkirk, who played the slippery lawyer on Better Call Saul (and some other show…). With the Emmy nominations just one month away, Odenkirk said he would very much like Better Call Saul to be in the conversation.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Odenkirk said, “Oh my God, listen, a nomination would be everything…We were so well received by critics and the audience. We were so thankful after Breaking Bad to get the good vibes from everyone and to follow through to the end.” He added, “I mean, I’m so proud of that show. I always will be…It would mean so much. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping.”

Considering how pseudo-humble some actors can come off when chatting about awards recognition, it is quite refreshing to hear a major industry player say that, yes, dammit, he wants his show on the ballot! If Better Call Saul does take home at least one Emmy, it will be a first for the series, which surprisingly has yet to win any (excluding Creative Arts). It has been nominated for 25, including five for Odenkirk. Of note, he was also never nominated individually for any awards for Breaking Bad, the show in which his character was introduced; he did earn three Screen Actors Guild nods – and one win – as part of the Breaking Bad cast. On the Emmy front, Odenkirk has won two for writing (Saturday Night Live and The Ben Stiller Show).

Better Call Saul will undoubtedly earn a handful of Emmy nominations, as it has yet to go a season without at least three. But can it finally win? While it likely won’t take home the top award – which Breaking Bad won twice – it could pull off a win elsewhere…Carol Burnett, anyone?

Nominations for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on July 12th, with the ceremony set for September 18th.

Do you think Better Call Saul will finally win Emmy awards with its final season? If so, which category/categories will it win? Give us your predictions in the comments section below!

Will Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse be able to reclaim the top spot in its fourth week or will The Flash be able to maintain the top for another week?

After The Flash’s disastrous opening last weekend, the big question this week is: what type of tumble will it take? Recent DCEU entries such as Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Black Adam saw substantial declines in their second weekend (69% and 59% respectively). With the front loaded nature of super hero movies, and the general public saying no thank you to Ezra Miller’s presence on the big screen, I think this one will have a second weekend drop more in line with Shazam! and finish the weekend around the $17 million mark.

If there is one film that could potentially take over the top spot this weekend it would be Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse in its fourth weekend as that film has remained neck and neck with Flash throughout the week and has seen relatively small drops week to week. I give the edge to Flash as it is only the second weekend, but I think final numbers between the two will be less than $200,000.

The big new releases this week come by way of the Jennifer Lawrence fronted R rated comedy No Hard Feelings which has run a solid advertising campaign playing up the raunchiness of the film. Although early reviews say the film is not as crass as the commercials would lead you to believe and instead the film is more a coming of age type story. I think this one will all come down to one thing: are you a fan of Jennifer Lawrence or not? Tracking doesn’t seem to have this one as new comedic R rated classic in the vein of an American Pie (speaking of: Dear Universal, its time for a new American Pie movie with the original cast!) I expect an opening between $13-$15 million.

The other “new” release of the week is the expansion of Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City which is going wider (1800+ screens) after having a record breaking opening last week when it put up the best per screen average of the post pandemic world ($140,857). The question is: were those numbers that high because the quirkiness of Wes Anderson is more suited for the people who live in New York and Los Angeles? Or can this be the next big break out hit from the seven time Oscar nominated filmmaker? Anderson is a filmmaker who generally plays in the lower end of the box office with the notable exception being his Best Picture nominated The Grand Budapest Hotel which was able to secure $173 million world wide. The closest comp for City will likely fall with Anderson’s last big screen effort, The French Dispatch which came out in October 2021, had similar reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Asteroid City’s current 73%) and totaled $46.3 million worldwide. Anderson is always able to secure some big name talent to his films, so perhaps the addition of Tom Hanks into the fold will add a few butts in seats and this one can see an expansion in the $6-$7 million range.

So with two new films aimed at an adult audience, the next question of the week is can Pixar’s Elemental be salvaged from its disastrous opening weekend which saw it become the second lowest opening ever for a Pixar film, but when you consider the worst opening ever for a Pixar film is 1995’s Toy Story which would launch a billion dollar franchise and be released at a time when ticket prices were much cheaper, Elemental’s opening is far worse. Will families head to theaters to see this tale of the elements or did the company completely ruin their theatrical model by releasing 3 of their last 4 films directly to streaming while giving a short window to last years under-performing Lightyear?

Rounding out the top five should be Transformers: Rise of the Beasts which last week saw a substantial 66.1% drop from its opening weekend. This week should start to see the film even out with smaller week to week drops, coming in around $10 million. While its domestic numbers are a far cry from the days of the Michael Bay helmed movies, Beasts is posting some solid numbers overseas as it nears the $200 million mark in international numbers. Im not sure what this films break even point is, but with a reported $200 million budget, I can’t imagine we are anywhere near hitting it.

Do your weekend plans include taking in a film? If so, let us know what you plan on seeing gin the comments and don’t forget to check back on Saturday when we have a brief update on where this weekend’s numbers are heading.

TOP 5 PREDICTIONS:

1. The Flash– $17 Million
2. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse– $16.8 Million
3. No Hard Feelings– $14 Million
4. Elemental– $13 Million
5. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts– $10 Million