Analysts say the streaming giant’s gaming efforts have yet to emerge as a major growth driver.

One of the ​main challenges, analysts believe, is Netflix’s relatively limited portfolio of ​iconic intellectual property compared with rivals such as Warner Bros ⁠Discovery, which owns franchises, including DC Comics.

Some of the most popular ​games from Netflix include Rockstar Games’ “GTA: San Andreas”, and those based on ​its own hit shows such as “Squid Game: Unleashed.”

The streaming giant said the new features aim to be a “curated space where parents know kids are entertained, engaged and ​enriched.”

The move is also aimed at deepening engagement with families, a ​segment where children’s content has traditionally been seen as helping reduce churn because parents ‌are ⁠less likely to cancel.

“Emphasizing kids programs will make Netflix stickier for households with children,” Emarketer senior analyst Ross Benes said.

The new app will help Netflix “compete in the one area where it has a deficiency ​compared to Disney+, ​which is children’s ⁠programming,” he added.

The new app is designed for children aged 8 and younger and is included in all levels of Netflix membership.

Each game will be playable ​offline, ⁠including “Playtime With Peppa Pig,” “Dr Seuss’s Horton!” and “Sesame Street”.

In addition to parental controls, the platform ensures no ads, in-app purchases or extra fees.

‘Netflix Playground’ is available ⁠for ​download in the US, Canada, the UK, ​Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand. The company will launch globally towards the end of ​this month.

Titled “Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic,” the special explores the creative and technical process behind reimagining the wizarding world for television. It focuses heavily on the search for a new actor to portray Harry Potter, alongside insights into casting, set design, and production planning.

According to Forbes, the documentary provides rare access to the early stages of development, including how producers are approaching the challenge of retelling a globally beloved story while appealing to a new generation of viewers.

The reboot, being developed as a long-form series, is expected to delve deeper into the original books, offering a more detailed and expansive narrative than the blockbuster film franchise. The special highlights how advancements in visual effects and production technology are being used to create a more immersive experience.

Industry analysts say the release of the documentary is part of a calculated rollout strategy to build momentum ahead of the series launch. By offering a behind-the-scenes look, the creators aim to engage long-time fans while generating curiosity among new audiences.

The Harry Potter franchise remains one of the most successful in entertainment history, and expectations for the reboot are exceptionally high. The documentary underscores the scale of the project and the pressure on producers to strike a balance between honouring the original material and delivering something fresh.

The special is expected to further fuel excitement as the franchise prepares for its next chapter on the small screen.

The sisters were referenced in a December 2015 email exchange between the convicted sex offender and an unidentified individual.

In the emails, the person asked Epstein about the sisters’ modelling success, writing, “How did the Hadid sisters become models and make so much money?! I don’t understand…”

Epstein replied, “You know,” to which the individual responded, “The father paid the agency.”

Epstein refuted this, stating, “No,” and later added, “Because they follow directions, it’s that simple.”

These emails were part of the millions of documents released earlier this year by the US Department of Justice as part of its investigation into Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019.

Gigi addressed the matter on Instagram after a fan commented that they had unfollowed her because she had not publicly responded.

In her now-deleted comment, the 30-year-old said the emails “made me sick to my stomach” and described the experience as “horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context.”

She added that she had refrained from commenting initially to avoid overshadowing the voices of Epstein’s real victims.

Gigi also acknowledged her privileged upbringing, noting that her parents, Dutch model Yolanda Hadid and property developer Mohamed Hadid, helped her secure meetings with modelling agencies, leading to her signing with IMG Models in 2012.

She stressed, however, that she “worked hard every moment since.”

Concluding her statement, Gigi emphasised that she was around 20-21 years old when the emails were written and firmly stated, “I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being.”

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.

Characters like “Strawberina,” “Melonita,” and the muscular “Bananito” navigate love triangles, emotional re-couplings, and other classic reality show twists, all hosted by a green apple narrator.

The most popular clip, Episode 15: New Dates… New Doubts has been viewed 39 million times in two weeks.

The series, created by the anonymous account “Ai Cinema” in mid-March, has inspired copycat accounts and prompted the removal of some original videos.

While some dismiss the content as low-quality AI “slop,” media experts note it fulfils a demand for brief, humorous escapes amid a flood of stressful online content.

Ludmila Lupinacci, a digital media lecturer at the University of Leeds, said the AI quirks add to the appeal, making the show funnier and more engaging despite visual inconsistencies.

Episodes feature absurd, often comedic dialogue, like a watermelon woman joking with a dragon-fruit date over fruit cocktails.

Fans and commentators alike enjoy the surreal humour, even pointing out AI glitches, such as inconsistent colouring on characters’ limbs.

The series is part of a larger trend of fruit-themed AI parodies, including “Fruit Paternity Court” and other meme-based content, often satirising formulaic reality TV.

Experts say the appeal lies in its simplicity and exaggeration of reality TV clichés, with AI quirks enhancing the bizarre entertainment.

“Fruit Love Island” shows how AI-generated media can captivate audiences, provoke humour, and even encourage “hate-watching” while reflecting the absurdity of modern reality television.

A spin-off of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, the series follows Kitty as she travels to Seoul to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend Dae, only to face misunderstandings that set off a journey of self-discovery.

