Whether you liked it or not, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power became a hit series for Amazon, and it was expected that the series would be renewed for a second season. The series explored the era of Tolkien’s world before the main series, as well as the story of The Hobbit, expanding the universe we’ve already explored earlier. Now, some of the fans weren’t happy with the series in general, but the series has done fairly well and we are now waiting to see where it heads in the upcoming season. The second season will premiere later this year, and Amazon is slowly heating up for the upcoming premiere, which is what we are going to do with this report as well.
In this report, as you might have guessed, we are going to bring you all that we know about the upcoming...
In this report, as you might have guessed, we are going to bring you all that we know about the upcoming...
- 5/14/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Whether you liked it or not, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power became a hit series for Amazon and it was expected that the series would be renewed for a second season, whose eight episodes have been confirmed for a 2024 release. Now, until just a few minutes ago, Amazon kept the series under tight wraps, but we have finally received the first official trailer for the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and alongside that, we can also confirm that the series will premiere on August 29, 2024, as the release date was also revealed along with the trailer.
The showrunners, Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, are returning for the season, which is going to premiere exclusively on Amazon later this year. In this report, we are going to bring you the trailer and all the relevant information about the upcoming season.
Before we continue,...
The showrunners, Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, are returning for the season, which is going to premiere exclusively on Amazon later this year. In this report, we are going to bring you the trailer and all the relevant information about the upcoming season.
Before we continue,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Disney has settled a lawsuit from a former Bp executive who accused the entertainment giant of reneging on a job offer to head its corporate affairs department amid its fracas with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for control of the special tax district that controls development around Walt Disney World.
Lawyers for both sides notified the court on Tuesday of a deal to resolve the suit. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In 2022, Shanan Guinn, Bp’s former senior vice president of business communications who also had a stint as chief of staff for the House of Representatives, sued Disney for breach of contract, among other claims. She alleged she was offered a position as head of the Geoff Morrell-run corporate affairs department, which included communications, under ex-chief executive Bob Chapek.
But when Morell, who recruited Guinn to Disney, was terminated as part of larger personnel changes amid Disney...
Lawyers for both sides notified the court on Tuesday of a deal to resolve the suit. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In 2022, Shanan Guinn, Bp’s former senior vice president of business communications who also had a stint as chief of staff for the House of Representatives, sued Disney for breach of contract, among other claims. She alleged she was offered a position as head of the Geoff Morrell-run corporate affairs department, which included communications, under ex-chief executive Bob Chapek.
But when Morell, who recruited Guinn to Disney, was terminated as part of larger personnel changes amid Disney...
- 2/8/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Liam Neeson is to reprise his role as a truck driver turned rescue worker from 2021 indie hit “The Ice Road.”
With director Jonathan Hensleigh again on board, “The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky” relocates its story from Canada in the original to Nepal in the sequel. Film production is set to shift from North America to Australia’s Victoria State.
Filming will begin this month using Gippsland town of Walhalla as the backdrop for some of the picture’s action scenes. It will also shoot in and around Melbourne and make use of virtual production, volume screens and technology at NantStudios @ Docklands Studios Melbourne.
“The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky” is a Code Entertainment, ShivHans Pictures, Ema production. Its producers are Code’s Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt and Eugene Musso, along with Shivani Rawat of ShivHans and Hensleigh, as well as Lee Nelson and David Tish...
With director Jonathan Hensleigh again on board, “The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky” relocates its story from Canada in the original to Nepal in the sequel. Film production is set to shift from North America to Australia’s Victoria State.
Filming will begin this month using Gippsland town of Walhalla as the backdrop for some of the picture’s action scenes. It will also shoot in and around Melbourne and make use of virtual production, volume screens and technology at NantStudios @ Docklands Studios Melbourne.
“The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky” is a Code Entertainment, ShivHans Pictures, Ema production. Its producers are Code’s Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt and Eugene Musso, along with Shivani Rawat of ShivHans and Hensleigh, as well as Lee Nelson and David Tish...
- 1/16/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Kristina Schake, who joined Disney a little more than a year ago as EVP and Chief Communications Officer, is getting a pay raise and a contract extension.
In an SEC filing, the company said it made the moves due to an “increase in her responsibilities,” though it did not elaborate. Disney said it had amended the original employment agreement it reached with Schake as of June 29, 2022. The original expiration of her contract has been extended to June 29, 2026, a year longer than the original deal. Her base salary has also been boosted to $780,000 as of April 9 of this year, with “future increases at the company’s discretion,” according to the filing.
Schake’s target bonus award has also been increased to 150% of her base salary and her target long-term equity incentive annual award value upped to 350% of her base salary. A previous SEC filing said Schake’s initial salary was $725,000 and...
In an SEC filing, the company said it made the moves due to an “increase in her responsibilities,” though it did not elaborate. Disney said it had amended the original employment agreement it reached with Schake as of June 29, 2022. The original expiration of her contract has been extended to June 29, 2026, a year longer than the original deal. Her base salary has also been boosted to $780,000 as of April 9 of this year, with “future increases at the company’s discretion,” according to the filing.
Schake’s target bonus award has also been increased to 150% of her base salary and her target long-term equity incentive annual award value upped to 350% of her base salary. A previous SEC filing said Schake’s initial salary was $725,000 and...
- 4/20/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new book — a possible prelude to a 2024 presidential run — includes a chapter highlighting his efforts last year to pass a parental rights bill, dubbed the “don’t say gay” law by detractors, amid opposition from The Walt Disney Co.
Related Story Ron DeSantis Signs Law That Strips Disney Of Control Of Special District Covering Florida Theme Parks Related Story Amazon, Disney Employees Petition Against Returning To Office Related Story Kang Conquers The Box Office As 'Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania' Swells To Franchise Record Opening Of $120M 4-day – Monday Update
Fox News Digital obtained the chapter of the book — titled The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival, due to be published Tuesday — and reported DeSantis’ account. The governor wrote that as controversy swirled around the proposed legislation, Bob Chapek, then the CEO of Disney, called him and talked about...
Related Story Ron DeSantis Signs Law That Strips Disney Of Control Of Special District Covering Florida Theme Parks Related Story Amazon, Disney Employees Petition Against Returning To Office Related Story Kang Conquers The Box Office As 'Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania' Swells To Franchise Record Opening Of $120M 4-day – Monday Update
Fox News Digital obtained the chapter of the book — titled The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival, due to be published Tuesday — and reported DeSantis’ account. The governor wrote that as controversy swirled around the proposed legislation, Bob Chapek, then the CEO of Disney, called him and talked about...
- 2/27/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Oscar nominations this week set off a new round of speculation about corporate image: Does it matter that Netflix’s potential Oscar take had dropped to 16 from 36 in 2020?
“I don’t give a f*ck about my corporate image and companies shouldn’t waste their time worrying about their’s.” Those were the words of Martin Davis, the only press agent ever to become CEO of a major media company.
Davis’ behavior in the ‘90s reflected his views: During his decade-long tenure at Paramount, the company endured a succession of public brawls and setbacks.
The Davis Doctrine is worth pondering today given the stalwart efforts of entities like Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros Discovery on image enhancement.
