Film

Apple’s Newest iPhone May Be Hollywood’s Best Friend

• Apple’s foldable phone gives streaming video a larger screen.
• Apps are adapting layouts for its different positions.
• Its $1,999 starting price may limit its reach.

Apple’s iPhone Duo could give streaming services a new way to present films and television on a phone, with a large fold-out screen designed for longer-form viewing. Its launch comes as viewing habits have shifted towards vertical video and short-form content, making the device a potential opportunity for…

Researchers shut down Time4Popcorn’s vulnerable updater to curb botnet risk

• An abandoned updater left Popcorn Time users exposed to possible remote attacks.
• Eye Security sent an update to disable it on Windows and macOS.
• More than two million update downloads were sent before the domains were transferred.

Researchers disabled an abandoned Popcorn Time fork’s updater after finding it could let attackers take control of devices and build a botnet. The intervention reduced a security risk for users, though it raised ethical questions about researchers sending software updates without direct consent. The Time4Popcorn updater was still…

AI voices cut from game; Korean showcase heads for LA

A developer is offering refunds after removing AI-generated voices from his game. Apart explores Cyprus’s divided history, while U-KNOCK brings Korean firms and US partners together; an arcade claw machine has also revealed Android’s recovery console.

Jenna Ortega’s New Sci-Fi Film Officially Dropped From 1,000 Theaters

• *Klara and the Sun* opened in 880 North American theatres.
• That is around 1,020 fewer than the initial projection.
• Poor reviews add to the film’s box office challenge.

Taika Waititi’s film *Klara and the Sun*, starring Jenna Ortega, has opened in 880 North American theatres, far fewer than the roughly 1,900 locations previously projected. The reduced release limits how many audiences can see the film during its opening weekend and may make it harder to meet…

Warner Bros. Officially Removes Sandra Bullock’s Fantasy Sequel From 3,900 Theaters

• *Practical Magic 2* is leaving cinemas after a weak theatrical run.
• The sequel has grossed about $105 million worldwide.
• Stronger audience ratings and digital chart rankings may support its home release.

Warner Bros. has effectively ended the cinema run of *Practical Magic 2*, which has moved to premium video on demand after disappointing box-office results. The sequel reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman nearly three decades after the original, and its performance suggests it may find a larger audience…

El Gouna’s CineGouna Expands Industry Push: ‘We Want to Give Every Filmmaker a Chance’

• More than 320 Arab projects applied for CineGouna funding.
• The programme awarded over $350,000 in cash and services.
• New Egyptian Voices strand will train four additional projects.

CineGouna, the industry programme of Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival, is expanding its support for Arab filmmakers amid gaps in local funding and co-production opportunities. More than 320 projects applied for funding this year, and the festival added Egyptian Voices to give four more Egyptian projects training in…

In 2001, 9/11 almost permanently shelved a Michael Caine movie. He called it “the best thing I’ve ever done”

• Caine fought to get *The Quiet American* released.
• Its political themes raised concerns after 9/11.
• The film earned him an Oscar nomination.

Michael Caine persuaded producer Harvey Weinstein to give *The Quiet American* another chance after it was shelved in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks. The film’s criticism of American foreign policy was seen as potentially unpatriotic at the time, putting its release at risk. The film, starring…

Blumhouse Soliciting Testimony from Anyone Who Feels ‘Personally Victimized’ by One of Its Movies or TV Shows

• Blumhouse is jokingly inviting complaints about viewers being scared by its shows and films.
• No real lawsuit or compensation claims are involved.
• The campaign promotes Season 2 of *The Rainmaker*.

Blumhouse has launched a tongue-in-cheek campaign inviting people who feel “personally victimized” by one of its horror films or series to submit complaints. The mock legal advert promotes Season 2 of *The Rainmaker* and jokes that viewers “may be entitled to compensation”, while making clear that no lawsuit…

Zendaya to seek lead actress Oscar nomination for Dune: Part Three

• Zendaya will seek lead actress recognition for “Dune: Part Three”.
• Chani has a larger role in the final film.
• An Oscar nomination would be Zendaya’s first.

Zendaya is expected to seek an Oscar nomination for lead actress for playing Chani in “Dune: Part Three”. This changes her category from the supporting actress campaigns for the first two films, reflecting Chani’s larger role in the final instalment. Set nearly 20 years after Paul Atreides becomes…

‘Wicker’ Premieres, Taika Waititi Debuts ‘Klara and the Sun’ and This Week’s Best Events

• *Wicker* and *Klara and the Sun* held premieres.
• The Academy Museum Gala honoured Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and John Carpenter.
• Several events recognised artists and supported charitable causes.

The week’s events included the premieres of *Wicker* in Los Angeles and *Klara and the Sun* in New York, alongside screenings at AFI Fest and film festivals. The gatherings also featured award ceremonies and charity events, bringing together actors, filmmakers and other public figures. Jenna Ortega, Taika Waititi…