Disney-Pixar’s fantasy film “Onward” is dominating North American moviegoing this weekend, opening with $40 million at 4,310 locations, estimates showed on Saturday. The figure is at the low end of pre-release forecasts, which had pegged “Onward” for a launch in the $40-45 million range. 13 more words
via Box Office: Pixar’s ‘Onward’ Conjuring $40 Million in North American Opening — Variety
TV station group Tegna was drawn squarely into the spotlight on Friday amid reports that the broadcaster has received multiple acquisition offers. Tegna shares soared 26.5% in trading Friday after Reuters reported that the company has received an $8.5 billion acquisition bid from Atlanta-based Gray Television valuing Tegna at $20 a share. 6 more words
via Tegna TV Station Group Draws Multiple Acquisition Offers — Variety
Bill Maher made some controversial comments defending the abruptly retired “Hardball” host Chris Matthews and slamming overreactions to the coronavirus spread. “A friend of mine lost his job this week — Chris Matthews. 26 more words
via Bill Maher Defends Chris Matthews and Slams Coronavirus ‘Overreactions’ — Variety
Danny Tidwell, a finalist on “So You Think You Can Dance,” died on Friday, according to his brother, fellow dancer Travis Wall. Tidwell was 35 Wall announced the news in an Instagram post on Saturday morning. 23 more words
via Danny Tidwell, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Finalist, Dies at 35 — Variety
U.K. theater chains are keeping calm and carrying on in the face of coronavirus. While the outbreak of the respiratory virus has wreaked havoc in European countries such as Italy, where around 850 screens had shuttered as of Monday, the U.K. 16 more words
via Coronavirus Having ‘No Discernible Impact’ on Theater Chains, Says U.K. Cinema Association — Variety
SXSW has officially been canceled amid growing fears over the spread of coronavirus. As of Friday afternoon, there have been 17 confirmed cases in Texas, where the annual entertainment, music and technology festival takes place. 23 more words
Even after years of doing her book club and weathering her share of controversies, Oprah Winfrey clearly wasn’t prepared for the backlash she received after picking “American Dirt” as the first selection for her Apple TV Plus series. 19 more words
Frankie Shaw is set to develop a limited series adaptation of the Judy Blume novel “Wifey” at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively. “Wifey” chronicles one life-changing summer of Sandy Pressman, a 1970s suburban housewife whose predictable existence compels her to make her rich sexual fantasies a reality. 11 more words
via Frankie Shaw to Develop Judy Blume Novel ‘Wifey’ as HBO Limited Series (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
Universal Pictures is teaming with “Aquaman” director James Wan on a horror/thriller inspired by Universal’s monster legacy. Details of the untitled project are sparse. Wan is set to produce the project, and a director has not yet been set. 22 more words
via James Wan Teams With Universal for Monster Movie — Variety
In today’s TV news roundup, Showtime released a trailer for “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,” and WWE Hall of Famer Steve “Stone Cold” Austin will appear live on “Raw” on the USA Network. 26 more words
via TV News Roundup: Showtime Releases ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’ Trailer — Variety
Festival Reviews 