Under Bob Chapek, Disney spent 8.3 million to reward its newly recruited PR chief, Geoff Morrell, for his stint on improving the company’s corporate image. Morrell’s four-month tenure culminated in his firing and,...
“I don’t give a f*ck about my corporate image and companies shouldn’t waste their time worrying about their’s.” Those were the words of Martin Davis, the only press agent ever to become CEO of a major media company.
Davis’ behavior in the ‘90s reflected his views: During his decade-long tenure at Paramount, the company endured a succession of public brawls and setbacks.
The Davis Doctrine is worth pondering today given the stalwart efforts of entities like Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros Discovery on image enhancement.
Under Bob Chapek, Disney spent 8.3 million to reward its newly recruited PR chief, Geoff Morrell, for his stint on improving the company’s corporate image. Morrell’s four-month tenure culminated in his firing and,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Chapek, who was fired as CEO by Disney last fall, received a pay package worth 24.18 million for 2022 and is set to receive severance payments worth more than 20 million.
The company’s board on Nov. 20 announced that it was replacing Chapek with former CEO Bob Iger for a two-year term. In a proxy statement filed Tuesday, Disney provided a detailed timeline of the events that culminated with Chapek’s termination, Iger’s appointment as interim CEO and activist investor Nelson Peltz’s attempt to join the company’s board.
The Disney board “determined that Mr. Chapek was no longer the right person to serve in the CEO role” in the months following its renewal of Chapek’s contract in June 2022, according to the company’s proxy filing Tuesday. “The significant developments and change in the broader macroeconomic environment over this period informed how the board viewed the appropriate leader in...
The company’s board on Nov. 20 announced that it was replacing Chapek with former CEO Bob Iger for a two-year term. In a proxy statement filed Tuesday, Disney provided a detailed timeline of the events that culminated with Chapek’s termination, Iger’s appointment as interim CEO and activist investor Nelson Peltz’s attempt to join the company’s board.
The Disney board “determined that Mr. Chapek was no longer the right person to serve in the CEO role” in the months following its renewal of Chapek’s contract in June 2022, according to the company’s proxy filing Tuesday. “The significant developments and change in the broader macroeconomic environment over this period informed how the board viewed the appropriate leader in...
- 1/17/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Iger was always going to be a tough act to follow. But Bob Chapek’s tenure at the helm of Disney was also marked by unforced errors that ultimately made it impossible to escape Iger’s shadow.
On Sunday night, Chapek was ousted and replaced by Iger, a little less than three years after Chapek succeeded Iger as CEO in February 2020.
Chapek came to the top job from the Parks and Resorts division, and had little experience in dealing with A-list talent and high-pressure political situations. What followed was a series of eye-popping blunders that included a public spat with an actor.
In the summer of 2021, Disney released Marvel’s “Black Widow” concurrently on Disney+ and in movie theaters — boosting the streaming service at the expense of box office revenues. But the company failed to first strike a deal with the film’s star, Scarlett Johansson, whose compensation was...
On Sunday night, Chapek was ousted and replaced by Iger, a little less than three years after Chapek succeeded Iger as CEO in February 2020.
Chapek came to the top job from the Parks and Resorts division, and had little experience in dealing with A-list talent and high-pressure political situations. What followed was a series of eye-popping blunders that included a public spat with an actor.
In the summer of 2021, Disney released Marvel’s “Black Widow” concurrently on Disney+ and in movie theaters — boosting the streaming service at the expense of box office revenues. But the company failed to first strike a deal with the film’s star, Scarlett Johansson, whose compensation was...
- 11/21/2022
- by Gene Maddaus and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Evidently, you can't have a modern streaming service without an epic fantasy television show. HBO Max has "Game of Thrones" and its spinoff, "House of the Dragon," Netflix has "The Witcher," and now Amazon has "The Rings of Power." Amazon spent an astounding 465 million on season 1 of "The Rings of Power" alone. Fortunately, you can tell that a large portion of that money went where it counts the most.
Though "The Rings of Power" is nowhere near the caliber of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, there are moments that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the films. Alas, there are just as many that feel like bad fan-fiction. "The Rings of Power" may be pretty, but the writing is frequently just plain bad. That's a true pity, as much of the rest of the show — the cast, the score, the CGI — is quite good, with gorgeous cinematography and an...
Though "The Rings of Power" is nowhere near the caliber of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, there are moments that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the films. Alas, there are just as many that feel like bad fan-fiction. "The Rings of Power" may be pretty, but the writing is frequently just plain bad. That's a true pity, as much of the rest of the show — the cast, the score, the CGI — is quite good, with gorgeous cinematography and an...
- 10/17/2022
- by Eric Pierce
- Slash Film
This might seem like an odd question to raise so late in this first season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," but have you ever asked yourself why exactly this story is being told as a streaming series instead of a movie? The practical answer, of course, goes back to the parameters of the rights that Amazon Studios originally purchased. But creatively speaking, what is it about the sprawling tale of Galadriel (Morfyyd Clark), Elrond (Robert Aramayo), Adar (Joseph Mawle) and his war in the Southlands, the harfoots, and all the rest that lends itself to episodic adventures as opposed to another series of big-screen epics?
In every major studio's rush to fill their coffers with streaming "minutes viewed" and increased subscription numbers, we've had to endure eyeroll-worthy talking points and fundamental misunderstandings about how countless limited series are actually more like "six-hour movies" -- a...
In every major studio's rush to fill their coffers with streaming "minutes viewed" and increased subscription numbers, we've had to endure eyeroll-worthy talking points and fundamental misunderstandings about how countless limited series are actually more like "six-hour movies" -- a...
- 10/7/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you haven’t watched “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Episode 6, titled “Udûn,” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
With three more episodes left in its inaugural season, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” finally delivered the massive battle sequence for which fans of the epic fantasy franchise have waited patiently. While not quite as massive as the Battle of Helm’s Deep from the 2002 feature film “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” the episode, “Udûn,” still considerably ramped up the scope of the action for the series, delivering nearly non-stop, near-death moments and ending on a massive cliffhanger that also establishes one of the most consequential events in the history of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
In the episode, dark elf Adar (Joseph Mawle) and his orc army arrive at the mountain fortress where Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova...
With three more episodes left in its inaugural season, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” finally delivered the massive battle sequence for which fans of the epic fantasy franchise have waited patiently. While not quite as massive as the Battle of Helm’s Deep from the 2002 feature film “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” the episode, “Udûn,” still considerably ramped up the scope of the action for the series, delivering nearly non-stop, near-death moments and ending on a massive cliffhanger that also establishes one of the most consequential events in the history of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
In the episode, dark elf Adar (Joseph Mawle) and his orc army arrive at the mountain fortress where Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova...
- 9/30/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
It seems like it was just yesterday that the harfoots were singing while they hiked, and today, Mount Doom is exploding in the faces of our elven heroes. No matter how much educated prognostication Tolkein fans did ahead of this week's episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," nothing could've prepared viewers for the last five minutes of "Udûn." That is, of course, by design, as the volcanic explosion that blindsided warrior-mode Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and the people of the village caught in its crosshairs.