As the story unfolds, Kitty builds new friendships and navigates complicated relationships, particularly with Minho, whose slow-burning romance with her becomes central to the latest season.

Their relationship, long anticipated by fans, finally takes focus with emotional highs, heartbreak and reconciliation.

The new season leans heavily into themes of young love, trust and personal growth, while maintaining a softer tone where characters are not portrayed as unnecessarily harsh, making their emotional arcs more relatable.

Beyond romance, the series highlights strong friendships, especially Kitty’s bond with Yuri and her close connection with Q.

A major conflict between Kitty and Q stands out as one of the most intense moments of the season, showing the importance of friendship alongside romance.

While the show continues to face criticism for narrative inconsistencies and underdeveloped side characters, it shows growth in both storytelling and performances.

The cast portrays more emotional depth as the characters deal with decisions about their future and feelings of self-worth.

Overall, the latest season focuses on simple but relatable themes — love, mistakes and healing — offering viewers an easy yet engaging watch.

SM Entertainment said the decision was mutual after discussions about Mark’s future direction.

The 10-year contract concludes his activities with all NCT subunits, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT U.

Debuting in 2016, Mark quickly became one of NCT’s most recognisable members, contributing to rap, songwriting, production, and creative direction.

Fans have often regarded him as a central figure and the “face” of the group, bridging multiple subunits throughout the years.

In an emotional Instagram letter, Mark reflected on his decade-long journey with NCT, saying he feels a “strong desire to fully dive into” his personal dreams while acknowledging the impact his departure may have on fans.

“I fully understand that this change can feel like a huge shock and even a source of hurt… That’s why my heart feels really, truly heavy,” he wrote.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to NCT, SM Entertainment, and the fans, adding, “My beginning was SM, NCT, and Czennies… I will never forget where I started.”

Following his announcement, fellow NCT members shared supportive messages on Instagram. Jeno wrote, “Our leader hyung!! Let’s be happy,” Jaemin added, “Baby, don’t be sad, I’ll kiss you.

Love you,” Haechan simply commented, “I love you,” and Chenle encouraged him with “Hwaiting.”

Mark’s departure marks a major moment for the group and fans alike, signalling the end of a decade-long chapter and the beginning of a new personal journey for the artist.

The episode of the Emmy-nominated drama, which stars Zendaya, a ​two-time Emmy winner for her role as the show’s troubled ​teen Rue Bennett, will be aired at the festival’s ⁠campgrounds at 11:59pm PDT, following the venue’s final performances of ​the weekend.

The late-night screening will be open exclusively to Coachella wristband ​holders on a first-come, first-served basis.

HBO Max scheduled the episode to close out the first weekend of the two-weekend-long festival, which will feature big artists including ​Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber.

The teen drama “Euphoria,” which debuted in ​2019, follows a group of high school students in the fictional town of ‌East ⁠Highland, California, as they navigate love, loss, sex, identity and addiction.

Season 3, which is directed by creator Sam Levinson, finds the core group of characters entering adulthood. The new season explores themes of ​faith, redemption, and the ​lasting consequences ⁠of past actions.

Zendaya returns alongside much of the original cast, including Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn, Jacob ​Elordi as Nate Jacobs, and Sydney Sweeney as ​Cassie Howard.

The ⁠eight-episode season will also mark its official debut on HBO Max on April 12, with new episodes released weekly.

Founded in 1999, the ⁠Coachella Valley ​Music and Arts Festival has grown ​into one of the world’s most influential music festivals, blending high-profile performances with fashion, art, ​and pop culture moments.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about ‘Octet’ since I saw Annie Tippe’s premiere production in ​November 2019,” Miranda said in a press release. “Dave ​Malloy’s score is versatile, brilliant, and grows more ⁠relevant with each passing year. It won’t leave me ​alone—so here we are.”

Miranda will reunite with producer Julie Oh, ​who collaborated with him on the 2021 Netflix musical film “tick, tick…BOOM!,” starring Andrew Garfield. Oh is joining 5000 Broadway Productions as head ​of film and television.

“Octet,” which premiered Off-Broadway in 2019, ​is an a cappella musical that examines internet addiction through an eight-person ‌support ⁠group meeting in a church basement.

Miranda is one of the most decorated artists of his generation, with three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, five Grammy Awards, and a ​Pulitzer Prize for ​Drama.

He ⁠has also received two Academy Award nominations.

Beyond the stage, Miranda has written songs for ​Disney’s critically acclaimed animated films “Moana” and “Encanto,” and created “In the ​Heights” ⁠and “Hamilton,” both of which achieved global recognition for their innovative, sung-through storytelling—most notably “Hamilton’s genre-blending portrait of American statesman Alexander Hamilton.

In ⁠2020, ​the recorded stage production of “Hamilton” premiered ​on Disney+ and in 2021, a movie musical version of “In the Heights” ​debuted in theatres.

US District ‌Judge Lewis Liman’s 152-page decision followed more than a year of acrimonious litigation over the movie, in which Lively and Baldoni co-starred and which Baldoni directed.

During a January court hearing, Lively’s lawyer Esra Hudson had argued that Baldoni repeatedly went too far, including by deviating from the script by adding unnecessary sexual content.

