The DOJ said it spent eight ‌months evaluating how the transaction would affect streaming video services, traditional television and the film industry, weighing input from across the entertainment industry.

“The extensive investigatory record reviewed by the Division suggests that the impact of the transaction will be to increase competition across the media and entertainment ecosystem, with benefits for American consumers and workers,” the Justice Department wrote in a statement ​released on Friday.

Paramount CEO David Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated ties with President Donald Trump, and the company has hired ​former Trump officials.

Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi had said that politics would “absolutely not” drive the DOJ’s review of the transaction.

Competition for audiences, talent, investment

Paramount issued a statement thanking the DOJ for its review of the transaction, which it said would allow the company to better compete in ​an industry defined by an intense scramble for audiences, talent, technology and investment.

“We remain focused on completing the transaction as soon as possible and delivering its benefits ​to consumers, creators, and the entertainment industry as a whole,” Paramount said.

The Federal Communications Commission has not yet approved a petition seeking approval for foreign interests, including Gulf sovereign wealth funds, to own up to 100% of the debt in the proposed $110 billion deal.

Democratic senators raised concerns about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and Chinese companies taking part in the deal. ​

They noted that it involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that would control CBS stations, as well ​as major cable news operations including CNN.

They also cited media reports that China’s Tencent may take part.

The family of Paramount CEO David Ellison will continue to control voting shares.

Paramount ‌said in ⁠a filing on Thursday that the “new foreign investors, which will receive only non-voting equity, will not have any ability to influence the company’s editorial decision-making.”

The DOJ said it reviewed more than 2 million documents obtained from 80 sources in evaluating the deal’s impact on various segments of the entertainment industry.

It concluded that a combined Paramount+ and HBO Max would create a stronger alternative to larger streaming services and increase competition in a way that would benefit consumers.

The deal is unlikely to ​harm the traditional television business, where ​there is vigorous competition for live ⁠sports, news and political commentary, the DOJ found.

The theatrical business is similarly seeing more robust competition, as Paramount and Warner Bros compete not only with traditional Hollywood rivals, but with smaller independent studios such as A24 and newcomers such as ​Apple and Netflix, which have signalled continued interest in theatrical releases, wrote the DOJ.

Since the deal was announced, theatrical ​production has increased, it ⁠found.

The DOJ dismissed comparisons to the $71 billion merger of Walt Disney and Twenty-First Century Fox, which closed in 2019, a year before the COVID-19 outbreak triggered dramatic changes in audience consumption patterns.

Disney has substantially increased its spending on content in the years since, the DOJ found.

However, several in Hollywood — including actors, directors, writers and producers — have ⁠expressed concern ​that the merger would result in fewer jobs and less diversity of storytelling.

California, New York and ​other US states are preparing a lawsuit to block the deal, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last week.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta posted on X that the proposed merger of Warner Bros ​and Paramount “remains under investigation by my office.”

The stadium was already shaking well before kickoff as Fatehi took centre stage, officially launching Canada’s portion of the tournament with an explosive performance that doubled as a deeply personal homecoming.

Fatehi, born and raised in Toronto to a Moroccan family, debuted her official FIFA anthem Siir Siir, a high-energy track created alongside collaborators Vegedream and Sanjoy.

The song weaves together Moroccan Darija, Arabic, French, and English into a single rhythmic blend, mirroring Fatehi’s own multicultural identity.

The anthem’s title is drawn from a well-known Moroccan football chant that translates simply as “go, go.”

Fatehi said she chose the hook with a universal purpose, hoping it would become a rallying cry that unites fans across the globe regardless of which team they are supporting this summer.

The track’s music video was filmed entirely on location in Morocco, its visuals centred on neighbourhood kids playing street soccer.

The concept was deliberate, capturing how football travels from dusty local alleyways to the world’s grandest arenas and how the game’s spirit is born not in stadiums but on the street.

A full-circle moment

To understand why Friday’s performance carried such weight, one has to look at Fatehi’s journey.

She grew up in Toronto absorbing the city’s multicultural energy before making the bold decision at just 22 to leave home and try her luck in India’s fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

Against considerable odds, she conquered Bollywood, becoming one of its most recognisable faces and a definitive dance superstar with a global following.

She is no stranger to major sporting stages, having performed at the Qatar 2022 World Cup closing ceremony.