It's easy to guess where the writers and filmmakers behind "The Rings of Power" got inspiration for this surprise natural(ish) disaster, yet hearing about it is nonetheless sobering. During an interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, series VFX producer Ron Ames explained that the scene was designed after the explosion at Pompeii, a real-life tragedy that took place in Italy in 79 Ad.
It's easy to guess where the writers and filmmakers behind "The Rings of Power" got inspiration for this surprise natural(ish) disaster, yet hearing about it is nonetheless sobering. During an interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, series VFX producer Ron Ames explained that the scene was designed after the explosion at Pompeii, a real-life tragedy that took place in Italy in 79 Ad.
- 9/30/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
This Lord of the Rings article contains spoilers for The Rings of Power.
It seems like a clear-cut victory for the Southlands. Galadriel, Halbrand, Elendil, and the forces of Numenor have come charging in to save the day just before Adar could kill what’s left of Bronwyn’s people, and Arondir along with them. Now, with Adar and his Orc soldiers captured, a new king of the Southlands crowned, and that evil sword recovered, there’s nothing left to do but celebrate. The men of Middle-earth and Numenor feast, Galadriel ponders whether Sauron is truly dead, and Elendil and Isildur settle their differences while having a nice chat about horses.
But veteran Lord of the Rings fans know what must eventually come to pass in the land currently known as the Southlands. And when the heroes of Middle-earth and Numenor let their guard down, that’s when those loyal...
It seems like a clear-cut victory for the Southlands. Galadriel, Halbrand, Elendil, and the forces of Numenor have come charging in to save the day just before Adar could kill what’s left of Bronwyn’s people, and Arondir along with them. Now, with Adar and his Orc soldiers captured, a new king of the Southlands crowned, and that evil sword recovered, there’s nothing left to do but celebrate. The men of Middle-earth and Numenor feast, Galadriel ponders whether Sauron is truly dead, and Elendil and Isildur settle their differences while having a nice chat about horses.
But veteran Lord of the Rings fans know what must eventually come to pass in the land currently known as the Southlands. And when the heroes of Middle-earth and Numenor let their guard down, that’s when those loyal...
- 9/30/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Spoilers follow for the sixth episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" just introduced one of the most important and instantly-recognizable locations in all fantasy canon, and it was right under our noses the whole time. The sixth episode featured the show's most exciting battles yet, as the main plot lines finally converged in one fell swoop. Weeks of build-up led to an all-out brawl that pitted the citizens of the Southlands and the soldiers of Númenor against Adar and his orc army. And although it initially seemed like the former were victorious in their efforts against the invading forces, a final twist led to an apocalyptic sequence that changed the status quo for good.
It's been speculated since the show began that the Southlands would be the location which Sauron would convert to his iconic home base of operations,...
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" just introduced one of the most important and instantly-recognizable locations in all fantasy canon, and it was right under our noses the whole time. The sixth episode featured the show's most exciting battles yet, as the main plot lines finally converged in one fell swoop. Weeks of build-up led to an all-out brawl that pitted the citizens of the Southlands and the soldiers of Númenor against Adar and his orc army. And although it initially seemed like the former were victorious in their efforts against the invading forces, a final twist led to an apocalyptic sequence that changed the status quo for good.
It's been speculated since the show began that the Southlands would be the location which Sauron would convert to his iconic home base of operations,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Marcos Melendez
- Slash Film
Beware – this piece contains spoilers
This week, the long-brewing battle in the Southlands between man and orc (and a few important elves) finally erupted – literally. There were twists and turns galore as the upper hand was repeatedly won and lost on the battlefield. Sadly, with all that action going on there was no time to check in on either the Harfoots or the ongoing intrigue between the elves and dwarves surrounding the mining of that magical Mithril. With just two episodes of season one of The Rings of Power left to go, here’s where things stand:
Arondir outwits the orcs
We open this week with Adar (Joseph Mawle) leading his army of orcs in an attack on the Ostirith watchtower. When they arrive, however, there’s nobody to be seen. Crafty elf bowman Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) has booby-trapped the structure, and after letting loose a few flaming arrows...
This week, the long-brewing battle in the Southlands between man and orc (and a few important elves) finally erupted – literally. There were twists and turns galore as the upper hand was repeatedly won and lost on the battlefield. Sadly, with all that action going on there was no time to check in on either the Harfoots or the ongoing intrigue between the elves and dwarves surrounding the mining of that magical Mithril. With just two episodes of season one of The Rings of Power left to go, here’s where things stand:
Arondir outwits the orcs
We open this week with Adar (Joseph Mawle) leading his army of orcs in an attack on the Ostirith watchtower. When they arrive, however, there’s nobody to be seen. Crafty elf bowman Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) has booby-trapped the structure, and after letting loose a few flaming arrows...
- 9/30/2022
- by Kevin E G Perry
- The Independent - TV
Despite everything "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" has going for it — a talented ensemble led by Morfyyd Clark's fearsome (but refreshingly flawed!) Galadriel, an exorbitant budget that puts actual blockbuster movies to shame, and license to play around in one of the most fully fleshed-out fantasy worlds ever created — one major aspect has held the new series back somewhat from greatness. As opposed to "The Fellowship of the Ring," which began by focusing on a small group of heroes in one location before steadily spiraling outwards, the first season of "The Rings of Power" has been structured to juggle multiple different storylines with dozens of major characters, all scattered across several different (and far-flung) settings.
For nerds like me who are used to acting like walking encyclopedias, this was more or less expected. For those looking for a solid foundation before jumping headfirst into this strange,...
For nerds like me who are used to acting like walking encyclopedias, this was more or less expected. For those looking for a solid foundation before jumping headfirst into this strange,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Spoilers follow for the fifth episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
When it comes to the villain behind the overarching narrative, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is slowly cultivating a mystery to rule them all. Despite his presence lurking beneath the surface, the Dark Lord Sauron has yet to make his return to Middle-earth on the streaming series — well, maybe he has. Theories have been flung out relentlessly since the premiere episode on who could be portraying the pinnacle antagonist, ranging from the Stranger (we think he's someone else) to the rightful heir of the Southlands, Halbrand. But one name remained the popular choice: Adar, the corrupted elven leader of the orcs. At least until the latest episode, that is.
Waldreg (Geoff Morrell) makes another appearance in the latest episode, this time learning just how wrong he was about Sauron's impending return.
When it comes to the villain behind the overarching narrative, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is slowly cultivating a mystery to rule them all. Despite his presence lurking beneath the surface, the Dark Lord Sauron has yet to make his return to Middle-earth on the streaming series — well, maybe he has. Theories have been flung out relentlessly since the premiere episode on who could be portraying the pinnacle antagonist, ranging from the Stranger (we think he's someone else) to the rightful heir of the Southlands, Halbrand. But one name remained the popular choice: Adar, the corrupted elven leader of the orcs. At least until the latest episode, that is.
Waldreg (Geoff Morrell) makes another appearance in the latest episode, this time learning just how wrong he was about Sauron's impending return.
