Korea Box Office: ‘Confidential Assignment 2’ Wins Fourth Weekend

Paul Bettany is reportedly returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Vision in a spin-off series titled Vision Quest for Disney+.The 51-year-old will also play a version of the character seen at the end of WandaVision with an all-white color scheme created by S.W.O.R.D., according to Deadline.The show will open its writer's room next week, claims the publication, and will follow Vision as he tries to 'regain his memory and humanity.' Coming back to the character: Paul Bettany is reportedly returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Vision in a spin-off series titled Vision Quest (pictured 2019)The outlet noted that Bettany's character will be the main focus, but it's possible that Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff could make an appearance also.  Vision Quest will be the second WandaVision spin-off series.

Florence Pugh is teaming up with Alexander Skarsgård once again for her next film role.The in-demand, Oscar-nominated actress has been tapped to play the lead role in the psychological thriller The Pack alongside Skarsgård, who will also serve double duty as the director.The announcement comes on the heels of the drama on the set of Don't Worry Darling, which included rumors that Pugh feuded with director Olivia Wilde over the leading lady's chemistry with co-star Harry Styles right before he became romantically involved with Wilde. Reunited: Florence Pugh and Alexander Skarsgård are set to star in the upcoming film The Pack, which will also have the lading man serve as the directorSkarsgård will be helming the shoot from an original screenplay written by Rose Gilroy, the daughter of writer-director Dan Gilroy and actress René Russo, who's best known for The Edge of Sleep (2019) and Bella (2019) and Project Artemis, which is currently in production.The Pack follows 'a group of documentarians who brave the remote wilderness of Alaska in an effort to save a nearly extinct species of wolves,' according to Deadline.

Billie Eilish looked sporty while heading into a Los Angeles gym on Friday. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter donned a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey, which she left unbuttoned, and a pair of small spandex shorts. She walked in black and white Converse which perfectly matched her black 'Fuc-12' beanie.  Sporty: Billie Eilish looked sporty while heading into a Los Angeles gym on FridayThe ends of her dark black hair just barely peeked out beneath the bottom of her knitted cap.  The Happier Than Ever singer slung a backpack over her right shoulder and carried a giant jug of water with her. Crisscrossing silver necklaces wrapped their way around her slender neck. Her trainer wore an all black, all Nike ensemble with a pair of gray and neon green tennis shoes.   LA sports: The 20-year-old singer-songwriter donned a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey which she left unbuttoned and a pair of small spandex shorts Headwear: She walked in black and white Converse which perfectly matched her black 'Fuc-12' beanieEilish's appearance out came a few days after she confirmed a new romance with Jessie Rutherford, lead singer of the rock band The Neighbourhood. Billie was first linked with Jesse when the two were spotted by a fan at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights earlier this month.The creator uploaded a clip of the two walking closely together on TikTok, and added a caption to the post, 'OMG I just saw Billie Eilish at Horror Nights.'In the short reel, the stars appeared to be holding hands as musician led the singer out of a spooky-themed maze.

Britney Spears took to Instagram on Friday to discuss 'Upperworld Crime' as she hit out at her family once again over her 13-year-long conservatorship. The pop star, 40, first shared the definition of the phrase, followed up by a lengthy caption, where she explained how the conservatorship granted her family 'LOTS of power.' The singer went on to share how she's had to 'RELEARN how to live my life' after her conservatorship was terminated last November, before adding, 'I mean just this year at 40 I can buy Tylenol and own my own money.' The latest: Britney Spears took to Instagram on Friday to discuss 'Upperworld Crime' as she hit out at her family once again over her 13-year-long conservatorship; Pictured 2017Spears' definition of 'upperworld crime' came from the book 'Current Perspectives on Criminal Behavior: Essays on Criminology' by Abraham S.

Shirley Baskin Familian, the public TV pioneer, multimedia artist, philanthropist and businesswoman who was involved in the founding of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream, passed away peacefully on the night of October 13 with her children at her side, according to her family. She was 101.

She has become well-known for trying out several radical new looks over the years.And on Friday, Kylie Jenner showed that she was looking forward to getting dressed up for Halloween with a set of images that were shared to her Instagram account.The 25-year-old reality television personality blew through a string of Bride of Frankenstein costumes - including one that tantalizingly had no bottoms. Time of the season: Kylie Jenner showed that she was looking forward to getting dressed up for Halloween with a set of images that were shared to her Instagram account on Friday Wow: The 25-year-old reality television personality blew through a string of Bride of Frankenstein costumes - including one that tantalizingly had no bottomsIn one evocative shot she draped a cloth over her front below the waist, ensuring she did not violate Instagram's Community Guidelines about nudity.Another one of Kylie's sizzling bottomless snaps was cleverly framed so that nothing below the waist was visible.