But stepping out in front of the community that raised her, as a headline act on one of sport’s biggest platforms, made Friday night something different altogether.

A star-studded tournament soundtrack

Fatehi’s performance adds her name to an impressive roster of global artists powering the cultural side of this expanded World Cup.

FIFA has curated an 18-song official soundtrack featuring some of the biggest names in the international music industry.

The musical programme had already set a high bar 24 hours earlier at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Colombian superstar Shakira headlined a star-studded ceremony alongside Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy, reggaeton star J Balvin, and South African vocalist Tyla, all ahead of Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.

Shakira and Burna Boy performed their collaborative track Dai Dai at the event.

With the opening ceremonies complete and the anthems delivered, the focus now shifts firmly to the football.

The septet, which debuted in 2013 with No More Dream, has long been associated with the number seven, reflecting its seven members.

Fans say the number frequently appears in the group’s content, including solo projects and social media posts, where subtle references such as seven objects, items or gestures are often noted.

Examples cited by fans include appearances of seven background dancers in music videos, seven items in personal posts, and symbolic references shared by members across various platforms.

The pattern has become a recurring theme within the fandom, often highlighted during major milestones.

BTS also marked their first group Weverse Live together in July, which fans noted aligned with the seventh month of the year, further reinforcing the narrative around the number.

As the group approaches its 13th anniversary on June 13, fans have also drawn attention to the significance of the number 13 alongside seven, describing the combination as a meaningful coincidence tied to the group’s timeline.

While BTS has not formally explained the repeated use of numerical symbolism, fans say the group often incorporates interpretive elements into its creative work, allowing meanings to be shaped through audience engagement.

The discussion has resurfaced online as ARMY reflects on the group’s journey from debut to its current era of solo and group activities, with many viewing the numerical patterns as part of a shared cultural language between BTS and their fandom.

The performance will take place during the World Cup final, with BTS expected to take the stage at halftime. FIFA has promoted the event as part of its wider entertainment programme for the tournament.

The halftime show will be curated by Chris Martin, with special appearances from Sesame Street and The Muppets.

The event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise funds for youth education and access to football worldwide.

BTS previously had a connection to the World Cup through Jungkook, who performed the tournament anthem Dreamers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

While the group’s setlist has not been announced, fans are eagerly awaiting details about the songs BTS will perform at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

The teaser, shared on Instagram, shows Scooby-Doo running through a forest near a summer camp before encountering Shaggy, marking the beginning of their friendship in the reimagined origin story.

Filming is underway in Atlanta, with the series described as a modern take on the classic mystery franchise.

The main cast includes Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones, Tanner Hagen as Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma Dinkley, and McKenna Grace as Daphne Blake.

Paul Walter Hauser is also attached in an undisclosed role.

According to production details, the story follows Shaggy and Daphne during their final summer at camp as they become involved in a supernatural mystery linked to a lost Great Dane puppy.

They are later joined by Velma and Fred as they form the Mystery Inc. team.

The series is written and executive produced by Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, with Greg Berlanti among the executive producers. Toby Haynes will direct the first episode.

In a petition filed on Monday, Reiner’s civil attorneys say trustees managing the account have refused to release payments he is entitled to under the trust, without what they describe as valid legal justification.

The filing argues the trust was structured to provide him with staged payments at specific ages, and that the remaining funds are now urgently required.

“Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths,” the petition states, while adding that he is presumed innocent and entitled to mount a legal defence using resources he is lawfully owed.

Reiner, 32, has been charged in connection with the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who were found stabbed at their home in Brentwood on 14 December.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.

Court filings cited by the Associated Press say Reiner was previously represented by high-profile attorney Alan Jackson, who later withdrew from the case.

His siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, had initially agreed to cover legal fees but later reversed that decision.

The petition also claims the trust, managed by attorney Paul R. Kanin, holds at least $1.5 million, though its exact value has not been confirmed.

It alleges the trustee has given shifting reasons for withholding payments, including concerns about Reiner’s capacity.

In a supporting declaration, Jackson said his firm would consider resuming representation if funding is restored.

Reiner is due back in court for a pretrial hearing in September as the criminal case continues.

Season 3 premiered in April and quickly became a major hit, reportedly drawing 12.9 million views within its first four days and reaching the top of Netflix’s global rankings.

