family movies: Last News

The lawsuit, filed Friday by Buck Woodall in California federal court, claims the Disney films exhibit “breathtaking” similarities to his script, “Bucky the Wave Warrior” or “Bucky,” an animated feature he says was inspired by his “unique exposure” to Polynesian culture.Woodall is seeking “at least $10 billion” in damages and 2.5% of the gross revenue from “Moana 2” and related merchandise, a sum he estimated to be “at least $5 billion.”Both “Moana” and “Moana 2” were runaway hits for Disney, with the sequel setting the record for the biggest Thanksgiving weekend debut in box office history (it raked in $221 million in its five-day domestic open).In addition to Disney, production company Mandeville Films and former Mandeville exec Jenny Marchick (currently head of feature development for DreamWorks Animation) are named as defendants, per People.The timing of the legal action is less than ideal for Disney. The studio is reportedly hoping “Moana 2” will garner a Best Animated Feature Oscar nod when the Academy announces nominations, which was extended because of the devastating LA fires.According to Woodall’s lawsuit, the alleged similarities between the “Moana” movies and his script include a teenage protagonist on “a dangerous voyage across Polynesian waters” to save an “endangered” island, “ancient spirits manifested as animals which guide and guard the living,” a symbolic necklace central to the story and a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos, among others.Woodall claimed that he began sharing his ideas for “Bucky” with Marchick when she was at Mandeville Films in 2003.

the disastrous box office performance of “Snow White,” according to multiple reports published on Thursday. The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break the news.

“Snow White” star Gal Gadot because of her outspoken support for Israel, according to a bombshell new report. The 39-year-old Israeli actress, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, received an influx of death threats when her “Snow White” co-star Rachel Zegler, 23, shared a pro-Palestinian message on social media, per Variety.In an August 2024 thread on X thanking fans for their support of the unveiled first trailer for the live-action remake of Disney’s 1937 animated classic, she added, “and always remember, free palestine.” Zegler’s remarks “made the rounds” at Disney, as Variety put it, reportedly leaving many at the House of Mouse shocked that Zegler would infuse a political statement into her promotion of the $270 million film.Concern reached such a fever pitch that an executive at Disney allegedly contacted Zegler’s team to convey their distress, while “Snow White” producer Marc Platt reportedly went to New York to speak with the “West Side Story” actress in person.Death threats against Gadot “spiked” after Zegler’s “free palestine” post, according to Variety, leaving Disney no choice but to pick up the bill for additional security to protect the “Wonder Woman” star.“She didn’t understand the repercussions of her actions as far as what that meant for the film, for Gal, for anyone,” one insider told the outlet of Zegler.The Post reached out to Gadot’s rep for comment.The young actress again found herself in hot water over a social media post following Donald Trump’s election victory in November.

sparked relentless backlash against the young star. Zegler, 23, discussed what it was like receiving the call about booking the role on Thursday’s episode of “Good Morning America.”“It was the honor of a lifetime.

would be scaled back amid the controversies surrounding the film, including its portrayal of the titular character’s beloved dwarfs.Led by embattled stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, “Snow White” has been criticized for using CGI to animate the dwarfs instead of casting little people in the roles.“When it comes to the animated part of it, I guess you could have left it with just doing the animals animated,” Klebba exclusively told The Post. “And you could have tried to maybe find seven little people. But you’ve also got to find seven little people who could act and have good chemistry together,” he said.“I don’t know other than Mr.

Talk about catching some Quack Flack. “Mighty Ducks” star Joshua Jackson revealed Emilio Estevez scolded him on set when he was just a teenager after he seemingly ignored a flock of fans.Jackson said he had finished filming a scene for “D2: The Mighty Ducks” — the second installment of the hit Disney trilogy — at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, Calif.

Maggie Smith died “peacefully,” and cast members paid tribute to her.Radcliffe issued a statement honoring the star, who portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House, in the franchise. “The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was 9 years old, and we were reading through scenes for ‘David Copperfield,’ which was my first job.

according to The Numbers.The animated comedy, based on Dav Pilkey’s children’s graphic novel series of the same name, is expected to take home a total of $35.3 million this weekend.The Universal Pictures family film — which The Wrap said “will delight young fans and entertain tolerant parents” — features the voices of Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher and Ricky Gervais.It’s already made history as the second largest opener for a January animated title ever after 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3,” Deadline reported.The horror sci-fi flick “Companion” eek-ed its way to second place, with sales of just over $4 million.It centers around a couple, played by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, who are on a weekend trip with friends at a cabin, when it is revealed that Sophie is, in fact, a companion robot.The film, which The Guardian called an “empty sci-fi thriller” that “short-circuits too quickly,” is slated to earn $8 to $10 million this weekend.The female buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and singer SZA, moved down a notch to third, earning $1.635 million.This week, the film, which reportedly cost $14 million to make, surpassed the $25 million mark at the domestic box office.“Mufasa: The Lion King” fell down a spot to fourth, with a $1.34 million-dollar take.

according to The Numbers.It is projected to earn $24.5 million in total this weekend, Deadline reported. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” landed in second with sales of $6.9 million.

