Sizzling Samachar: Disney explores licensing deal with Netflix, excludes core IPs in bid for streaming profitability; Hollywood strikes a deal: SAG-AFTRA ends historic 118-Day strike with groundbreaking AI protections

Welcome to your daily dose of entertainment news, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Hollywood next.

Hollywood strikes a deal: SAG-AFTRA ends historic 118-Day strike with groundbreaking AI protections

After a grueling 118-day strike, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative three-year deal, marking the end of the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA’s history. The agreement, described as “historic” includes significant wage and bonus increases, with a crucial focus on addressing concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI). Studio heads, including Ted Sarandos and Bob Iger, offered substantial protections against AI, paving the way for Hollywood to resume full-scale production within three weeks. While this marks a significant step forward, Hollywood still faces labour challenges, with VFX workers unionising at Disney and Marvel, and a potential strike looming in the video game industry. The deal signifies a hard-fought victory for over 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members and brings an end to a bitter labour dispute that began in May.

Disney explores licensing deal with Netflix, excludes core IPs in bid for streaming profitability

In a surprising turn of events, Disney is in discussions with Netflix to licence more shows and films, a move aimed at improving Disney’s streaming profitability. CEO Bob Iger, who had previously expressed reluctance to share content with Netflix, revealed the ongoing talks during a Q4 earnings call. However, the deal won’t involve Disney’s core IPs, such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Iger emphasised the importance of these brands as competitive advantages for Disney’s streaming business. While Disney has licensed content to Netflix in the past, this marks a shift in Iger’s stance. The move is seen as a strategic step to boost Disney’s streaming revenue, with the streaming giant expected to acquire content from Disney’s extensive catalogue, excluding its flagship franchises.

Netflix's geeked week unveils first look at 'Code 8 Part II' poster: Robbie and Stephen Amell return for highly anticipated sequel

Geeked Week kicked off with a bang as Netflix revealed the teaser art for Code 8 Part II, set to premiere in 2024. The sequel follows super-powered duo Connor and Garrett, portrayed by cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell, navigating a world where 4% of the population possesses abnormal powers. The film picks up after the events of the first instalment, with Connor, now a janitor, rejoining Garrett to aid a 14-year-old in distress. The returning cast, including Aaron Abrams and Alex Mallari Jr., along with new additions like Jean Yoon, promises an exciting continuation of the Code 8 saga.

Eddie Murphy spreads holiday cheer in 'Candy Cane Lane': A whimsical Christmas adventure premiering on December 1 on Prime Video

Geek out this holiday season with the official trailer release of Candy Cane Lane, starring the iconic Eddie Murphy as Chris. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film promises a hilarious twist on the 12 days of Christmas. As Chris aims to win the neighbourhood’s Christmas decoration contest, mischievous forces, including a magical elf played by Jillian Bell, wreak havoc. The star-studded cast, including Emmy-nominated actress Tracee Ellis Ross, The Founder star Nick Offerman, and Burning Love actor Ken Marino, adds to the festive fun. Set to premiere globally on December 1, 2023, on Prime Video, Candy Cane Lane is a must-watch to ignite your holiday spirit.

Singham Again unveils Kareena Kapoor Khan’s fierce avatar as Avni: Rohit Shetty’s cop universe gears up for an action-packed sequel

The anticipation for 'Singham Again' escalates as Kareena Kapoor Khan joins the cop brigade in her first look as Avni. Picking up the gun, Kareena exudes strength and fierceness, adding a new dimension to the cop universe created by Rohit Shetty. The star-studded cast includes Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor, promising an explosive sequel to the blockbuster Singham Returns. Stay tuned for more updates on this action-packed directorial venture by Rohit Shetty.

Tiger 3 runtime revealed: Get ready for a 2 Hours and 36 minutes-long rollercoaster ride with Salman Khan!

The clock is ticking, and the excitement is building as Salman Khan's much-anticipated action thriller, Tiger 3, is set to hit theatres on November 12, 2023. The film promises a power-packed runtime of 2 hours, 36 minutes, making it a thrilling cinematic experience for fans. Originally clocking in at 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 38 seconds, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved additional footage on November 6, 2023. The first half of the film will unfold for 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 33 seconds, while the second half will keep the adrenaline pumping for 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 27 seconds. Director Maneesh Sharma teases fans with a 10-minute entry sequence for Khan, promising a jaw-dropping introduction to the beloved super-agent Tiger. With 12 incredible action sequences, Tiger 3 is gearing up to be a high-octane spectacle that fans won't want to miss. Produced by Aditya Chopra, Tiger 3 stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Emraan Hashmi, ensuring a blockbuster ride for action enthusiasts.

Yatra 2: A sequel to remember with Suzanne Bernert as Sonia Gandhi!

Gear up for the riveting sequel, Yatra 2 is a political drama that is set to grace the screens in 2024. Directed by Mani V Raghav, the film stars Mammootty reprising the role of Y. S. R. Reddy, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. Adding to the stellar cast, German-Indian actor Suzanne Bernert steps into the shoes of Sonia Gandhi, a role she has portrayed in 7 RCR and the documentary Pradhanmantri. Tamil actor Jiiva also joins the cast and will be portraying Jaganmohan Reddy. Yatra, which released in 2019, explored Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy’s historic padayatra, earning much critical acclaim. Despite a modest box office reception, the sequel aims to captivate audiences with a compelling storyline. With Mahesh Manjrekar and Rajiv Kumar Aneja in prominent roles, Yatra 2 promises a political saga filled with intrigue and insight into Indian politics.

Netflix’s fantasy film ‘Damsel’, starring Millie Bobby Brown, faces delay until 2024

Netflix’s highly-anticipated fantasy film, Damsel, originally set to release on October 13, 2023, has been delayed, and a new release date is now confirmed for 2024. The delay announcement was accompanied by the release of a teaser poster during Netflix’s Geeked Week, featuring Millie Bobby Brown in character at a cave entrance with a shadowy dragon. The teaser trailer is set to drop on November 11, providing fans a sneak peek into the film’s plot. Damsel explores a unique take on the damsel tale, where the protagonist becomes a sacrificial pawn, facing challenges in a cave with a fire-breathing dragon. Despite the delay, excitement remains high for this fantasy adventure.

Well that's all for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Apurva Datta.