However, no renewal for Season 4 has been announced, prompting growing speculation and frustration among viewers who have taken to social media to demand clarity on the show’s future.

Cast members have also acknowledged the uncertainty.

In recent comments, lead actor Anna Cathcart said there was still no confirmation on whether the series would continue, adding that both the cast and fans were waiting for updates.

She described Season 3 as a “special experience,” while noting that the team remains uncertain about what comes next despite their enthusiasm to continue.

The spin-off, which expands the world of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, follows Kitty Song Covey as she navigates life and relationships at a school in South Korea.

The series has built a strong fan base since its debut in 2023, particularly around the central romantic storyline between Kitty and Minho.

While Season 3 concluded with key developments in the characters’ relationships, the lack of confirmation for a follow-up season has left the story’s future unresolved.

Netflix has not yet issued any official statement regarding renewal or cancellation.

The couple appeared on Monday at the premiere of Perry’s concert film Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – Live from Paris, where they posed for photographs and greeted attendees.

Perry attended the event in a white halter-neck gown with rose-inspired detailing, while Trudeau wore a black suit and white shirt.

The appearance marks a public milestone in their relationship, which first drew attention in mid-2025 after they were seen together in Montreal and later at a dinner in the city.

The pair’s relationship became more widely known following subsequent public outings, including concert appearances and industry events over the past year.

At the premiere, Perry spoke about her concert film, describing it as a live performance-focused project aimed at capturing her tour experience for fans.

The Tribeca Festival appearance is their most high-profile public outing together since their relationship became public.

The Metropolitan Police said Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was found with stab wounds in Silvertown on Friday and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Riley was known as a Grammy-winning songwriter and had worked with several major international artists, including Ellie Goulding and Zendaya, and had also toured with Usher. He had nearly 77,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Tributes have poured in from family, friends and figures in the music industry.

His brother, rapper Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi), described him as a “friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives,” saying their last conversation was about plans and staying positive.

Artists including Stormzy, Kehlani, Wretch 32, Craig David and Paloma Faith also paid tribute on social media, describing him as a talented and kind individual whose loss is deeply felt.

Riley received a writing credit on the song Lights On from H.E.R.’s self-titled album, which won a Grammy Award in 2019.

Police said a second man in his 20s was also injured in the incident and remains in hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, with one later released on bail, while two others were released without further action.

According to his agency, Gold Medalist, Kim is scheduled to film a commercial on July 14 in South Korea for a Philippine fashion brand.

The shoot will be his first public activity since March last year.

Kim had largely stayed out of the public eye after allegations emerged regarding his relationship with Kim Sae-ron.

Claims alleged the relationship began in 2015 when she was a minor and lasted for six years.

Additional accusations suggested he pressured her over debt repayment.

The actor denied the allegations during a press conference, stating that the relationship began only after Kim Sae-ron had reached adulthood.

Kim subsequently filed criminal defamation complaints against Kim Sae-ui, head of the YouTube channel HoverLab (Garo Sero Institute), and members of the late actress’s family.

He also launched a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won (about $8.8 million) in damages.

The controversy led to several endorsement deals being terminated and the Disney+ series Knock-Off being placed on indefinite hold.

In May, police concluded that KakaoTalk messages and audio recordings released by Kim Sae-ui’s side had been manipulated or edited.

Kim Sae-ui was later referred to prosecutors while in detention.

In a statement, the Gold Medalist thanked those who supported the actor and expressed appreciation to investigators and judicial authorities for what it described as a fair and impartial legal process.

“It’s about to die, and that’s why I feel so passionately about this issue,” he said.

Conover was a featured speaker on Saturday at an event billed as the first stop in a three-city “Main Street vs. The Merger” tour bringing together entertainment workers, small business owners and politicians who ​oppose Paramount Skydance’s plan to absorb Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110 billion transaction.

About 100 people gathered at Lumiere Music Hall in Los Angeles for the ​event, which was organised by advocacy groups, the Writers Guild of America and industry workers who wanted to voice their concerns ⁠about the merger.

US antitrust regulators appear poised to approve the combination, amid assurances from Paramount Skydance that the deal would not hurt other studios or creative talent.

CEO David Ellison has pledged that the combined Paramount and Warner studios would stay productive by releasing at least 30 films a year.

But a group of US states, including ​California and New York are preparing a lawsuit to block the deal, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Conover knows firsthand the toll of cost-cutting from media mergers.