Hudson alleged this included a dance sequence in which Baldoni “nuzzled” Lively without consent, and a scene in which Lively’s character was giving birth, and ​she was pressured to wear little clothing and simulate nudity.

Liman wrote that Baldoni’s alleged conduct appeared to be directed towards Lively’s character in the scene, rather than Lively herself.

“Creative ​artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear ⁠of being held liable for sexual harassment,” the judge wrote.

Liman said Lively can still try to convince jurors that Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she complained about ​misconduct on the movie set.

The judge said jurors could consider whether the defendants “impermissibly and materially altered” Lively’s career prospects, through what she called a smear campaign after Baldoni hired public relations and crisis ​management specialists.

“Certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line,” Liman said.

The case is scheduled to go to trial on May 18.

LIVELY LOOKS FORWARD TO TESTIFYING, LAWYER SAYS

Liman’s decision means jurors will not decide if Lively was sexually harassed, though some of her accusations of mistreatment could surface as she pursues her retaliation claim.

Lively “looks forward to testifying,” and showing the efforts made to destroy her reputation “because she stood up for safety on the set,” Sigrid ​McCawley, one of her lawyers, said in a statement.

Baldoni’s lawyers said they were pleased with the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims and all claims against the five individual defendants, including Wayfarer ​Chief Executive Jamey Heath.

The defendants have strongly denied wrongdoing.

“What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defence,” defence lawyers Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach said in a joint ‌statement.

Lively’s case has ⁠been closely followed in Hollywood.

It has drawn in famous people like singer Taylor Swift, model Gigi Hadid and actor Hugh Jackman, all of whom, according to Lively, might have information supporting her claims.

Lively, 38, sued Baldoni, Wayfarer and others in December 2024, seeking damages for alleged harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and violations of federal and state civil rights laws.

She complained that the defendants created a sexually charged atmosphere during the movie’s production, then schemed to silence her and others from speaking out about the hostile environment they created.

Baldoni, 42, countered that he resolved Lively’s concerns as soon ​as she raised them, and that he was ​entitled to hire a crisis management firm ⁠after Lively began disparaging him publicly.

LIVELY, BALDONI SUED EACH OTHER

In dismissing the sexual harassment claims, Liman said there would have been enough evidence for jurors to consider whether Lively’s beliefs had been sincere, including being uncomfortable because of comments about her physical appearance.

But he said Lively could not pursue ​those claims under a federal civil rights law because she was an independent contractor, not an employee.

He also said Lively had ​sued under a California law ⁠, but the alleged wrongful conduct took place elsewhere.

The dispute became public in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, followed by her lawsuit.

A related article published in the New York Times was titled: “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.”

Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, saying they tried to destroy his reputation, but Liman dismissed that ⁠case in ​June.

The judge also dismissed Baldoni’s defamation case against the Times.

“It Ends With Us” starred Lively as a flower ​shop owner who marries a neurosurgeon played by Baldoni.

His character becomes abusive, reminding Lively’s character of her parents’ relationship, and the marriage falls apart after Lively’s character reconnects with her first love, who became a chef and restaurant owner.

Despite mixed ​reviews, the movie grossed more than $351 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

The former glamour model married the businessman earlier this year, shortly after meeting him, in a move that raised concerns among fans and family due to past allegations against him.

Alana Percival claimed in a recent post that he admitted to “playing a woman” while communicating with her, and alleged he was simultaneously involved with another woman, Crystal Janke from Texas.

Crystal had previously accused him of persuading her to invest £123,000 in his company with a promised return of £1 million. He denied those claims at the time.

Alana also shared documents linked to his company, Aura Worldwide Holdings, showing it was dissolved in 2024.

She further alleged he is under a travel ban in the UAE and has been involved in multiple financial disputes.

The businessman, who describes himself as a millionaire, has denied allegations made against him, including claims of taking money from another woman without repayment.

Chief Creative Officer Bela Bajaria said Netflix would keep investing in original ideas, and partner with established studios like MGM and Warner Bros, to try and produce movies and series that live on for ​years, in the vein of “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday” and “Bridgerton.”

“To me, that’s just continually the goal,” Bajaria said in an interview.

Yet the failed attempt to buy Warner Bros’ storied movie studio and HBO highlighted a vulnerability for the relative Hollywood ‌upstart, whose catalogue of original films and series spans around a dozen years, compared with more than a century’s worth of stories and characters for Warner Bros, Walt Disney and Universal Pictures.

Netflix was willing to make its biggest bet ever with $72 billion to shore up its library and augment its intellectual property with Harry Potter and “Game of Thrones,” because creating franchises has proven challenging.

Interviews with 16 current and former Netflix executives, industry leaders and agents illustrate a picture of the streaming giant whose strategy of making something for everyone, and serving many audiences all at once, is different from crafting a Taylor Sheridan-like universe ​of “Yellowstone” spin-offs that brings a built-in audience.

Even so, Netflix’s own prolific showrunner, Shonda Rhimes, has successfully adapted Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” novels into a series that’s entering its fifth season, a spinoff and a touring event set in Regency-era London, dubbed “The Queen’s Ball.”

Franchises ​can be valuable for entertainment companies because they are lower-risk investments that can bring in ancillary revenue through merchandise sales and in-person experiences.

Recognisable characters and stories also stand out in a fragmented ⁠media landscape, grabbing a viewer’s attention in a time of myriad distractions.

Netflix announced its first major acquisition, the comic book publisher Millarworld, a day before Disney told investors in August 2017 that it would pull its movies from the streaming service to create a ​rival, later dubbed Disney+.

“Stranger Things” has been an unqualified success, producing a spin-off series, a stage play, and merchandise.

Netflix points to other examples, such as the action-adventure film “Extraction,” starring Chris Hemsworth, that led to a sequel and a third instalment in production, as well as ​a series starring acclaimed French actor Omar Sy.

Its long-running dating show “Love Is Blind” has been remade for multiple global audiences, including versions centred in Brazil, France and Japan.

There have been pricey flops along the way to building its own franchises, like the reported $700 million deal to acquire rights to Roald Dahl’s catalogue, which includes such beloved children’s stories as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The investment has yet to produce a major hit in five years – though Netflix will try again this year.

It plans a Willy Wonka-inspired reality show called “Golden Ticket“ in which competitors try to survive games and temptations on a set with ​a chocolate river.

Producing consistent hits that spawn new series helps to attract and retain subscribers and increase engagement, which grew by only 2% in the second half of 2025, according to media consultant Owl & Co.

Top-line growth has been slowing, with revenue expected to grow ​13% this year, according to data from LSEG, compared to 16% in 2025, and its advertising sales represent only 3% of the total.

YouTube’s ascendancy poses a competitive threat. YouTube and Disney, with its vault of iconic characters, have consistently beaten Netflix in share of television viewing since October ‌2024, according to ⁠Nielsen’s media distributor gauge, which measures broadcast and cable television viewing and streaming.

Complicating matters, Paramount Skydance is acquiring Warner Bros, which could reduce the number of suppliers of original shows.

Armed with a $2.8 billion windfall from the failed Warner Bros deal, Netflix Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters will continue to go it alone.

Its coming releases include time-tested characters and stories, including a live-action “Scooby-Doo” series and a “Narnia” movie based on the C.S. Lewis books and directed by Greta Gerwig.

“The Electric State” offers one example of an expensive failure that illustrates the inherent risks in attempting to launch a sprawling Marvel-like cinematic universe.

Netflix snagged Joe and Anthony Russo, the brothers behind the smashing success of Walt Disney’s Avengers movies and Netflix’s own “Extraction,” to adapt the critically acclaimed science-fiction novel, and cast “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown alongside Hollywood A-lister ​Chris Pratt as stars.

Critics savaged the $320 million film when it was ​released last year. Plans to more fully exploit the film – ⁠including a possible spin-off series and sequels – never materialised, according to two sources directly involved with the project who requested anonymity to protect their industry relationships.

“A lot of people have big movies that also are IP that don’t work,” said Netflix’s Bajaria. “We’re in the film and TV business, so a lot of things work, a lot of things don’t work.”

Other gambles – such as Netflix’s decision to greenlight “Squid Game,” ​a dystopian thriller from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk that others had passed on – paid off handsomely, creating a global juggernaut.

With the sheer volume of content, Netflix also has its share of surprises, like ​Sony Pictures Imageworks’ Oscar-winning animated film ”KPop Demon ⁠Hunters,” which last year became the most-watched movie ever on the service.

When lightning strikes, it can rely on its unparalleled global distribution and sophisticated algorithm to stoke enthusiasm for a movie or series that viewers have begun to binge, helping to create cultural phenomena.

Netflix is treating “KPop Demon Hunters” as its next major franchise, with licensed toys and other merchandise from Mattel and Hasbro, themed “adult” meals from McDonald’s, a possible concert tour and a planned animated sequel.

But the success caught Netflix off guard, according to two sources. In fact, the company didn’t have licensed toys available to capitalise on the phenomenon during the holiday shopping season. Netflix has said in interviews that it approached toymakers and retailers a year or more ahead of the film’s release, but ​they were unwilling to take a risk on an untested property.

At a March 18 presentation in Los Angeles, Netflix showcased its 2026 lineup, which includes a fourth installment of “Bridgerton,” a second season of “One Piece,” an adaptation of the long-running manga series, a live-action TV series based on the “Assassin’s Creed” video game franchise, and a reboot of “Little House on ​the Prairie.”

“We’re off to a strong start and feeling confident about the quality and consistency of our slate this year,” said Jinny Howe, vice president of original series at Netflix.

The teaser, set in a worn-down corridor and elevator, opens with a crowd of sceptical-looking individuals.

When the elevator doors open, the group appears in sharp contrast, dressed in suits and holding props such as newspapers and a backscratcher.

RM drew particular attention for wearing a wig, which quickly went viral and sparked memes. He later updated his Instagram profile with the image.

Fans compared RM’s look to Park Seo-joon, who responded humorously, saying even his mother mistook the image for him.

RM’s use of wigs has previously gained attention, including in his song “Lost” and a past skit where he portrayed an enthusiastic fan.

The “2.0” video teaser also references Oldboy by Park Chan-wook, known for its gritty tone, which is reflected in the teaser’s visuals.

