Entertainment

Latest Entertainment News

📅January 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Major entertainment news dominated by Netflix's $82.7B Warner Bros. acquisition amid rival bids, Avatar 3's box office success, Hollywood mergers, and Critics Choice Awards.
1

Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. in $82.7 Billion Deal

Netflix announced an $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. studio and streaming operations from Warner Bros. Discovery, expected to complete in 2026 pending approval.Source 2Source 4Source 9 The deal includes DC films, Game of Thrones, and HBO series, facing antitrust scrutiny and a $108B rival bid from Paramount-Skydance.Source 4Source 8Source 10 A $5.8 billion breakup fee underscores the high stakes.Source 10

2

Paramount-Skydance Offers $108B Counterbid for Warner Bros.

Paramount and Skydance proposed an $8 billion merger earlier, now countering with $108 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery.Source 2Source 10 Warner Bros. board favors Netflix's offer despite the higher bid due to financing issues.Source 4 The rivalry highlights intense M&A activity in Hollywood.Source 6

3

Avatar: Fire and Ash Tops Box Office, Crosses $1 Billion

James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash held No. 1 for its third week, surpassing $1 billion globally to kick off 2026 strongly.Source 5 The sci-fi epic signals hopes for a blockbuster year ahead in theaters.Source 5

4

Critics Choice Awards Honor Film and TV Achievements

Celebrities gathered for the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, celebrating standout Hollywood performances in film and television.Source 7 One Battle After Another won Critics Choice recognition.Source 4 Photos captured the event's glamour.Source 7

5

Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Peanuts Franchise

Sony bought an 80% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC for $457 million, gaining control of Charlie Brown and Snoopy for new films and merchandise.Source 2 This bolsters Sony's family content portfolio.Source 2

6

Concord Originals Buys Iconic RKO Films Library

In June 2025, Concord Originals acquired RKO Films, including King Kong and Citizen Kane, for re-releases and remakes.Source 2 The deal expands legacy content into modern projects.Source 2

7

Electronic Arts Acquired by $55B Investor Consortium

Saudi PIF-led group bought video game giant EA for $55 billion, encompassing FIFA, Madden, and The Sims franchises.Source 2 It underscores gaming-entertainment convergence.Source 2

8

Hollywood Director Convicted of $11M Netflix Scam

A Hollywood director was convicted for scamming Netflix out of $11 million on a show he never produced.Source 1 This fraud case highlights production industry vulnerabilities.Source 1

9

New TV Premieres: St. Denis Medical Season 2 on NBC

Tonight features St. Denis Medical Season 2, The Paper Season 1B, and The Wall on NBC.Source 3 These launches mark key entertainment calendar highlights for January 5.Source 3

10

Tanzyn Crawford Joins Netflix's Live-Action Assassin's Creed

Actor Tanzyn Crawford cast in Netflix's live-action Assassin's Creed adaptation.Source 4 The project adds to Netflix's growing film slate amid acquisitions.Source 4

11

Jeremy Allen White in Talks for A24's Peaked

Jeremy Allen White negotiating role in A24's upcoming film Peaked.Source 4 This indie project features the rising star post his acclaimed performances.Source 4

12

Universal Music Group Acquires Stake in Excel Entertainment

UMG's Indian division bought 30% of Excel Entertainment for $80.1M, producer of Amazon's Made in Heaven.Source 4 The deal expands music-film synergies globally.Source 4