After AT&T’s 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, his TruTV show Adam Ruins Everything was cancelled, putting employees, “countless” contractors and more than 100 others out of work.

The job losses reflect an entertainment industry where employment has declined since ​its peak in late 2022.

California has been especially hard hit, shedding 17,234 positions from 2019 through 2023, according to the Milken Institute.

It concluded that a combination ​of factors — including shrinking television ad revenue and stagnating streaming growth — convinced studios to look for less-expensive places to make movies and series.

The occupancy rate in Hollywood’s sound stages has fallen ‌to 62% ⁠in the first half of 2025, down from nearly full occupancy in 2016, according to Film LA, the non-profit organisation that coordinates filming in greater Los Angeles.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents 170,000 behind-the-scenes professionals, has said its members worked about 36% fewer hours than in 2022.

Matt Radecki, a co-founder of the Different by Design post-production facility in Los Angeles, fears a Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger will result in fewer buyers for documentary films such as the Oscar-winning Navalny, which was ​produced by two Warner units, HBO Max ​and CNN Films.

“This is the biggest ⁠thing that we’ve faced,” Radecki told attendees on Saturday.

“The places we work with are closed … They’re gone, and they’re never coming back, and we don’t want to see that happen to HBO or CNN or CNN Films.”

Former Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya ​expressed optimism that California Attorney General Rob Bonta could block the merger. Bonta could argue that the Paramount Skydance-Warner deal ​lessens competition among film ⁠studios, thereby indirectly affecting workers.

But it is also possible in the US to block a merger by arguing it would decrease competition for specific types of labour.

Antitrust authorities did so once before, in the case of publisher Penguin Random House’s bid to buy rival Simon & Schuster in 2022.

California could point to that precedent in any labour-focused challenge, said Ioana ⁠Marinescu, a ​University of Pennsylvania economist who wrote the Biden-era Justice Department’s guidelines on labour market issues.

“For some workers, ​it could be that jobs at these two companies are really special, and this is really what they want,” she said.

“And there isn’t necessarily a very close substitute. And those are the people for whom ​it’s going to make an adverse impact.”

The song, Tu Hai Wohi, is built around the classic composition Tu Tu Hai Wohi, originally performed by legendary playback singers Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar for the 1981 Bollywood film Yeh Vaada Raha.

Rather than re-recording the original, Azhar composed entirely new verses, reworked the production, and layered his own vocals over a reimagined arrangement — creating a track that feels both familiar and distinctly modern.

The release landed with an enthusiastic reception. Comment sections on YouTube and Instagram filled rapidly, with fans praising both the song’s production and Azhar’s vocal performance.

Many reacted to the sampling choice with particular appreciation, noting that the treatment respects the source material rather than overwriting it.

The sentiment reflects a broader context. Azhar, 29, has been a prominent figure in Pakistani pop since his early teens, but recent years have seen him focused largely on drama OSTs and collaborative releases. Tu Hai Wohi marks a return to the solo romantic pop format that first earned him a wide following — and fans have noticed.

The personal buzz

Beyond the music itself, the song quickly generated a secondary wave of attention online.

Azhar’s former relationship with actress Hania Aamir is widely known, and the track’s romantic theme, longing for someone impossible to forget, prompted fans to draw connections.

Comment sections were soon filled with users tagging Aamir directly, with one writing “I think he’s looking for you” and another urging her to “take notes, please.” Neither Azhar nor Aamir has publicly addressed the speculation.

Tu Hai Wohi is Azhar’s first major standalone release in several months and arrives without a confirmed album announcement.

Given the scale of its opening-day reception, however, industry observers expect further music to follow in short order. The song is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Fans seeking tickets for shows in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Taiwan, Manila and Hong Kong have been advised to complete Weverse ARMY Membership presale registrations early, as registration requirements vary by city.

Preparations include ensuring ARMY Membership is active and verified, logging into ticketing platforms before sales begin, keeping membership details readily available and securing a stable internet connection.

Many fans have reported missing out on tickets due to delayed logins, unavailable membership information, queue disruptions caused by excessive refreshing and hesitation during seat selection.

Despite long virtual queues, experienced fans say ticket opportunities can still emerge as failed payments, expired reservations and additional inventory release seats back into the system.

Fans are also encouraging others to carefully check ticket sale times across different time zones and remain in queues even when faced with large numbers of people ahead.