Musically, “2.0” has gained traction for its lyrics and choreography, debuting at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 4.

The album “ARIRANG” has seen major global success, with both the album and its title track “SWIM” topping the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts simultaneously. Thirteen out of fourteen tracks from the album entered the Hot 100.

The group’s comeback following military service has delivered strong numbers, with “ARIRANG” recording 641,000 equivalent album units in its opening week, including 532,000 in pure sales — the highest for any group in over a decade.

The number seven continues to mark milestones for BTS. “SWIM” became their seventh No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, while “ARIRANG” is their seventh album to top the Billboard 200.

The group now ranks behind The Beatles, The Supremes and Bee Gees in the list of groups with the most No. 1 hits.

The main cast includes Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Zuko, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Iroh, Elizabeth Yu as Azula, Momona Tamada as Ty Lee, and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai.

Season 2 will also introduce Toph, the blind earthbender, played by Miyako.

The series follows Aang, the Avatar, who can control air, water, earth, and fire. After mastering waterbending in Season 1, he will focus on earthbending in Season 2 while evading the Fire Nation and Prince Zuko.

Albert Kim, who developed the series and served as showrunner for Season 1, stepped down in April.

Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani will take over as executive producers, with Kim remaining in an executive producer role.

Other executive producers include Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore, and Michael Goi, representing Rideback.

His favourite is a Tag Heuer Carrera in magenta, inspired by a celebrity sighting, and he hopes to one day own a H Moser, valued at around $50,000.

Fry is part of a growing Gen Z cohort of watch buyers, with those under 30 accounting for a third of transactions at secondhand luxury watch retailer Bezel.

Experts say younger buyers are spending more per watch and have been largely underestimated by traditional brands.

Longines has also noted increased interest from younger customers, particularly those restoring inherited watches.

Fry shares his passion online, creating YouTube content about his collection and new releases, including vintage pieces from the 1960s and 1970s.

Data from luxury resale platform Chrono24 shows Gen Z is increasingly buying classic dress watches, with purchases up 44% since 2018.

Vintage shop owner Dahyn Lee says her followers are predominantly Gen Z, who are drawn to tactile, nostalgic objects and dainty watches regardless of gender.

Celebrity influence plays a role in shaping preferences.

After recent red carpet events, younger buyers have sought out slimmer, more feminine watches, often inspired by stars like Timothée Chalamet.

Retailers report that design and aesthetics often matter more than brand or function, with many young buyers prioritising the look of a timepiece over its utility.

Composer Brian Tyler adapted Koji Kondo’s iconic Mario tunes into a cinematic score that enhances the Mushroom Kingdom setting and triggers nostalgia for longtime fans.

The first film was criticised for using licensed pop songs that clashed with the movie’s tone.

Tracks like A-ha’s “Take on Me,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” and music from Kill Bill were inserted into key scenes, taking audiences out of the Mario universe and sparking complaints from both children and adult gamers.

In contrast, Galaxy uses only one major pop song in contextually appropriate Brooklyn scenes and a minor funk track during a brief party scene.

Otherwise, the soundtrack remains true to Mario’s world, including elements from Star Fox, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the Mushroom Kingdom without distraction.

Critics and fans alike have praised the decision to prioritise original game-inspired music, saying it strengthens the movie experience and keeps the focus on the franchise’s iconic imagery, characters, and settings.

Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat delivered the verdict in the case, which Ali Zafar had filed in 2018. The case saw a total of nine judges transferred and 284 appearances over its course.

Meesha Shafi was ordered to pay the fine as part of the court’s decision.

The three-day event will take place at Hôtel Le Marois, near the Champs-Élysées, providing an intimate setting for around 200 guests per show, including media, buyers, and industry leaders.

The schedule includes 30 runway shows, eight industry talk panels on sustainability and inclusivity, and a B2B showroom connecting designers with international retail experts.

This edition will place special emphasis on Arab heritage, featuring designers from the GCC and MENA region. Highlights include Fashion by Shehna from the UAE, Qatar’s Hindami, and Kuwait’s Roqaia Fashion House.

They will share the stage with international labels such as LA MODESA (US), Dahlia Bridal (UK), and Aynaeva (Russia), creating a global showcase of modest fashion.

CEO Özlem Sahin says the Paris move aims to strengthen the modest fashion supply chain and empower designers while promoting conscious consumption, further embedding modest fashion into the mainstream global calendar.

Australian stories lead the local offerings. Selina Miles’ Silenced follows lawyer Jennifer Robinson and survivors Brittany Higgins and Amber Heard, framed through defamation law and the #MeToo movement.

Ian Darling AO returns with In the Valley, portraying rural life in Kangaroo Valley.

International titles include Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire, starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, and Al Pacino, and the documentary Broken English on Marianne Faithfull, featuring Tilda Swinton and George MacKay.

Festival winners include İlker Çatak’s Yellow Letters, a Golden Bear winner in Berlin, and Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana, a Sundance award winner.

Other highlights include Ildikó Enyedi’s Silent Friend, Ulrike Ottinger’s The Blood Countess with Isabelle Huppert, and Pete Ohs’ Erupcja, starring Charli XCX.