- 9/26/2022
- by Marcos Melendez
- Slash Film
[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 5, “Partings.”] The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power still hasn’t answered the question on everyone’s minds: Who is Sauron? But let’s just come out and say it: the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) being Sauron feels too obvious a choice now. You could argue Adar is the Big Bad, given his place as a leader of the orcs and his lust for power. And while Adar (Joseph Mawle) may desire the power of a God, he was none too pleased by Waldreg’s (Geoff Morrell) assumption that he is the Dark Lord in Episode 5. There are plenty of Sauron theories floating around the internet as the Prime Video series careens towards its final three episodes, and one of them holds more weight after the fifth episode, streaming now. Is Halbrand Sauron? We’re leaning towards yes. Halbrand...
- 9/23/2022
- TV Insider
Beware – this piece contains spoilers
Last week’s instalment of The Rings of Power threw up some key questions: Would Halbrand break his oath by joining Galadriel’s voyage to the Southlands? Could young Theo resist the pull of Sauron’s blade? And what’s the significance of the dwarves mining Mithril? We’ve got answers to all of that and more this week, and there was still time to catch up with the Harfoots, too. They even sang us a song! Let’s take a look at where things stand after fifth episode, “Partings”…
The Harfoots are back, with a song in their hearts and wolves on their tail
We start this week with the Harfoots on the road again. After a quick breather so that Nori (Markella Kavenagh) can teach The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) about their migratory habits, we follow the creatures’ travels through the sort of montage...
Last week’s instalment of The Rings of Power threw up some key questions: Would Halbrand break his oath by joining Galadriel’s voyage to the Southlands? Could young Theo resist the pull of Sauron’s blade? And what’s the significance of the dwarves mining Mithril? We’ve got answers to all of that and more this week, and there was still time to catch up with the Harfoots, too. They even sang us a song! Let’s take a look at where things stand after fifth episode, “Partings”…
The Harfoots are back, with a song in their hearts and wolves on their tail
We start this week with the Harfoots on the road again. After a quick breather so that Nori (Markella Kavenagh) can teach The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) about their migratory habits, we follow the creatures’ travels through the sort of montage...
- 9/23/2022
- by Kevin E G Perry
- The Independent - TV
Five episodes into "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," we're now officially more than halfway through the deliberately-paced season and many viewers still find themselves struggling with the idea of what an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien should "feel" like. Nobody can ever really define what such a subjective statement actually means, of course, especially since material as well-known as this comes with such a broad range of appeal among so many different demographics. But I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the opening of episode 5, titled "Partings," immediately sets the tone for a far more coherent hour than last week's scattershot episode and lives up to much of what fans would consider quintessential Tolkien.
After a quiet but foreboding conversation between Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), where the almost childlike amnesiac expresses doubt over whether he's actually good or not (Rip those poor fireflies!
After a quiet but foreboding conversation between Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), where the almost childlike amnesiac expresses doubt over whether he's actually good or not (Rip those poor fireflies!
- 9/23/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
With just three episodes remaining, the show’s narrative threads are beginning to converge.
What we want to do and what we must do are rarely the same thing, including in Middle-earth. Just ask the ever-honorable Elrond, who finds himself stuck between a mythical ore and a hard place on “Partings,” the latest episode of “The Rings of Power.” It turns out that there was indeed an ulterior motive behind High King Gil-galad sending him to Khazad-dûm, as mithril — which the dwarves, led by Elrond’s close friend Prince Durin IV, have been mining in secret — could be the only thing preventing the elves from slowly diminishing into nothingness. Asked by Gil-galad whether the dwarves have in fact found the precious ore, Elrond refuses to answer on the grounds that he swore an oath to Durin not to reveal what he saw in those mines. He’s then asked a much more loaded question,...
What we want to do and what we must do are rarely the same thing, including in Middle-earth. Just ask the ever-honorable Elrond, who finds himself stuck between a mythical ore and a hard place on “Partings,” the latest episode of “The Rings of Power.” It turns out that there was indeed an ulterior motive behind High King Gil-galad sending him to Khazad-dûm, as mithril — which the dwarves, led by Elrond’s close friend Prince Durin IV, have been mining in secret — could be the only thing preventing the elves from slowly diminishing into nothingness. Asked by Gil-galad whether the dwarves have in fact found the precious ore, Elrond refuses to answer on the grounds that he swore an oath to Durin not to reveal what he saw in those mines. He’s then asked a much more loaded question,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Michael Nordine
- Variety Film + TV
Spoilers follow for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is making a big deal about concealing who is playing the evil Dark Lord Sauron, and most fan theories have been far from perfect. And while we still wonder which character will be revealed as the enigmatic villain, there is one thing that lingers in the back of my mind. A major aspect of this mystery is the appearance of a strange hilt that Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) is in possession of. While the son of regular ol' human Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) does not seem to be anyone specific from the dense J. R. R. Tolkien canon, the hilt Theo acquires could be the very weapon of the Dark Lord himself.
Since the first episode, Theo has been hiding the hilt, which is presumed to be connected to the evil...
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is making a big deal about concealing who is playing the evil Dark Lord Sauron, and most fan theories have been far from perfect. And while we still wonder which character will be revealed as the enigmatic villain, there is one thing that lingers in the back of my mind. A major aspect of this mystery is the appearance of a strange hilt that Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) is in possession of. While the son of regular ol' human Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) does not seem to be anyone specific from the dense J. R. R. Tolkien canon, the hilt Theo acquires could be the very weapon of the Dark Lord himself.
Since the first episode, Theo has been hiding the hilt, which is presumed to be connected to the evil...
- 9/16/2022
- by Marcos Melendez
- Slash Film
Over the past few years, Disney has transformed from a company that scurried away from social issues to one now at the center of the most divisive national debates. The conscious maneuver came amid tumultuous times and leadership changes.
After the bungled response — or lack thereof for a while — to Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” The Walt Disney Company stopped sitting out cultural fights. So when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the new PR machine at Disney was ready. Armed with a preplanned statement addressing the repeal, Disney sought to ensure employees that it would take care of them even in the face of backsliding civil rights.
Even though the language is muted, conservative critics have attacked it as a political statement. And that’s not the way Disney rolled under beloved longtime leader Bob Iger and his bulldog Zenia Mucha. Shortly after handing the keys over to Chapek,...
After the bungled response — or lack thereof for a while — to Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” The Walt Disney Company stopped sitting out cultural fights. So when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the new PR machine at Disney was ready. Armed with a preplanned statement addressing the repeal, Disney sought to ensure employees that it would take care of them even in the face of backsliding civil rights.
Even though the language is muted, conservative critics have attacked it as a political statement. And that’s not the way Disney rolled under beloved longtime leader Bob Iger and his bulldog Zenia Mucha. Shortly after handing the keys over to Chapek,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Hollywood is a place where no matter how fired you are, you’re not fired. At Disney alone, studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg wasn’t fired when then-chairman and CEO Michael Eisner tossed him out a window in 1994. Michael Ovitz wasn’t fired when Eisner did the same in 1996. Tom Staggs wasn’t fired when Bob Iger pushed him out as COO in 2016. Even Steve McPherson, who was ousted as head of ABC in 2010 amid a sexual harassment investigation, wasn’t fired. All were allowed to resign.