Community support has also played a key role, with fans sharing updates, ticketing advice and opportunities through online groups as demand for BTS shows remains high.

With ticket sales continuing for upcoming concerts in Bangkok, Manila and Hong Kong, fans are being encouraged to stay prepared and persistent throughout the purchasing process.

Yumi’s Cells

Starring Kim Go-eun, the series follows office worker Yumi through the perspective of animated brain cells that influence her daily decisions, emotions and relationships.

The romantic comedy blends live action with animation and offers a unique take on everyday life.

Romance Is a Bonus Book

Featuring Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young, the drama centres on a divorced woman restarting her career at a publishing company, where she reconnects with a longtime friend.

The series combines romance with a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.

Once Upon a Small Town

The story follows a veterinarian from Seoul who temporarily relocates to the countryside to manage his grandfather’s clinic.

There, he meets a local police officer, leading to a light-hearted small-town romance.

Our Beloved Summer

Starring Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi, the series follows two former high-school sweethearts who reunite years after a difficult breakup.

The drama explores second chances, personal growth and unresolved emotions.

Welcome to Samdal-ri

Led by Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, the drama tells the story of a woman who returns to her hometown after setbacks in city life and reconnects with her former love.

In a statement released through the PA news agency, his daughters Emily and Daisy Head said their father died peacefully from complications related to pneumonia while surrounded by family.

“It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many,” they said.

Head was best known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the cult supernatural drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar that aired from 1997 to 2003.

He also portrayed Rupert Mannion, the former owner of Richmond FC, in the hit comedy series Ted Lasso.

Headfirst gained prominence in the UK during the 1980s through a series of television coffee advertisements alongside actress Sharon Maughan.

In addition to acting, he was also known for his singing career and distinctive baritone voice.

The upcoming film, titled Ice Age: Boiling Point, will continue the story of the prehistoric herd, including Manny, Sid and Diego.

While full plot details have not been released, early information suggests the characters will face a more volatile prehistoric world featuring shifting landscapes and lava-filled environments, expanding beyond the series’ traditional icy settings.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on February 5, 2027.

The original voice cast, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg and Queen Latifah, is expected to return.

The franchise has been inactive since Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), making this one of the longest gaps between instalments in the series.

The announcement has renewed interest in the franchise, which remains one of Disney’s established animated properties.

Pop singer ⁠Lipa, 30, and actor Turner, ​36, were pictured in the sunshine ​at the city’s five-star Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, which is owned by British ​businessman Rocco Forte and his ​family.

The celebrity couple married last weekend in a ‌simple ⁠ceremony in London, according to media reports, and are now throwing a party in Palermo for ​friends and ​family.

Lipa ⁠is a three-time Grammy Award winner, whose albums ​include “Future Nostalgia” from 2020.

Turner is ​a ⁠familiar face to British TV viewers through series including dystopian thriller “The ⁠Capture” ​and also starred ​in the film “The Boys in the Boat”.

“Well, I was born in ’94, so I just really missed out on the initial wave of He-Man,” the English actor told Reuters.

However, after learning what the franchise has meant to generations of ​fans — especially those who grew up in the 1980s — and falling in love ​with the script, Galitzine said he became increasingly inspired to take on ⁠the character.

“I think the love and desperation to play the character kind of grew,” ​he said.

He-Man originated in the early 1980s as a Mattel action figure, with the 2026 Masters ​of the Universe film emerging from a collaboration between Mattel Studios and Amazon MGM Studios.

In 2025, Mattel merged its film and television divisions to form Mattel Studios, marking a significant step toward building entertainment ​around its brands, following the commercial success of the 2023 film “Barbie.”

Mattel Films President Robbie Brenner, ​who also serves as president and chief content officer of the combined unit, produced Masters of the Universe, ‌while Bumblebee ⁠director Travis Knight helmed the project.

The film follows Prince Adam, played by Galitzine, as he returns to his home planet of Eternia to embrace his destiny as He-Man and defend it from the villain Skeletor, portrayed by Jared Leto.

The cast also includes Idris Elba ​as Duncan, a trusted ​general; Camila Mendes as ⁠Teela, Duncan’s adoptive daughter; Alison Brie as the villainous sorceress Evil-Lyn; and Sam C. Wilson as Kronis, a cybernetic weapons expert allied ​with Skeletor.