The lineup also features Marwan Hamed’s El Sett, chronicling Umm Kulthum’s rise, Damien Hauser’s Memory of Princess Mumbi, Firouzeh Khosrovani’s Past Future Continuous, and Tamra Davis’ The Best Summer, capturing Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour.

“Prize winners from Berlinale and Sundance, an immersive Australian premiere, and distinctive voices from across the globe – we wanted to give a glimpse of what’s coming to SFF,” said festival director Nashen Moodley.

In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Pulse, Malik said his daughter is a big fan of K-pop groups like TWICE and BLACKPINK, which encouraged him to work with Jisoo.

“She’s into TWICE. She’s into BLACKPINK, and that was kind of a big reason behind why I did the feature with Jisoo, if I’m being honest, because my daughter’s such a big fan and I wanted to be cool,” Malik said.

The singer added that the collaboration earned him “good dad points,” noting that his daughter enjoys the song and often sings and dances to his music.

Malik also shared that his daughter gives him feedback on his work, though he avoids playing some tracks for her because of adult themes.

The singer is currently promoting his upcoming fifth studio album, KONNAKOL, which is scheduled for release on April 17.

The 17-time world champion and actor shared the news on his official X account, saying, “Since retirement, my ‘road’ has looked a little different… but now I can officially say I’m headed to WrestleMania!!!! See you in Las Vegas!”

WWE confirmed Cena’s return in a statement, describing him as “stepping back onto the Grandest Stage of Them All” for the upcoming event.

Cena retired from in-ring competition last December after losing to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, making this his first return since retirement.

Over his career, Cena has headlined WrestleMania multiple times, facing some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, including Big Show, Triple H, Batista, Shawn Michaels, The Miz, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Notably, he captured his first WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania 20 in 2004 against Big Show.

Cena’s final active year included high-profile matches against rivals such as CM Punk, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, and Dominik Mysterio.

During that year, he won his record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania 41 against Cody Rhodes and completed WWE’s Grand Slam by defeating Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship in November, securing all major championships in his career since 2002.

WrestleMania 42, set for April 18-19 in Las Vegas, will feature CM Punk defending his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes facing 14-time world champion Randy Orton in a high-profile match.

Maren Wade said in ‌the complaint that marketing for Swift’s album threatened to “drown out” her long-running “Confessions of a Showgirl” stage show and asked the court to block Swift from creating confusion with her ​album title.

Spokespeople for Swift and her label Universal Music Group, ​also a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request ⁠for comment.

Wade’s attorney, Jaymie Parkkinen, said they “have great respect for Swift’s talent ​and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators at all ​levels can protect what they’ve built.”

“The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift’s 12th album, was released in October and shattered Spotify streaming records on its way to becoming the biggest-selling album ​of 2025.

Wade said in the complaint that she began writing her “Confessions of ​a Showgirl” column for Las Vegas Weekly in 2014.

She said she has since toured ‌a ⁠stage show with the same name featuring “candid and often humorous accounts of the challenges and absurdities of a career in the entertainment industry, from getting stuck inside a giant birthday cake to impersonating a Madonna impersonator.”

The ​US Patent and Trademark ​Office rejected ⁠Swift’s application last year for a federal “Life of a Showgirl” trademark covering “musical performances and live entertainment services,” citing potential ​confusion with Wade’s pre-existing “Confessions of a Showgirl” trademark.

Wade said ​in ⁠the complaint that Swift’s continued use of the “Life of a Showgirl” name “drowns out” her trademark “until consumers begin to assume that the original is the imitation.”

“What ⁠Plaintiff had ​built over twelve years, Defendants threatened to ​swallow in weeks,” Wade said.

Wade requested a court order blocking Swift’s use of her “Showgirl” brand ​and unspecified monetary damages.

The much‑anticipated announcement followed ‌an ad campaign in the streets of Paris that had fuelled speculation that the French‑speaking Canadian star, best known for her powerful ballads, would stage her comeback in the ​French capital.

“This year, I will receive the best gift of my ​life. I will have the chance to come and see ⁠you and to sing for you again in Paris starting this autumn, ​in September,” Dion, who turned 58 on Monday, said on French TV station ​France 2.

The announcement was simultaneously advertised through a light show on the Eiffel Tower.

Pre-sale tickets will go on sale on April 7, while the general sale will start ​April 10.

The performer rose to global stardom in the late 1990s with “My ​Heart Will Go On,” the theme song of the blockbuster “Titanic.”

She put her career on hold ‌in ⁠2022 for medical reasons, saying at the time that she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Stiff‑Person Syndrome, which causes severe muscle spasms. It left her unable to sing.

The diagnosis led her to postpone, then ​cancel, her “Courage World Tour”.

One ​of the ⁠world’s all-time top earners from combined album sales and concert revenue, Dion performed two residencies in Las Vegas from ​2003 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2019.

At the ​time, these ⁠were considered the most profitable gigs ever.

She made a first reappearance after two years of silence during the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony with a version ⁠of ​Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour”.

Her performance then led to ​speculation that she might one day return to major stages around the world.

Speaking to The Times of London, HBO CEO Casey Bloys said the writing for Season 2 is underway to prevent long gaps between seasons.

“Our goal is not to have a huge gap, especially because the kids are growing. It’s not going to be an annual; the show is too big and too massive. But … they’re writing season two now,” he explained.

The early start is practical, given that the story follows young characters progressing through their school years at Hogwarts.

Production delays could create noticeable age gaps between the actors and their characters.

While the series is too large in scale for strict annual releases, HBO intends to avoid the long multi-year breaks seen in other major streaming shows.

The first season is scheduled to premiere in December 2026 and will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with subsequent seasons expected to cover one book each.

Starting Season 2 before Season 1 airs is unusual, but Bloys said HBO is planning the show as a long-term franchise.

The approach will allow the story to progress more smoothly from one Hogwarts year to the next without major delays, maintaining continuity in the young cast’s appearances.

As the 18-year-old walked onto the stage in a silvery gown with a feathered cover-up, her veneers unexpectedly fell into her mouth mid-speech.

Despite the moment’s embarrassment, Chanago quickly composed herself, discreetly removed the veneers while turning slightly from the audience, and continued down the runway with a confident smile.

Pageant organisers praised her for handling the incident “with professionalism and composure.”

A spokesperson for Miss Grand International told People magazine, “During her on-stage introduction, Kamolwan Chanago experienced a minor and unexpected incident in which her veneer teeth became dislodged.

We are proud of her confidence and stage presence throughout the competition.”

The incident quickly went viral, and Chanago later embraced the moment with humour during the finals on March 28.

She returned to the stage in a fiery red outfit, wearing her veneers and flashing a cheeky grin to the applauding crowd.

Although she did not win the crown, Ning Patama Jitsawat took first place.

Chanago earned widespread admiration for her elegance and poise under pressure, turning a potentially embarrassing moment into a memorable highlight.

According to media reports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating two separate cases involving Abbasi’s financial dealings.

Journalist Junaid Saleem, in a recent vlog, claimed that suspicious transactions worth approximately Rs25 billion had been recorded across 22 bank accounts linked to Abbasi.

The report further alleged a significant discrepancy between declared income — stated to be between Rs400,000 and Rs600,000 annually — and the volume of financial activity in those accounts.

Additional concerns include claims that her Islamabad clinic is unregistered and that payments were made via cheques issued in the names of employees, including drivers, raising further red flags for investigators.

One of the accounts is also reportedly jointly held with family members, adding complexity to the case.

The report also highlighted Abbasi’s frequent international travel, particularly between Dubai and Islamabad, as well as her alleged use of private jets and luxury vehicles, based on social media activity.

The case is being closely watched due to its potential implications for financial transparency and tax compliance. Authorities say the facts will become clear once investigations are complete.

No official statement has been issued so far by Hamza Ali Abbasi or his family in response to the allegations.

It’s another blow for Fergie, as she was known, after newly released documents revealed her close links to convicted billionaire sex offender Epstein, whom she pumped for money and called “the brother I have always wished for”.

Retired teacher Helen Gibbons said she was so keen to attend the city council’s vote on removing the former Duchess of York’s symbolic title on Thursday that she cancelled a meeting of her book group.

The 78-year-old in a green sweater and gold-rimmed glasses was one of only a few residents to attend the landmark vote in the mediaeval Guildhall, in the heart of the former stronghold for the royal Plantagenet dynasty.

York, in northeast England, known for its graceful cathedral, has thousands of “Freemen”, a title dating back to the 13th century. They once enjoyed privileges such as the right to graze cattle, but now the role is largely ceremonial.

The decision to strip Ferguson, 66, of her “Freedom of the City of York” status was agreed unanimously in just a few minutes.

Claire Douglas, the leader of the council, said the city expected those who received the title to uphold “the values and behaviours consistent with such an honour”.

“Those who continued to associate with Epstein after his crimes became widely known fall well short of these expectations,” Douglas added.

For Gibbons, the vote was “a good thing” even though she defined herself as a “thoughtful royalist” who had “always had a soft spot for” Fergie.

‘Quite shocking’

Ferguson received the freedom of York honour in 1987, a year after the couple were married. Andrew was stripped of his freedom of the city in 2022 due to his links to Epstein, who died in 2019.

Andrew was later stripped of all his royal titles in October, including that of Duke of York. That also meant a loss of title for Ferguson, who had lived with him on the royal Windsor estate until recently despite their 1996 divorce.

The final blow came in February when Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the latest files on Epstein released by the US justice department in late January.

The cache also showed Ferguson had remained friendly with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for trafficking, and sex with a minor.

A US Democratic congressman, Suhas Subramanyam, on Thursday wrote to Ferguson asking her to testify to US lawmakers on her “social and business ties” to Epstein, the BBC reported.

The former duchess has lain low since the scandal broke and was last seen in public in December at the christening of her granddaughter, Athena. Andrew, meanwhile, has been ousted from Windsor and taken to the king’s remote estate in eastern Norfolk.

But Fergie’s public image has been shattered with numerous charities severing all ties. In mid-February, her charity, Sarah’s Trust, which supported humanitarian projects, announced its closure.

‘Rage’

Gibbons said she learnt of the depth of Ferguson’s disgrace from her 17-year-old granddaughter.