In the Bob Chapek era, Geoff Morrell, the chief corporate affairs officer who was dispatched at the end of April after three disastrous months, was allowed to resign, saying the new role was “not the right fit.” But Peter Rice, a respected executive with a career of more than three decades in the industry? He was straight-up...
Hollywood is a place where no matter how fired you are, you’re not fired. At Disney alone, studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg wasn’t fired when then-chairman and CEO Michael Eisner tossed him out a window in 1994. Michael Ovitz wasn’t fired when Eisner did the same in 1996. Tom Staggs wasn’t fired when Bob Iger pushed him out as COO in 2016. Even Steve McPherson, who was ousted as head of ABC in 2010 amid a sexual harassment investigation, wasn’t fired. All were allowed to resign.
In the Bob Chapek era, Geoff Morrell, the chief corporate affairs officer who was dispatched at the end of April after three disastrous months, was allowed to resign, saying the new role was “not the right fit.” But Peter Rice, a respected executive with a career of more than three decades in the industry? He was straight-up...
- 6/15/2022
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney CEO Bob Chapek and his leadership team have the “support and confidence” of the company’s board of directors, according to a statement by Chairman Susan Arnold.
The affirmation comes on a stunning day for the company, as Chapek dismissed top TV exec Peter Rice less than a year after he signed a contract renewal. His former lieutenant, Dana Walden, is replacing him.
On the larger corporate front, the Rice news hit as Chapek was inching closer to the February expiration of his own contract. Although the general expectation has been that Chapek would re-up, Rice had been viewed as the strongest internal candidate to succeed him. The well-respected exec, who came to Disney via the 71.3 billion acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox, had been rumored to be atop Warner Bros Discovery’s wish list, though he withdrew from consideration.
“The strength of The Walt Disney Company’s...
The affirmation comes on a stunning day for the company, as Chapek dismissed top TV exec Peter Rice less than a year after he signed a contract renewal. His former lieutenant, Dana Walden, is replacing him.
On the larger corporate front, the Rice news hit as Chapek was inching closer to the February expiration of his own contract. Although the general expectation has been that Chapek would re-up, Rice had been viewed as the strongest internal candidate to succeed him. The well-respected exec, who came to Disney via the 71.3 billion acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox, had been rumored to be atop Warner Bros Discovery’s wish list, though he withdrew from consideration.
“The strength of The Walt Disney Company’s...
- 6/9/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In a surprising move, Peter Rice has been ousted as head of TV content for Disney and will be replaced by his deputy, Chairman of Walt Disney Television Dana Walden.
Rice and Walden originally came to the Disney through the 21st Century Fox acquisition completed in 2019. His departure is an unexpected shakeup to the Disney hierarchy that comes directly from Disney CEO Bob Chapek; according to The New York Times, his exit is not due to any behavioral issues.
In a statement that pointedly does not acknowledge Rice’s years of service, Disney announced that Walden will become chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, effective immediately. She now oversees the development and production of more than 300 shows per year across Disney’s various small-screen platforms, which include Disney+, Hulu, FX, ABC and Disney Channel — as well as ABC News.
Rice’s contract, which was renewed last August, ran until the...
Rice and Walden originally came to the Disney through the 21st Century Fox acquisition completed in 2019. His departure is an unexpected shakeup to the Disney hierarchy that comes directly from Disney CEO Bob Chapek; according to The New York Times, his exit is not due to any behavioral issues.
In a statement that pointedly does not acknowledge Rice’s years of service, Disney announced that Walden will become chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, effective immediately. She now oversees the development and production of more than 300 shows per year across Disney’s various small-screen platforms, which include Disney+, Hulu, FX, ABC and Disney Channel — as well as ABC News.
Rice’s contract, which was renewed last August, ran until the...
- 6/9/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
For a brand that touts its genius at “storytelling,” the Magic Kingdom faces ever-growing problems in telling its own story.
Symbolically, Disney has just broken ground on what it portrays as a “storyliving community” of 1,700 new “storytelling homes” in the desert town of Rancho Mirage, CA. “We are story tellers at heart,” its publicity release reminds us.
Yet the announcement comes at a moment when the “Disney story” itself is getting bruised by politicians, employees call for walk-outs and the state of Florida is bent on annexing areas long accepted as part of the Disney domain. Even drought-stricken Rancho Mirage is balking over the story-tellers’ looming water demands.
Inevitably, Disney’s publicity chief has now been fired after a stormy three month tour of duty. Prior to joining Disney, Geoff Morrell had managed to represent Bp Petroleum through its oil spills and Defense Secretary Robert Gates through Mideast wars only...
Symbolically, Disney has just broken ground on what it portrays as a “storyliving community” of 1,700 new “storytelling homes” in the desert town of Rancho Mirage, CA. “We are story tellers at heart,” its publicity release reminds us.
Yet the announcement comes at a moment when the “Disney story” itself is getting bruised by politicians, employees call for walk-outs and the state of Florida is bent on annexing areas long accepted as part of the Disney domain. Even drought-stricken Rancho Mirage is balking over the story-tellers’ looming water demands.
Inevitably, Disney’s publicity chief has now been fired after a stormy three month tour of duty. Prior to joining Disney, Geoff Morrell had managed to represent Bp Petroleum through its oil spills and Defense Secretary Robert Gates through Mideast wars only...
- 5/12/2022
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jessica Casano-Antonellis, a former senior exec at Disney who played a key role in the launches of Disney+ and ESPN+, has joined SiriusXM as SVP and head of communications.
She reports to Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkosis and succeeds Patrick Reilly, who is leaving the audio company after a 17-year run.
Casano-Antonellis, who worked at digital video firm Vimeo prior to joining Disney, will oversee strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations for SiriusXM.
“Jessica is a valued and respected leader who brings a wealth of strategic communications experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries to SiriusXM,” Karkos said in the official announcement. “She will be an incredible asset to the company and will play a key role as we continue to tell the story of SiriusXM as a leader in audio entertainment.”
After beginning her Disney tenure in 2018, Casano-Antonellis contributed to the launch efforts for ESPN+ that...
She reports to Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkosis and succeeds Patrick Reilly, who is leaving the audio company after a 17-year run.
Casano-Antonellis, who worked at digital video firm Vimeo prior to joining Disney, will oversee strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations for SiriusXM.
“Jessica is a valued and respected leader who brings a wealth of strategic communications experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries to SiriusXM,” Karkos said in the official announcement. “She will be an incredible asset to the company and will play a key role as we continue to tell the story of SiriusXM as a leader in audio entertainment.”
After beginning her Disney tenure in 2018, Casano-Antonellis contributed to the launch efforts for ESPN+ that...
- 5/9/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Greg Morrell announced he is parting ways with the conglomerate on April 29.
“After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell told employees in an email. “After talking this over with Bob [Chapek], I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.”
Morrell’s memo concluded, “I wish him, each of you and everyone at Disney the very best.”
The former Bp executive was brought in in early 2022 to oversee Disney’s communications with government relations and public policy efforts. Morrell’s brief tenure saw the “Don’t Say Gay” scandal and subsequent Disney backlash, as well as Florida governor Ron DeSantis stripping Walt Disney World of its special district and tax breaks.
In a memo to staffers, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that...