“needed the money,” clarified that he’s not quite ready to leave the spotlight.In 2022, Carrey made headlines when he shared that he was “being fairly serious” about retiring from acting.However, he now says, “You can’t be definite about these things,” telling Comicbook.com, “I said I’d like to retire, but I think I was talking more about ‘power-resting.’ Because as soon as a good idea comes your way or a group of people that you really enjoyed working with and stuff, it just — things tend to change.”Just last week, at his latest project’s UK premiere in London, the funnyman told the Associated Press that he returned to the Sonic the Hedgehog Cinematic universe because “I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.”But Carrey did a 180 with Comicbook.com, sharing, “It’s not really about the money. I joke about the money.” Carrey first started retirement chatter in 2022 while promoting “Sonic 2.” He played the mad scientist, Ivo Robotnik/Doctor Eggman, in all three of the action adventure films.However, he also teased that with the “right ideas,” he’d be open to starring in sequels to “The Mask” (1994) or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000).“It depends.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson earned only $11 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, making it one of the worst openings for a Marvel-adjacent property. Its box office take was even less than the film “Madame Web.”The weekend’s other major studio release was Warner Bros.’ animated “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” which made $4.6 million.

Judy Greer “would never do that.” But it’s a different story on-screen.Greer brings the mayhem in director Dallas Jenkins’ “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” where self-depracating Grace tries to wrangle disobedient kids to put on a community show for the holiday season.“I don’t even think I met them all,” Greer, 49, joked to The Post about her young co-stars. “There were so many kids. And that actually made me very nervous.

“Moana 2” brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.That, combined with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas and a confluence of blockbusters more like what’s often found in late December.Expectations were high for Walt Disney Co.’s “Moana 2,” but the film — originally planned as a series for Disney+ before it was redirected to the big screen — blew predictions out of the water.Its five-day opening set a new record for Thanksgiving moviegoing. (The previous best was $125 million for “Frozen 2” in its second week of release in 2019.)“Moana 2” added $165.3 million internationally; with $386 million worldwide, it’s the second-best global launch of the year.At the same time, the sensation of “Wicked” showed no signs of slowing down.

Ariana Grande is sharing a popular opinion.The actress, 31, reflected on the relationship her character Glinda has with Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in the newly released “Wicked” movie. Grande noted that their friendship could be interpreted as a queer allegory, along with other aspects of the movie and the film where it all started, the “Wizard of Oz.”The singer told Gay Times in an interview published Thursday that the two provide “such a safe space for one another.”“Which is what all relationships should be. So, you know, whether it’s romantic or platonic — Glinda might be a little in the closet — but if there were a time, you never know.

the premiere of “Red One” on Monday night. “They let me in when they’re facing their own mortality.”Hunt was an oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital before she got her first role in the 1988 blockbuster “Rain Man.”The “Jerry Maguire” star explained that being a nurse has influenced her choice of roles, which has leaned heavily toward family fare like “Jumanji” and “Beethoven.”“On purpose, I was very selective,” she shared.

during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A photo of Paddington and Queen Elizabeth enjoying their tea will appear in one of the film’s scenes, according to Variety.

interview with Business Insider. “And the reality was the exact opposite happened.”Critics ripped the 2004 “Scooby Doo” sequel as a “terrible bore,” “mindless junk,” and “not Scooby-snack worthy.” It even won a Razzie Award for the “worst remake or sequel,” and Warner Bros.

this building, there’s no such thing.In fact, Kimberly Williams-Paisley said she’d be open to joining her “Father of the Bride” co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short in their hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.”“Yeah, let them know,” the actress, 53, told The Post at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dance Party to End ALZ red carpet Sunday. “Sure, I am available!”Williams-Paisley is also open to working alongside her sister, Ashley Williams — perhaps in a Hallmark Christmas movie.“Totally.

new interview with Variety, Zegler accused her critics of taking her comments “out of context” after interview footage from 2022 featured her chiding the original movie as old-fashioned in its depiction of romance between Snow White and the prince that saved her.“In all honesty, it made me sad that it was taken in such a way, because I believe that women can do anything. But I also believe that they can do everything,” she told the Hollywood outlet.In the 2022 clip from the Disney D23 Expo that year, Zegler commented on her film adaptation of the classic fairy tale being more modern.

died at age 89 on Friday, was named the new face of the luxury fashion house in October 2023.Smith posed for a series of striking photographs while modeling for the Spanish brand. In one shot, the “Downton Abbey” star smiled for the camera, wearing an oversized shaggy coat and holding an olive handbag.Her hair was framed delicately around her face, and she accessorized with rings.A second shot showed Smith sitting down in a black and white dress, peering into the camera sans smile and holding a maroon handbag.Smith’s sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced the veteran star’s passing in a statement on Friday morning.“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

Whoopi Goldberg is honoring her late “Sister Act” co-star Maggie Smith after her death Friday at the age of 89. “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress.