Squid Game gets even darker

When Squid Game premiered on Netflix in 2021, it became an unprecedented global sensation. The brutal yet brilliant South Korean satire, crafted by Hwang Dong-hyuk, explored class warfare through a Parasite-meets-Battle Royale concept, with deadly childhood games offering the lure of a life-changing cash prize. The show remains Netflix’s most-watched series to date. Now, as Lee Jung-jae’s Prisoner 456, Gi-hun, prepares to re-enter the deadly arena in Squid Game Season 2 on Boxing Day, one question looms large: How do you follow up the biggest show in Netflix history?

According to Hwang Dong-hyuk, crafting the sequel has been both a creative triumph and a gruelling challenge. Speaking to Empire magazine, Hwang admitted to feeling the immense pressure but believes he’s delivered something extraordinary. “Season 2 is a deeper, more advanced story,” he says, hinting it could surpass the first. However, the process took its toll. “Physically, mentally, it was not easy. Some sequences were the hardest of my career. It was... hell.”

The new season picks up where the first left off, with Gi-hun choosing not to board that plane. Hwang explains the show continues to reflect a worsening world: “Climate change, wars, more people dying. Our lives haven’t improved since 2021. Things are worse.” 

This darker reality informed the new season’s tone, which Hwang describes as even crueller and more terrifying. “I even wondered, ‘Is this too much for people to handle?’”

But fans are ready. With promises of heightened tension, scarier twists, and even more gruesome challenges, Squid Game Season 2 is poised to delve deeper into the despair of its dystopian universe. As Hwang says, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Let the games begin.

Wicked breaks box office record

Wicked: Part One has soared to a record-breaking $164 million global opening weekend. The film, which explores the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) and her college roommate Galinda (Ariana Grande) from The Wizard of Oz, has left its competitors “green” with envy.

Wicked earned an impressive $114 million in the US alone and £13.7 million in the UK, setting a new record for the largest opening both globally and in the US for a Broadway show adaptation. It surpassed the previous record held by Les Misérables ($103 million worldwide in 2012) and Into the Woods ($31 million in the US in 2014). As well as that, the film now ranks among the top five openings for any movie musical, trailing only a handful of Disney live-action remakes and the phenomenon Frozen II.

Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II also made a triumphant debut, amassing $221 million worldwide during its opening weekend. The swords-and-sandals sequel continues the legacy of its Oscar-winning predecessor with a strong and honourable showing at the global box office.

Idris joins Masters of the Universe

Idris Elba is set to join Masters of the Universe, the upcoming live-action adaptation from Amazon MGM Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Elba is in final talks to portray Duncan, aka Man-at-Arms, a key character in the iconic Mattel toy line. Directed by Travis Knight, the film stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, with Camila Mendes as Teela and Alison Brie as Evil Lyn. The movie is slated for a June 2026 release.

Launched in 1982, Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise began with a popular line of action figures, followed by the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which premiered in 1983. The franchise expanded into video games, comics, and other merchandise, maintaining its cultural significance for decades.

Elba, known for his versatile roles, will soon return as the voice of Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, arriving in inemas next month. He also stars in the spin-off series Knuckles on Paramount+. Upcoming projects include the Amazon MGM Studios action-comedy Heads of State alongside John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Elba’s notable credits include Luther, Hijack, Pacific Rim, Hobbs & Shaw, and Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cineworld staves off administration

Cineworld has confirmed five of its sites are to close - and one has been saved - after it staved off the threat of administration in a High Court appearance.

This morning, a judge approved restructuring plans for four of its companies - Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd - which make up the firm. The approval means that £16million of fresh equity from their indirect parent company will be injected to meet immediate financial needs, with an additional potential £35million in the pipeline.

However, despite the last minute reprieve, five of its cinemas are set to close. Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Regent Circus will all still close for good. The timeline for the closures are currently unknown. However, Cineworld Hinckley - which had previously been earmarked for closure - will now remain open.

Maggie Smith dies at 89

Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89. The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, died in hospital this morning, her sons said.

Her children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.” 

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.

And in 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the subsequent films. 

Paddington Movie No 4 coming!

Paddington Bear is set to star in his fourth family-friendly comedy film, along with a new TV series, as confirmed by the rights-owners. This news comes ahead of Paddington in Peru's release in cinemas on November 8 and a West End musical launching next year, following the opening of the Paddington Bear Experience at London’s County Hall this summer.

At the Brand Licensing Europe convention in London, StudioCanal executive Françoise Guyonnet announced, "We are working on a new TV series and a new movie slated for 2027 and 2028." She emphasized the company’s focus on content, experiential, and digital strategy, marking a shift from the simpler beginnings of the beloved character when Michael Bond wrote A Bear Called Paddington in 1958.

The upcoming film, Paddington in Peru, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original book. It sees Paddington returning to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, voiced by Imelda Staunton, with Ben Whishaw reprising his role as Paddington. The film's star-studded cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, and Olivia Colman as The Reverend Mother.

In addition to the movie, the Paddington brand is expanding with other ventures. Jo Malone recently released a limited-edition Paddington-themed marmalade cologne, and a Paddington-themed Roblox game is set to launch in November.

StudioCanal, which acquired the intellectual property rights to Paddington Bear (excluding publishing) in 2016, aims to "turn a heritage brand into a global phenomenon" as part of Paddington's journey from a classic character to a worldwide cultural icon.

High Court move over Cineworld restructure plan

Four companies within the struggling cinema chain Cineworld are seeking approval from the High Court for a restructuring plan to ensure their continued operation. Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd, and Cineworld Estates Ltd, all part of the UK division of the world’s second-largest cinema chain, are currently unprofitable, the court heard on Thursday.

Lawyers representing the companiesaid that Cineworld's US division has agreed to provide financial support, contingent upon the approval of the restructuring plan. Without approval, the companies face the possibility of administration. The proposal includes renegotiating leases for over 100 sites across the UK, particularly those that are not economically viable, and the closure of six cinemas deemed commercially unsustainable.

However, landlords of four sites, including the Crown Estate and UK Commercial Property (UKCP), are seeking an injunction to prevent changes to their rental agreements. They argue that agreements made last year prohibit any further alterations through restructuring.

Tom Smith KC, representing the Cineworld companies, warned that if the plans are not approved, the companies would be unable to meet their financial obligations to creditors and would likely file for administration. Currently, Cineworld operates 101 cinemas in the UK under its own brand, as well as two Picturehouse cinemas. The wider group employs 4,401 staff and runs cinemas in 10 countries.

The company has struggled financially since being heavily impacted by the Covid pandemic, as well as strikes by actors and writers. Despite restructuring its US operations last year, Cineworld’s UK arm remains burdened by high rental costs, with many leases exceeding market value.

The company plans to close six sites but will keep all locations operational until the restructuring plans are finalized. If approved, £16 million of new equity funding from its parent firm will be released, with further funds of up to £35 million available. A judgment on the case will be delivered at a later date.