Elba said he relishes the chance to introduce the franchise ​he grew ⁠up with to a new generation, including co-stars like Mendes, who, like Galitzine, did not experience He-Man in its original era.

“I think good IP has that opportunity to reimagine good art,” ⁠Elba ​said.

“We’re still doing Shakespeare, and we’re still doing biblical ​stories,” he added, noting that revisiting well-known material allows storytellers to connect it with younger audiences.

’Television taught me what to value, what is important, what I should aspire to.

Masters of the Universe ​arrives in theatres on Friday.

Creative director Marcus Smith introduced the sequence, which opens with Logan tracking a group of mutants captured by the Reavers, a cybernetic mercenaries working for a figure named Bolivar Trask.

Logan’s signature yellow suit is quickly soaked in red as he hacks his way through the facility, with the claws delivering the kind of visceral, bone-crunching damage comic fans have always imagined.

“The X-Men don’t exist yet in this world — Logan is part of a mutant-protecting group called Team X, facing its darkest hour.” Marcus Smith, Creative Director, said.

The biggest story moment came mid-sequence: Jean Grey appears alongside Logan as the two team up against Trask’s forces. She has a clear and prominent role in the narrative, though playability wasn’t confirmed.

A motorcycle chase across rooftops and through a truck convoy added spectacle before the demo closed with teases of Sabretooth, additional enemy factions, and new suits.

On the gameplay mechanics side, Insomniac confirmed that Logan can die, specifically, if his heart stops, but adrenaline and rage can restart it. When damage accumulates, players mash a button to trigger the healing factor. For those who prefer less carnage, the studio confirmed a less-violent difficulty path and the option to disable blood entirely in accessibility settings.

The game is set across several locations, Madripoor, the Canadian wilderness, and the streets of Tokyo, and is described as a global thriller.

Standard edition costs $69.99; the Digital Deluxe comes in at $79.99 and includes extra suits, claw variants, and additional technique points. Pre-order bonuses include Logan’s classic brown suit, reflective claws, a bonus ability point, and four PlayStation avatars.

Marvel’s Wolverine releases on September 15, 2026, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

Faye, whose true name is Laufey, was secretly a Jötunn giant from Jötunheim hiding among mortals. She was Kratos’ wife and the mother of Atreus, who is later revealed to be the Norse trickster god Loki.

Despite never appearing alive in the games, her fingerprints were on every major event of the Norse saga. She was, according to legend within the game’s world, a feared and respected warrior known as Laufey the Just.

The game picks up immediately after her death, with Faye waking in the Everywhen — a lawless afterlife where gods from every mythology across history clash for dominance. Her mission: protect Kratos and Atreus from beyond the grave. Gameplay shifts away from Kratos’ heavy, brutal style toward something faster and more aerial. She’s joined by two companions — a witty cosmic cube named Phranque, voiced by Jack Quaid, and a ribbon guardian called Rue. Deborah Ann Woll leads the cast as Faye.

Sony revealed that the game is still in development and no release date has been announced.

The debate gained momentum after leading actress Deepika Padukone reportedly exited a major project last year over a demand for shorter working hours following motherhood, thrusting the issue of work-life balance into the spotlight in India’s film industry.

Bollywood has long been known for punishing schedules, with shifts often stretching from 12 to 18 hours and, at times, continuing for more than a day during intensive shoots.

But what was once accepted as the norm is now being questioned, with growing calls for humane working conditions and limits on daily hours.

Supporters of reform say the current system disproportionately puts pressure on women, who often face being labelled pushy or difficult – a stigma rarely attached to male stars.

Several actors, including Suniel Shetty, Kajol and Ram Kapoor, have backed the push for healthier boundaries, arguing that established stars should be able to set limits on working hours.

“Once you have achieved success in showbiz… then, yes, you are in a position to choose how many hours you want to work,” Kapoor told AFP, reflecting a view that bargaining power in the industry remains tied to status.

Others, however, warn that the fluid nature of filmmaking makes rigid eight-hour shifts “unreal” to enforce on mega-budget sets.

Poor planning

“This is not like a corporate job,” said actor Ali Fazal, pointing to the varying demands of projects, particularly action-heavy or technically complex productions.

Actress Chitrangda Singh echoed that argument, citing several variables such as weather disruptions and equipment failures that can derail tightly planned schedules.