“One Saturday afternoon, while making tea, she suddenly flew into a rage when she came across an old mug with Andrew and Sarah on it,” she said.

Memorabilia for the 1986 royal wedding was produced on a mass scale.

“She just threw it straight in the bin!”, Gibbons said, sounding a little crestfallen.

Then “I started reading the papers, and it was quite shocking”, she said.

Previously, Ferguson had weathered numerous scandals and setbacks, mainly related to her chaotic finances, although she was once seen as a breath of fresh air among the stiff royals.

UK media have reported that Ferguson may now be considering earning a large sum for a tell-all interview with US media.

But in York’s Shambles, a picturesque shopping street lined with mediaeval buildings, reactions to the vote on Ferguson’s freedom of the city ranged from indifference to cold rage.

Robert Pratt, a retired railway worker, said he hoped the city could “move on from a rather embarrassing chapter”.

Oliver Dardillo, a bank worker, dismissed the topic. “I’d rather talk about the cost of living, rising rents and taxes than the royal family,” he said.

At the 17th-century Eagle and Child pub, the conversation was more about the war in Iran than Fergie.

But Joe Whitehair, a 45-year-old unemployed man, swore at the mention of Andrew and Sarah, as he drank his pint.

Another customer, Roger, was confident: “We won’t be hearing about those two any more — it’s over.”

The case was registered in Lahore by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). An investigating officer has now written to the deputy director requesting the removal of Mubarak’s name from the Passport Control List (PCL).

According to the official correspondence, Mubarak had initially been nominated in the case over allegations of promoting a gambling app. His name was later placed on the PCL after he failed to cooperate with investigators.

However, following the grant of bail, the suspect joined the investigation. The inquiry subsequently found him not guilty of the charges.

The investigating officer stated there was no objection to removing his name from the PCL and formally requested approval from relevant authorities.

Speaking on a private TV channel’s Eid special show, Deedar described Resham as a “negative personality,” claiming her on-screen roles reflect her real-life behaviour.

“Resham is a talented actor, especially in negative roles, but she carries the same negativity in real life,” Deedar said. “She has ruined many homes and lives.”

The remarks have drawn attention due to the pair’s past friendship, which Deedar said lasted several years before ending on a bitter note.

She also issued a warning to Resham’s current associates, urging them to “stay cautious” and protect themselves.

In a sarcastic tone, Deedar referenced Resham’s charitable work and interest in cooking, suggesting she was aware of the “reality” behind such activities.

Deedar rose to fame with the Punjabi film Choorian and was once a prominent name in stage and film. She later left the entertainment industry after marriage.

Resham, meanwhile, remains a well-known figure in Pakistan’s television and film industry.

The controversy has triggered mixed reactions online, with users debating the credibility and timing of the allegations.

In one of her moments on stage ​at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Swift encouraged artists to give ​themselves time to learn a craft without seeking immediate feedback on ⁠the Internet.

The singer said she had spent “thousands of hours” as a ​teenager playing her guitar, writing songs, making mistakes and learning from them - in ​private.

“I’m a firm believer that anything you feed your mind, it will internalise, and anything you feed the Internet, it will attempt to kill,” she said as she held the ​album of the year trophy. “And I don’t want that for your dreams.”

Swift, who ​wore a seafoam green velvet corset and matching miniskirt with light pink bead accents, also ‌took ⁠home awards, including song of the year and best music video for “The Fate of Ophelia.”

Olympic figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu presented the artist of the year award to Swift, who gushed about Liu’s Olympic performance. “You brought me so ​much happiness,” Swift said.

Earlier, ​Swift told the ⁠crowd that “Showgirl” was inspired by the positivity she felt from fans on her record-breaking Eras Tour.

“The album came out ​with this energy of just feeling really happy and strong ​and confident ⁠and free. And so I want to say thank you to the fans for giving me that feeling,” Swift said.

Her daily life with fiancé Travis Kelce provides ⁠similar ​energy, Swift said.

“So thanks for all the vibes,” ​she said to the NFL star, who was seated in the front row wearing a brown leather ​jacket.

The pair announced their engagement in August.

The company’s ad-supported tier will now cost $8.99 a month, compared with $7.99 earlier, while ​prices for its standard plan rose $2 per ​month to $19.99, according to its website.

The premium ⁠plan now costs $26.99 a month, up from $24.99 earlier.

​Netflix has also increased the price of adding ​an extra member to $7.99 for ad-supported plans and to $9.99 for ad-free plans.

Netflix, which has more than 325 million subscribers, ​had scrapped its cheapest ad-free plan, called basic, ​in 2023, leaving users with its more expensive premium and ‌standard ⁠plans, as well as the standard plan with ads.

With the new prices, the company’s average revenue per subscriber in the US-Canada region will rise ​6% year-over-year ​in 2026, ⁠according to estimates from TD Cowen analysts.

It last raised prices early last year.

Netflix reported ​revenue of $12.1 billion for the October-December ​period, ⁠modestly exceeding analysts’ estimates.

In February, it walked away from bidding for Warner Bros’ streaming and studio assets, paving ⁠the ​way for Paramount Skydance to ​buy the storied Hollywood studio in a $110 billion deal.