“After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell told employees in an email. “After talking this over with Bob [Chapek], I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.”
Morrell’s memo concluded, “I wish him, each of you and everyone at Disney the very best.”
The former Bp executive was brought in in early 2022 to oversee Disney’s communications with government relations and public policy efforts. Morrell’s brief tenure saw the “Don’t Say Gay” scandal and subsequent Disney backlash, as well as Florida governor Ron DeSantis stripping Walt Disney World of its special district and tax breaks.
In a memo to staffers, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that...
- 4/29/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Walt Disney Company is parting ways with Geoff Morrell, its head of corporate affairs, after a series of public relations debacles.
Morrell, ousted after less than four months on the job, joined Disney in January from a post as the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp. But the transition was bumpy, coinciding with a bruising period in which Disney CEO Bob Chapek was faulted for his stumbling response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” laws. Disney said Morell is “leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.”
His role will be split in half. Kristina Schake will lead The Walt Disney Company’s communications efforts, serving as our executive vice president of global communications reporting directly to Chapek. Schake joined Disney in April, and was previously deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served in the Obama and Biden administrations.
Morrell, ousted after less than four months on the job, joined Disney in January from a post as the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp. But the transition was bumpy, coinciding with a bruising period in which Disney CEO Bob Chapek was faulted for his stumbling response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” laws. Disney said Morell is “leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.”
His role will be split in half. Kristina Schake will lead The Walt Disney Company’s communications efforts, serving as our executive vice president of global communications reporting directly to Chapek. Schake joined Disney in April, and was previously deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served in the Obama and Biden administrations.
- 4/29/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
After less than six months, there is another changing of the communications guard at the Walt Disney Company.
Battered by the ongoing battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and internal dissent, Geoff Morrell is out as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the House of Mouse.
CEO Bob Chapek sent a memo out to staffers today announcing Morrell’s departure. “I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities,” the CEO succintly said before moving on to naming the former Pentagon spokesperson’s successors. See the full Chapek memo below.
Splitting up Morrell’s role, Biden administration insider Kristina Schake will handled Disney communications efforts, while General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez will take over Government Relations and Global Public Policy.
Read Chapek’s memo to staff here:
Team-
I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell,...
Battered by the ongoing battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and internal dissent, Geoff Morrell is out as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the House of Mouse.
CEO Bob Chapek sent a memo out to staffers today announcing Morrell’s departure. “I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities,” the CEO succintly said before moving on to naming the former Pentagon spokesperson’s successors. See the full Chapek memo below.
Splitting up Morrell’s role, Biden administration insider Kristina Schake will handled Disney communications efforts, while General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez will take over Government Relations and Global Public Policy.
Read Chapek’s memo to staff here:
Team-
I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Kristina Schake, who has led the Biden administration’s Covid vaccination education efforts and previously served as communications director for First Lady Michelle Obama and later in a top role in Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, is joining The Walt Disney Co. as its lead spokesperson.
Schake will report to Geoff Morrell, the company’s chief corporate affairs officer.
President Joe Biden appointed Schake last year to lead the Covid vaccination campaign at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was counselor to secretary for strategic communications. She departed at the end of last year.
Before that, she had served as global communications director for Instagram.
She previously was deputy communications director for Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and communications director for Michelle Obama.
In a statement, Morrell said, “Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns,...
Schake will report to Geoff Morrell, the company’s chief corporate affairs officer.
President Joe Biden appointed Schake last year to lead the Covid vaccination campaign at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was counselor to secretary for strategic communications. She departed at the end of last year.
Before that, she had served as global communications director for Instagram.
She previously was deputy communications director for Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and communications director for Michelle Obama.
In a statement, Morrell said, “Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns,...
- 4/5/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company has named Kristina Schake as EVP of global communications.
Effective immediately, Schake will be responsible for the Twdc’s worldwide communications strategy and operations, while also serving as lead spokesperson. She will report to chief corporate affairs officer Geoff Morrell.
“I could not be more pleased to welcome Kristina to Disney and to have her leading communications for the company,” Morrell stated, announcing Schake’s appointment.
“Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns, make her ideally suited for this important role and to help me integrate communications with government relations, public policy, and corporate social responsibility into a new Corporate Affairs team,” Morrell continued. “Together with the exceptional professionals at Disney, we will help the world’s greatest storytelling company engage even more effectively with our many stakeholders around the world.”
Schake has spent three decades working in government, media,...
Effective immediately, Schake will be responsible for the Twdc’s worldwide communications strategy and operations, while also serving as lead spokesperson. She will report to chief corporate affairs officer Geoff Morrell.
“I could not be more pleased to welcome Kristina to Disney and to have her leading communications for the company,” Morrell stated, announcing Schake’s appointment.
“Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns, make her ideally suited for this important role and to help me integrate communications with government relations, public policy, and corporate social responsibility into a new Corporate Affairs team,” Morrell continued. “Together with the exceptional professionals at Disney, we will help the world’s greatest storytelling company engage even more effectively with our many stakeholders around the world.”
Schake has spent three decades working in government, media,...
- 4/5/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
At Disney’s last shareholder meeting the big issue was a sad girl scout who couldn’t see Raya And The Last Dragon with her troop because their local theater hadn’t accepted Disney’s stiff rental terms to show the film.
At the 2022 meet, which unspools at 1 pm Et Wed., CEO Bob Chapek arrives with a bigger controversy on his hands — the maelstrom surrounding his perceived late and weak-kneed response to Florida legislation that critics are calling the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.
Social media has been buzzing with discontent from in and outside the company with hastags #DisneySayGay, #saygaydisney and #DisneyDoBetter, accelerating since a statement by Chapek yesterday declined to condemn the bill, which would effectively ban discussion of the LGBTQ+ community and “sexual orientation or gender identity” in the state’s public schools from kindergarten to 3rd grade.
Instead, the CEO promised the company will have “a...
At the 2022 meet, which unspools at 1 pm Et Wed., CEO Bob Chapek arrives with a bigger controversy on his hands — the maelstrom surrounding his perceived late and weak-kneed response to Florida legislation that critics are calling the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.
Social media has been buzzing with discontent from in and outside the company with hastags #DisneySayGay, #saygaydisney and #DisneyDoBetter, accelerating since a statement by Chapek yesterday declined to condemn the bill, which would effectively ban discussion of the LGBTQ+ community and “sexual orientation or gender identity” in the state’s public schools from kindergarten to 3rd grade.
Instead, the CEO promised the company will have “a...
- 3/9/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek assured staff members on March 7 that the corporation “unequivocally” supports LGBTQ+ rights, despite donating to “Don’t Say Gay” bill backers for years.
“I want to be crystal clear,” Chapek wrote in an internal memo shared with media outlets. “I and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company — and world. We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there.”
It was previously reported that Disney has given money to every single sponsor and co-sponsor of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was passed by Florida’s House of Representatives on February 24. Officially titled the House Bill 1557, the proposed law is heading to the state’s Republican-held Senate next and...
“I want to be crystal clear,” Chapek wrote in an internal memo shared with media outlets. “I and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company — and world. We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there.”
