Dennis “Denny” O’Neil, best known for writing and editing Batman comic books, died on June 11 of natural causes. He was 81. O’Neil wrote “Batman,” “Detective Comics” and “Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight” in addition to serving as an editor for DC’s Batman-related comic books from 1986 until 2000. 7 more words
via Batman Comic Book Writer Denny O’Neil Dies at 81 — Variety
Last week, I was tasked with picking my favorite moments from the Rocky series for a piece tied to the release of “40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic,” now available on digital platforms. 23 more words
via 9 Things I Learned Watching the ‘Rocky’ Series in 3 Days — Variety
It’s not HBO Now — it’s just HBO. And say goodbye to HBO Go, which later this summer will be entirely replaced with HBO Max. WarnerMedia is trying to clean up the confusion with the many product names associated with the premium cable brand. 13 more words
via WarnerMedia Rebranding HBO Now as ‘HBO,’ Will Phase Out HBO Go App — Variety
The Writers Guild of America West Committee of Black Writers has challenged Hollywood to revolutionize its hiring practices immediately in the wake of companies asserting support for the Black Lives Matter campaign. 30 more words
Crushing news for Beatles fans: Peter Jackson’s documentary “The Beatles: Get Back,” which was initially set for Sept. 4 of this year will now go close to a year later on Aug. 26 more words
via Beatles ‘Get Back’ Documentary, Directed by Peter Jackson, Delayed for a Year — Variety
The government of New Zealand is to ease access to the country, it announced Friday, after it was accused of double standards following the decision to let filmmaker James Cameron and his crew into the country to film the “Avatar” sequel. 16 more words
via New Zealand Eases Border Controls After ‘Avatar’ Crew Allowed Entry — Variety
Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alum Jay Pharoah revealed he was recently stopped by multiple LAPD officers with their guns drawn while he was walking in Los Angeles. 30 more words
via Jay Pharoah Says LAPD Drew Guns on Him While Walking, Kneeled on His Neck — Variety
YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation event — livestreamed on Sunday, June 7, over more than four hours — set a new record for the video service. 29 more words
By now, most Americans watching late-night TV have gotten used to seeing bands performing in their houses, studios, or even their bathrooms. Needless to say, it hasn’t been the most exciting experience for viewers, but “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” struck socially-distanced gold this week when the Flaming Lips came on to play their…
via Flaming Lips Perform Inside Plastic Bubbles on ‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ (Watch) — Variety
Steve Kloves, “Harry Potter” screenwriter and “Fantastic Beasts” producer, has broken his silence on “Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements about transgender identity. “Our diversity is our strength,” Kloves says in an exclusive statement to Variety. 24 more words
Festival Reviews 