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Key Takeaways: Disney pulls advertising from social media platform X after controversial posts. CEO Bob Iger addresses legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Iger expresses concerns over Disney's business prospects in China. Disney Withdraws from Social Media Platform X In a bold move, Disney, led by CEO Bob Iger, has withdrawn its advertising from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This decision came after the platform's owner, Elon Musk, amplified an antisemitic post, causing concern among various advertisers. Disney, along with other major companies, decided that their association with the platform was not positively reflecting their brand values. Legal Battle with Florida Governor The article also touches upon Disney's ongoing legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This conflict arose after Disney opposed the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida, leading to DeSantis retaliating by stripping Disney World of its special district rights. Iger, who has not yet had direct communication with DeSantis, expressed a desire to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue. Concerns Over China Market Furthermore, Iger discussed the challenges Disney faces in expanding its business in China. Amidst the strained relations between the United States and China, Iger remains cautious but hopeful about the prospects of Shanghai Disney. However, he acknowledges the increased risks and the sobering reality of the current international business climate. Conclusion Under Bob Iger's leadership, Disney is navigating through a complex landscape of social responsibility, legal battles, and international relations. The company's recent decisions reflect a commitment to aligning its business practices with its core values, even in the face of potential financial and political challenges.

NBC Renews 'Found' and 'The Irrational' for Second Seasons NBC has announced the renewal of its first-year drama series, 'Found' and 'The Irrational,' for their second seasons, marking a significant move in the network's programming strategy. Key Takeaways: NBC renews 'Found' and 'The Irrational' for Season 2. Both shows had episodes filmed prior to the broadcast season. 'Found' and 'The Irrational' performed well on NBC and Peacock. 'Found' follows PR specialist Gabi Mosely, played by Shanola Hampton. 'The Irrational' stars Jesse L. Martin as a behavioral science professor. Early Renewals Amid Industry Challenges In a strategic move, NBC has renewed both 'Found' and 'The Irrational' for their second seasons. This decision comes at a time when many networks are pivoting to reality series and licensed programming due to the dual strikes affecting the industry. The early production of episodes for both series before the broadcast season has been a boon for NBC, allowing it to continue airing new scripted series. Impressive Performance on NBC and Peacock Both series have shown impressive performance metrics. 'Found' became NBC’s top launch on Peacock, drawing 10.5 million viewers across platforms in its first week. Similarly, 'The Irrational' garnered 12.1 million viewers across all NBCUniversal platforms in its first 15 days. These numbers indicate a strong viewer interest and the potential for further growth in their upcoming seasons. About the Series 'Found' revolves around the character of Gabi Mosely, portrayed by Shanola Hampton, a public relations specialist who was once among the over 300,000 missing people of color in the U.S. The series delves into her work with a crisis management team dedicated to finding missing people, while she harbors a chilling secret of her own. The show features a cast including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, and Brett Dalton, and is produced by Berlanti Productions and Rock My Soul Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television. 'The Irrational,' on the other hand, follows Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, a world-renowned professor of behavioral science. Mercer's unique expertise and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and his team through high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations. The show is based on Dan Ariely’s book, "Predictably Irrational," and is produced by Universal Television. NBC's Commitment to Scripted Content Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment, praised the work of showrunners Nkechi Okoro Carroll ('Found') and Arika Lisanne Mittman ('The Irrational'). She highlighted their flawless execution of vision and the dedication of the cast, producers, and crews, which has resonated with audiences, making these series must-see television on both NBC and Peacock. Looking Ahead The renewal of these two drama series signifies NBC's commitment to scripted content, even amidst industry challenges. As 'Found' and 'The Irrational' gear up for their second seasons, fans can expect more captivating storytelling and character development, further solidifying their positions in NBC's robust programming lineup.

Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed creator behind hit series like "Bridgerton," "Grey’s Anatomy," and "Scandal," recently shared her insights on the writers' strike and the evolving landscape of television streaming, particularly focusing on her move to Netflix and its broader implications. Key Takeaways: Shonda Rhimes reflects on her role during the writers' strike. Rhimes was one of the first to sign a major deal with Netflix in 2017. Her move was motivated by a desire for creative freedom, not just financial gain. Rhimes' shift to Netflix marked a significant trend in the industry. The economics of streaming, according to Rhimes, work well for Netflix but may not for others. Rhimes currently enjoys a break from narrative programming, exploring documentaries and sports. Context of the Writers' Strike During a Q&A at The New York Times DealBook conference, Rhimes discussed her experience during the writers' strike. She emphasized her solidarity with fellow writers, particularly those who were more financially vulnerable. The strike was crucial for securing a living wage and future assurances for writers, especially those earning less. The Netflix Move and Industry Shift Rhimes' decision to move to Netflix in 2017 was a pivotal moment in the television industry. This move, driven by a quest for creative freedom and the potential for high-budget projects like "The Crown," signaled a significant shift towards streaming services. Rhimes mentioned her conversation with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, highlighting her desire to focus solely on content creation. Following her, other prominent figures like Ryan Murphy also transitioned to streaming platforms. Impact on Streaming and Television Rhimes acknowledged the disruption caused by streaming services in the television landscape, particularly in terms of residuals for writers and actors. She anticipated criticism for catalyzing the industry's move towards streaming but clarified that her decision was not financially motivated. The economics of streaming, as she noted, are uniquely favorable for Netflix but may not be sustainable for other platforms. Rhimes' Current Viewing Preferences Interestingly, Rhimes shared that she has taken a break from watching narrative television to give her brain a rest. Her current interests lie in documentaries and sports programming, which she finds more appealing at the moment. This break also helps her avoid external influences on her creative projects. Conclusion Shonda Rhimes' reflections offer a unique perspective on the recent writers' strike and the seismic shifts in the television industry due to the rise of streaming services. Her move to Netflix not only marked a personal transition but also a broader industry trend towards streaming platforms. While the economics of streaming are beneficial for some, they present challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole.

Sebastian Stan Cast as Young Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice' Movie Key Takeaways: Sebastian Stan to portray a young Donald Trump in the film 'The Apprentice.' The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, explores Trump's rise in the New York real estate scene. Jeremy Strong and Maria Bakalova join the cast as Roy Cohn and Ivana Trump, respectively. The film delves into Trump's mentor-protege relationship with Roy Cohn. Production for the movie has already commenced. Introduction to 'The Apprentice' In an unexpected casting choice, Sebastian Stan, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Hulu miniseries 'Pam & Tommy,' has been tapped to play a young Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice.' This film, directed by Cannes prize-winning Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, promises to be a deep dive into Trump's formative years in the New York real estate world during the 1970s and 1980s. A Star-Studded Cast Joining Stan in this ambitious project are Jeremy Strong, acclaimed for his performance in 'Succession,' and Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova from 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.' Strong is set to portray infamous attorney Roy Cohn, a key figure in Trump's early career, while Bakalova will take on the role of Ivana Trump, Donald Trump's first wife. Exploring Trump's Early Years 'The Apprentice' aims to explore the dynamics of power and ambition in a setting rife with corruption and deceit. It will particularly focus on Trump's relationship with his mentor Roy Cohn, a notorious figure in American legal and political history. This mentor-protege story is expected to chart the origins of what would become a major American dynasty. Contextualizing the Film's Release The announcement of this project comes at a time when Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, faces trial in New York for fraud. Despite being under multiple indictments and having been impeached twice, Trump remains a significant figure in American politics, eyeing a return to the Oval Office as the current Republican frontrunner for 2024. Behind the Scenes The screenplay for 'The Apprentice' is penned by Gabriel Sherman, known for his bestseller 'The Loudest Voice in the Room,' which inspired the Showtime miniseries of the same name. The film's production team includes Daniel Beckerman of Scythia Films, Jacob Jerek of Profile Pictures, and Ruth Treacy of Taylored Films. Sebastian Stan's Versatile Career Sebastian Stan has made a name for himself by portraying a variety of real-life figures. His recent roles include playing Robinhood Markets CEO Vladimir Tenev in 'Dumb Money' and rock musician Tommy Lee in 'Pam & Tommy.' Stan's portrayal of Jeff Gilooly in 'I, Tonya' also received critical acclaim. Jeremy Strong's Continued Success Jeremy Strong, currently on his third Emmy nomination for 'Succession,' has a string of successful projects to his name. His recent works include 'Armageddon Time,' 'The Trial of the Chicago 7,' and 'The Gentlemen.' He is also set to appear in a Broadway revival of Ibsen's 'An Enemy of the People.' Maria Bakalova's Rising Career Maria Bakalova, who gained prominence with her Oscar-nominated performance in 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,' has several projects lined up. She will be seen in the Sofia Coppola-produced drama 'Fairyland' and is also involved in a spy comedy developed by Paramount. Conclusion 'The Apprentice' is shaping up to be a compelling exploration of Donald Trump's rise to prominence. With a talented cast and a seasoned production team, the film is poised to offer a unique perspective on one of the most controversial figures in recent American history.