Irina Shayk looked like the ultimate New Yorker on Friday when she rocked an all-black look for a stroll through the West Village. Wearing a long black coat over a simple shirt with black jeans cut off at the knees, the Russian supermodel turned the sidewalk into a runway as she walked in square-toed boots. Shayk, 36, carried a large black duffle bag and betrayed no emotion behind a pair of black shades as she accompanied her 5-year-old daughter Lea De Seine through the upscale neighborhood.  The ultimate New Yorker: Irina Shayk, 36, looked like the ultimate New Yorker on Friday when she rocked an all-black look for a stroll through the West VillageThe jet-black intensity of Irina's classic look was lightened with large, yet simple rectangular hoop earrings.  The mother of one's minimal jewelry paired well with the subtle hint of metal at her waistline as Irina's silver belt buckle broke through the black ensemble to become a central focal point.Minimal makeup and uncomplicated hair strengthened the chic tone of her serious outfit and did not undermine its Manhattanite severity. This latest look is the continuation of a trend as Shayk has rarely missed an opportunity to take a bite out of The Big Apple with her fashion whenever she steps out in public.  Manhattan intensity: Wearing a long black coat over a simple shirt with black jeans cut off at the knees, the Russian supermodel turned the sidewalk into a runway as she walked in square-toed bootsIrina looked like a secret agent last Friday when she paired a long gray trench coat by Vivienne Westwood with black leather thigh-high boots from Riccardo Tisci.  The cover model continued to conquer the sidewalks of Manhattan on Wednesday when she layered a plaid coat over a

Bella Hadid looked edgy and chic as she stormed the runway on Friday at Naomi Campbell's couture fashion and art charity show at Doha, Qatar. The runway sensation, 26, wore a black coat dress with a chunky silver chain around the neckline, before switching into a stylish red gown with a head cape to attend the charity auction afterwards.The event comes just weeks ahead of the Qatar World Cup, with the Arab state facing growing criticism over its treatment of women, migrant workers and LGBT people. Taking Qatar by storm: Bella Hadid stormed the runway at Naomi Campbell's couture fashion and art charity show in Qatar on Friday, before slipping into a red gown for a charity auctionThe Vogue cover girl's chic runway ensemble also included a pair of white-pointed toe heels.

Harry Styles looked tired and sweaty but still hunky after a gym session in Los Angeles Friday morning. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter cut an athletic figure in a black t-shirt and matching athletic shorts. He walked in white Adidas sneakers and white socks as well. He wrapped a white towel around his neck after the tough workout.  Working hard: Harry Styles looked tired and sweaty after a gym session in Los Angeles Friday morninHis hair was tied up tightly in the front, securing it in place and out of his way.

