Explainer · prototype
Entertainment and tech news: box office, AI, and bans
This collection of stories spans several unrelated entertainment and technology news items. Highlights include the Spider-Man: Brand New Day film breaking North American opening weekend box office records with around $355–360 million, controversy over AI-assisted staging drawing boos at the 150th anniversary Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth, Germany, and Singapore banning the two core members of British band Massive Attack from re-entering the country following a pro-Palestinian display at a concert. Other stories touch on AI recreating the late Val Kilmer for a film role, social media companies facing lawsuits over teen deaths, and Cambodia's efforts to shut down online scam centres.
6 developments · Jul 28 → Aug 4
Cambodia aims to shut down all online scam centers by the end of April
Cambodia says it is close to shutting down all online scam centers operating in the Southeast Asian country
AI-rendered Val Kilmer debuts in 'As Deep as the Grave' trailer
The filmmakers behind “As Deep as the Grave” have used AI to recreate Val Kilmer in a prominent role
Actors and studios strike a tentative 4-year deal, easing fears of another Hollywood shutdown
Television and movie actors have reached a tentative four-year contract agreement with studios and streaming services
California says State Farm violated the law in handling of insurance claims after 2025 LA wildfires
California’s top insurance regulator says the state is seeking millions of dollars in penalties from State Farm after an investigation found the insurance company violated state law while handling claims from the 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires
Matthew Perry's assistant gets more than 3 years in prison for central role in his ketamine death
Matthew Perry's personal assistant has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for his role in the drug death of the “Friends” star
Former Golden Globes owners sue Penske Media alleging fraud in acquisition of awards show
Members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have sued Penske Media and others, claiming they engaged in fraud to acquire the Golden Globe Awards