It was previously reported that Disney has given money to every single sponsor and co-sponsor of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was passed by Florida’s House of Representatives on February 24. Officially titled the House Bill 1557, the proposed law is heading to the state’s Republican-held Senate next and...
- 3/7/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek on Monday addressed why the company did not issue a statement in regards to the passage of Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, telling staff in an internal memo that such statements can often be “counterproductive” and even “weaponized” by those on both sides of the political spectrum.
Chapek says in his memo that he met with LGBTQ+ leaders within Disney on Friday to discuss the legislation, and he made clear Disney’s support for the LGBTQ+ community and its staff in particular. He further clarified that he does “not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support.”
“As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame. Simply put, they can be counterproductive...
Chapek says in his memo that he met with LGBTQ+ leaders within Disney on Friday to discuss the legislation, and he made clear Disney’s support for the LGBTQ+ community and its staff in particular. He further clarified that he does “not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support.”
“As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame. Simply put, they can be counterproductive...
- 3/7/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Facing rising outcry, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has decided to play a political and cultural version of a church mouse when it comes to Florida’s new ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.
With the openly discrimatory and controversial Parental Rights in Education legislation is scheduled for a vote today in the Sunshine State’s Senate, the boss of one of Florida’s largest employers is sitting on his hands, for now.
“As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds,” said the Disney exec in an email sent out to staff this morning. “Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame,” Chapek added. “Simply put, they can be counterproductive and undermine more effective ways to achieve change.”
With hand on bureaucratic heart, the man who used to run DisneyWorld and other theme parks for...
With the openly discrimatory and controversial Parental Rights in Education legislation is scheduled for a vote today in the Sunshine State’s Senate, the boss of one of Florida’s largest employers is sitting on his hands, for now.
“As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds,” said the Disney exec in an email sent out to staff this morning. “Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame,” Chapek added. “Simply put, they can be counterproductive and undermine more effective ways to achieve change.”
With hand on bureaucratic heart, the man who used to run DisneyWorld and other theme parks for...
- 3/7/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has tapped Horacio Gutierrez — head of Global Affairs and chief legal officer at Spotify — as senior executive VP, general counsel and secretary, succeeding longtime Disney veteran Alan Braverman who this summer announced plans to retiring after nearly two decades as legal chief.
Gutierrez’ appointment is effective February 1, reporting to Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Braverman along with public relations chief Zenia Mucha were part of the close inner circle of Bob Iger, who passed the CEO baton to Chapek in early 2020 and will leave the company entirely at year end.
Gutierrez will oversee Disney’s legal team and legal affairs around the world, and acting as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the board of directors. His responsibilities includes litigation, compliance, transactional law, securities law, regulatory matters, privacy protection, global ethics, and patent, copyright and trademark issues, among others.
“Horacio is an incredibly skilled attorney and dynamic leader who...
Gutierrez’ appointment is effective February 1, reporting to Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Braverman along with public relations chief Zenia Mucha were part of the close inner circle of Bob Iger, who passed the CEO baton to Chapek in early 2020 and will leave the company entirely at year end.
Gutierrez will oversee Disney’s legal team and legal affairs around the world, and acting as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the board of directors. His responsibilities includes litigation, compliance, transactional law, securities law, regulatory matters, privacy protection, global ethics, and patent, copyright and trademark issues, among others.
“Horacio is an incredibly skilled attorney and dynamic leader who...
- 12/22/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has hired Jen Friedman, who has held senior posts at Blackstone and General Electric as well as in the political realm, as its new head of global communications.
Beginning January 10, Friedman will be EVP of Communications, taking on many of the duties previously handled by Hilary Smith. In October, Adam Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Comcast and EVP, NBCUniversal, announced Smith would shift her focus to corporate social responsibility.
Friedman will report to Miller. Her appointment is the latest communications appointment in the media and entertainment sector giving a relative outsider the top job. Disney this month brought in former Bp exec Geoff Morrell as its chief corporate affairs officer, who succeeds Zenia Mucha in a newly created position.
At Blackstone, Friedman helped oversee public affairs globally across the investment firm’s businesses. Before that, she was Senior Director for Corporate Reputation at General Electric, part of the communications leadership...
Beginning January 10, Friedman will be EVP of Communications, taking on many of the duties previously handled by Hilary Smith. In October, Adam Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Comcast and EVP, NBCUniversal, announced Smith would shift her focus to corporate social responsibility.
Friedman will report to Miller. Her appointment is the latest communications appointment in the media and entertainment sector giving a relative outsider the top job. Disney this month brought in former Bp exec Geoff Morrell as its chief corporate affairs officer, who succeeds Zenia Mucha in a newly created position.
At Blackstone, Friedman helped oversee public affairs globally across the investment firm’s businesses. Before that, she was Senior Director for Corporate Reputation at General Electric, part of the communications leadership...
- 12/14/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has hired Geoff Morrell, the EVP of Communications & Advocacy at oil and energy giant bp, to take over the duties of Zenia Mucha, Disney’s longtime Senior EVP and Chief Communications Officer.
Mucha, along with fellow veteran Disney exec Alan Braverman, the Senior EVP and Corporate General Counsel, announced in July that they would retire at year’s end after long tenures. The exits are in line with that of Disney chairman Bob Iger, who is also leaving. Both were loyal lieutenants of Iger’s, ascending soon after Iger was made president/COO in 2000.
Sources confirmed to Deadline that Morrell, who moved to London in 2017 to run Bp’s group communications and external affairs after spending six years leading bp America’s communications and government relations teams, will take over Mucha’s duties on the comms side as well as oversee government relations, which was one of Braverman’s remits.
Mucha, along with fellow veteran Disney exec Alan Braverman, the Senior EVP and Corporate General Counsel, announced in July that they would retire at year’s end after long tenures. The exits are in line with that of Disney chairman Bob Iger, who is also leaving. Both were loyal lieutenants of Iger’s, ascending soon after Iger was made president/COO in 2000.
Sources confirmed to Deadline that Morrell, who moved to London in 2017 to run Bp’s group communications and external affairs after spending six years leading bp America’s communications and government relations teams, will take over Mucha’s duties on the comms side as well as oversee government relations, which was one of Braverman’s remits.
- 12/7/2021
- by Patrick Hipes and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company has found its replacement for longtime chief communications officer Zenia Mucha, sources tell Variety.
Geoff Morrell, currently the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp, has landed the job. After nearly 20 years in the role at Disney, Mucha announced this summer she would be stepping down at the end of the year (in line with executive chairman Bob Iger’s exit from the media giant).
In addition to Mucha’s duties, sources said Morrell will also take on government relations. Under the current regime, that was a function of the Walt Disney Company chief counsel’s office. Alan Braverman, current chief counsel and senior executive vice president, is also departing Disney at the end of the year.
The Walt Disney Company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A timeline for a formal announcement was not immediately clear.
Morrell,...
Geoff Morrell, currently the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp, has landed the job. After nearly 20 years in the role at Disney, Mucha announced this summer she would be stepping down at the end of the year (in line with executive chairman Bob Iger’s exit from the media giant).