Liev Schreiber dressed in a classically fancy ensemble for the debut of Sláinte Irish Whiskey in New York City on Thursday. The 55-year-old actor donned a gray blazer and matching slacks over a button-down black shirt and shiny dress shoes. His hair was shaved neatly all the way down, and he trimmed his graying beard into a manageable stubble. Stylish: Liev Schreiber dressed in a classically fancy ensemble for the debut of Sláinte Irish Whiskey in New York City on Thursday Happy couple: He was joined on the red carpet by his girlfriend, Taylor Neisen, who wore a silky long sleeve black dress with a ruffled skirtHe was joined on the red carpet by his girlfriend, Taylor Neisen, who wore a silky long sleeve black dress with a ruffled skirt.  The 30-year-old added black high heels which matched her handbag, and her platinum blonde tresses cascaded in soft waves down to the top of her chest. Schreiber wrapped his arm around his better half's waist, and the pair smiled softly.  Toned down: The 55-year-old actor donned a gray blazer and matching slacks over a button-down black shirt and shiny dress shoesDrinks industry expert Richard Davies stopped for a photo with the Ray Donovan actor on the red carpet as well.Davies, who helped create the brand with Schreiber, wore a dark blue suit and a black shirt.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Japanese director Miike Takashi, who is known for slasher film “Ichi The Killer” and stomach-churning “Audition,” Friday claimed that he does not like bloody horror scenes. “I’m not a fan of bloody scenes. But that’s what I’m known for. And it is what I get offered. It’s what I was offered by [Korean TV studio] Studio Dragon,” said Miike at a press event in Busan to launch his new genre series “Connect.” The show premieres in the Busan International Film Festival’s series section and will release as a Star Original on the Disney+ streaming service.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Korean sales firm, Finecut is using the Asian Contents & Film Market on the sidelines of the Busan International Film Festival to launch comic action film “Brave Citizen.” The film, now in post-production, is an adaptation of a webtoon which ranked first in popularity when it was serialized on the platform Comico. It was later serialized on another Korean platform Naver Webtoon and recorded 2.27 million views on its Line Webtoon platform in Taiwan. It tells the tale of female former boxing champion who has become a substitute high school teacher. Having witnessed intolerable violence, she dons a mask and throws her first punch for justice.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Manta Comics is to release a webcomic adaptation of “A Hard Day,” a Korean action thriller film from 2014 originally directed by Kim Seong-hun. In Manta’s adaptation, the protagonist Ko Gunsoo has been recreated as a female detective, and the story begins when she accidentally hits a homeless person with her car shortly after her mother’s death. Unwilling to catch a manslaughter charge, Gunsoo hides the body in her mother’s casket. A mysterious stranger soon arrives, claiming knowledge of the hit-and-run, and Gunsoo finds herself embroiled in a shady police corruption scandal.  The 2014 movie was produced by AD406 and distributed internationally by Showbox / Mediaplex.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Hong Kong multi-hyphenate Peter Chan Ho-sun is far too intellectual to call himself an “arms dealer,” as Sony Pictures has in casting itself as an unattached supplier to streaming platforms. But politeness and Bob Dylan references aside, Chan’s new company, Changin’ Pictures, aims to become a major independent purveyor of premium Asian TV content for the streamers. The company is using this week’s Busan International Film Festival as its launchpad and will unveil the first five series of its 20-title pan-Asian slate.  Chan’s thesis is that global audiences are hungry for Asian content but have not been able to access it easily under legacy film and TV distribution systems. With streaming making everything accessible everywhere, and audiences no longer balking at subtitles, quality Asian drama can and will travel.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Next month’s London Korean Film Festival cloaks itself in a panoply of the country’s recent cinema, with a mix of commercial blockbusters, festival titles and documentaries. The long-running event also pays tribute to Kang Soo-youn, the performer who was the first Korean to win a best acting award in Venice and who died in May this year. The event runs from Nov. 3 – 17, 2022 in venues across London and comprises 35 films. It opens with a previously announced screening of “Alienoid.” The Cinema Now section includes: Jeong Ji-yeon’s psychological thriller “The Anchor”; Davy Chou’s “Return To Seoul,” which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard; Byun Sung-hyun’s “Kingmaker”; “Hot Blooded,” the long-awaited directorial debut by acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Cheon Myeong-kwan; nostalgic road chase movie “Stellar: A Magical Ride”; “Director’s Intention,” by Kim Min-geun.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Patriotic action film “Homecoming” dominated cinemagoing in China over the weekend with a nearly $60 million haul. But the National Day holiday season is in a deep slump compared with recent years. Directed by Rao Xiaozhi, the film is yet another tale of a heroic rescue of Chinese citizens in danger in foreign lands. In this instance, two Chinese diplomats must return to war-torn 2011 Libya to save 125 people who have been left behind. The film opened on Friday and garnered an impressive $59.3 million (RMB421) according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. It accounted for a thumping 67% market share. Imax reported that the film had been shot with Imax-certified cameras and that $3 million of the total came from its screens in China.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief KC Global Media, which operates a string of channels across Asia including AXN, anime channel Animax, South Korea’s ONE and Japanese entertainment channel GEM, has unveiled its first script development of a sci-fi live action series, “Jonesy.” The show is a sci-fi fantasy thriller action-comedy series set in the year 2029, with eight episodes of 15-20 minutes each. Production will be with Singapore-based production agency, Monochromatic Pictures, while development is supported through the Capability Partnership Programme (CPP) operated by the country’s Infocomm Media Development Authority. The show sees an internet crazy shut-in man driven to extremes by violent weather systems which carry with them supernatural beasts intent on devouring humankind. With his imaginary friend, the man learns to navigate the new world alone, confront his fears, battle colorful foes, and become humanity’s new hope when he kills one of the monsters during a livestream.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Online video is taking up the role of growth engine for the Asia Pacific video industry as free-TV in the region moves into long-term decline, says a new report. The video sector is forecast to remain robust this year, but recession could deal a blow to sector performance in 2023. Video sector revenues – defined as subscription fees and advertising generated by free TV, pay-TV and online video platforms – in 14 Asia-Pacific markets are forecast to will grow by 6.4% in the current year to reach $143 billion, according to Media Partners Asia.