In addition to Mucha’s duties, sources said Morrell will also take on government relations. Under the current regime, that was a function of the Walt Disney Company chief counsel’s office. Alan Braverman, current chief counsel and senior executive vice president, is also departing Disney at the end of the year.
The Walt Disney Company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A timeline for a formal announcement was not immediately clear.
Morrell,...
- 12/7/2021
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. plans to name Geoff Morrell to the newly created role of chief corporate affairs officer, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. While he has been given a broader portfolio, his responsibilities will include succeeding top communications officer Zenia Mucha, who will retire from the company at the end of the year.
Morrell, currently executive vp communications advocacy for Bp, will take on a restructured and significantly expanded position leading PR for Disney. His official title will be chief corporate affairs officer, overseeing communications, government relations, public policy, philanthropy and environmental issues.
Before joining the multinational oil and gas company, Morrell ...
Morrell, currently executive vp communications advocacy for Bp, will take on a restructured and significantly expanded position leading PR for Disney. His official title will be chief corporate affairs officer, overseeing communications, government relations, public policy, philanthropy and environmental issues.
Before joining the multinational oil and gas company, Morrell ...
- 12/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Walt Disney Co. plans to name Geoff Morrell to the newly created role of chief corporate affairs officer, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. While he has been given a broader portfolio, his responsibilities will include succeeding top communications officer Zenia Mucha, who will retire from the company at the end of the year.
Morrell, currently executive vp communications advocacy for Bp, will take on a restructured and significantly expanded position leading PR for Disney. His official title will be chief corporate affairs officer, overseeing communications, government relations, public policy, philanthropy and environmental issues.
Before joining the multinational oil and gas company, Morrell ...
Morrell, currently executive vp communications advocacy for Bp, will take on a restructured and significantly expanded position leading PR for Disney. His official title will be chief corporate affairs officer, overseeing communications, government relations, public policy, philanthropy and environmental issues.
Before joining the multinational oil and gas company, Morrell ...
- 12/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Amazon's Lord of the Rings TV series is set to bring back a major villain.
The streamer has dropped a lengthy description that gives a lot of hints about what fans can expected when the series inevitably launches, including "the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen."
The description first appeared on TheOneRing.net, and can be read below.
Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history.
This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien...
The streamer has dropped a lengthy description that gives a lot of hints about what fans can expected when the series inevitably launches, including "the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen."
The description first appeared on TheOneRing.net, and can be read below.
Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history.
This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien...
- 1/13/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Geoff Morrell, Fabian McCallan and Sara Zwangobani are the latest Aussie additions to the cast of Amazon Studios’ Lord of the Rings, currently shooting in New Zealand.
They are among a set of 20 new actors joining the eight-episode series, including Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Simon Merrells, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham and Benjamin Walker.
The prolific Morrell most recently starred in Harrow, Fucking Adelaide, Top of the Lake, Please Like Me, Deep Water, The Code and 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Zwangobani has appeared in Doctor Doctor, All Saints, Packed to the Rafters, Love My Way and Home and Away, while Nida-grad McCallan made his international screen debut in British series You, Me & The Apocalypse, and guest starred in German/Australian co-pro In Your Dreams and in Meryl Tankard short Moth.
They are among a set of 20 new actors joining the eight-episode series, including Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Simon Merrells, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham and Benjamin Walker.
The prolific Morrell most recently starred in Harrow, Fucking Adelaide, Top of the Lake, Please Like Me, Deep Water, The Code and 8Mmm Aboriginal Radio.
Zwangobani has appeared in Doctor Doctor, All Saints, Packed to the Rafters, Love My Way and Home and Away, while Nida-grad McCallan made his international screen debut in British series You, Me & The Apocalypse, and guest starred in German/Australian co-pro In Your Dreams and in Meryl Tankard short Moth.
- 12/6/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
The new Lord of the Rings television series, which is currently filming in New Zealand, has added 20 actors to its cast. Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, and Sara Zwangobani are all joining the cast. Some of the actors are local to New Zealand, but the cast is a global effort.
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- 12/4/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Peter Jackson’s six-film Middle-earth saga’s been back in the headlines recently now that The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies have been remastered and released in 4K, but it feels like a very long time since we’ve gotten any updates about Amazon’s hotly-anticipated TV series set in the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The project is the single biggest small screen effort ever given the green light, with the streaming service shelling out $250 million just for the rights before committing to a five-season arc that’ll run up a billion dollars in production costs. Filming kicked off in February this year, but was shut down a month later due to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Shooting recommenced at the end of September, though, and the The Lord of the Rings is still scheduled to debut before the conclusion of 2021. The movies were well...
The project is the single biggest small screen effort ever given the green light, with the streaming service shelling out $250 million just for the rights before committing to a five-season arc that’ll run up a billion dollars in production costs. Filming kicked off in February this year, but was shut down a month later due to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Shooting recommenced at the end of September, though, and the The Lord of the Rings is still scheduled to debut before the conclusion of 2021. The movies were well...
- 12/3/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
The Lord of the Rings Amazon adaptation is expanding!
Amazon Studios today announced twenty additional cast members joining the ensemble cast of the series based on the iconic The Lord of the Rings novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The newly revealed cast members will join the previously announced global cast and crew, currently filming in New Zealand.
The new cast members include Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, and Sara Zwangobani.
Blackburn, Chapman, Crum, Cunliffe, Tait, Tarrant, and Wadham all hail from New Zealand, with the remaining international ensemble cast originating from Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay opened up about the casting news in a statement.
Amazon Studios today announced twenty additional cast members joining the ensemble cast of the series based on the iconic The Lord of the Rings novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The newly revealed cast members will join the previously announced global cast and crew, currently filming in New Zealand.
The new cast members include Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Simon Merrells, Geoff Morrell, Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew, Peter Tait, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, and Sara Zwangobani.
Blackburn, Chapman, Crum, Cunliffe, Tait, Tarrant, and Wadham all hail from New Zealand, with the remaining international ensemble cast originating from Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay opened up about the casting news in a statement.
- 12/3/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Amazon Studios has confirmed twenty additional cast members who have joined the streamer’s The Lord Of The Rings TV series, an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels. Production on the sprawling drama, which was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, is currently underway in New Zealand. It resumed in late September.
Top British comedian Lenny Henry, Ozark and Westworld‘s Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew (CBS’s Pure Genius), The Lotr movie franchise’s Peter Tait, Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Simon Merrells (Spartacus: War of the Damned) are among the new additions, along with Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Geoff Morrell, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham and Sara Zwangobani.
No information is provided about the characters the actors are playing; Owen is believed to play Loda,...
Top British comedian Lenny Henry, Ozark and Westworld‘s Peter Mullan, Lloyd Owen, Augustus Prew (CBS’s Pure Genius), The Lotr movie franchise’s Peter Tait, Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Simon Merrells (Spartacus: War of the Damned) are among the new additions, along with Maxim Baldry, Ian Blackburn, Kip Chapman, Anthony Crum, Maxine Cunliffe, Trystan Gravelle, Thusitha Jayasundera, Fabian McCallum, Geoff Morrell, Alex Tarrant, Leon Wadham and Sara Zwangobani.
No information is provided about the characters the actors are playing; Owen is believed to play Loda,...
- 12/3/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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