“Filmmaking is also driven by business realities,” she said.

Industry insiders highlight the steep costs involved in large productions, where locations, crew and equipment can cost more than $26,000 per day, creating pressure to maximise shooting time.

Former Cine & TV Artistes’ Association official Amit Behl said filmmakers often cannot afford to halt shoots midway, especially when a large crew or elaborate action sequences are involved.

“The bungalow in which ‘Animal’ (an action blockbuster) was shot cost 25 lakh rupees ($26,300) a day rental,” said Behl.

“Then you have to prop it up with junior artistes, which is an additional expenditure besides catering, electricity, vanity vans and bouncers.”

Indie horror flicks ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ draw Gen Z to the cinema

But critics argue that such explanations often mask poor planning and systemic inefficiencies, placing the burden of long hours on cast and crew.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur criticised what he called a hierarchy that prioritises top actors over technicians, saying work-life balance should apply to all on the set.

“Everyone (should have) the privilege to define the hours they want to work,” he told AFP.

‘Workaholic’

The controversy has also highlighted disparities within the industry, where junior artistes and crew often have little negotiating power.

For many, the recent debate marks a broader shift in Bollywood, with younger professionals and established stars alike beginning to challenge the long-standing norms.

Yet opinions remain divided.

“I have seen Shah Rukh Khan on sets working 27 hours non-stop when he had to complete a scene. He doesn’t need to do it,” Behl said, referring to the Bollywood superstar.

“But you can’t leave a scene mid-way… if it is an action scene where fighters are involved, anything can happen… it is not like shutting a laptop and working for an IT company.”

Some veterans, like actress Madhuri Dixit, frame the issue as a personal choice rather than a structural problem.

“We did a 12-hour shift or maybe more every day for ‘Mrs Deshpande’,” she told AFP, mentioning the 2025 crime thriller.

“But if a woman wants to work (fewer) hours, that is her prerogative, her life… more power to her. To each his own, I’m a workaholic!”

The ceremony was attended by members of the film and drama industry, along with family and close friends, who congratulated the actress on the occasion.

Videos shared online show guests dancing during the event, while Momina Iqbal was also seen participating in the celebrations.

According to social media posts, the actress had married a few days earlier, and multiple wedding-related events have since taken place.

The visuals from the ongoing celebrations have gained significant attention online.

“It’s really hard to get tickets for ​BTS concerts, so everyone says praying is the most efficient. After all, ​it’s another kind of matchmaking,” said fan Jessie Chuang, ​26.

Over the weekend, a group of K-pop fans, mostly BTS fans, laid out snacks in purple packaging — the official BTS group colour — ​along with group merchandise, concert seat maps and ​wish lists on an altar table at Taipei’s Bangka Longshan Temple.

The ‌trend ⁠started on social media a couple of years ago.

Taiwanese K-pop fans believe Yue Lao will use his red thread of fate to connect those destined to meet — ​in this ​case, connecting fans ⁠with a concert seat.

“If you truly believe in it, your wish will come ​true,” said university student Ye Yu-ting, 22.

The last ​time ⁠BTS performed with all their members in Taiwan was in 2018.

The group announced their long-awaited world tour in early ⁠2026 ​and will perform three shows ​in Kaohsiung on November 19, 21 and 22.

West, also known as Ye, has faced a wave of cancellations across Europe this summer following years of antisemitic ​remarks, including statements praising Adolf Hitler and the ​release of content using Nazi imagery.

In his first appearance ⁠in Europe since 2014, and his first in Turkey, ​Ye performed for two hours in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium ​to an audience of 118,000, state-run Anadolu Agency said.

Among the audience were fans from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland and ​the Middle East, Anadolu said.

The 48-year-old rapper is set ​to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

Ye has faced a global ‌backlash, ⁠not least for his release of Heil Hitler, a song promoting Nazism.

In April, Britain denied Ye entry because his presence would not be conducive to the public good, forcing the ​cancellation of ​a planned appearance ⁠at the Wireless Festival in London.

Later that month, he also postponed a show in Marseille after ​reports that the French government had sought ​to block ⁠it, and a concert in Poland was also subsequently cancelled.

In January, Ye took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street ⁠Journal ​renouncing his past admiration for Hitler ​and apologising for his behaviour, which he attributed to an undiagnosed brain injury and ​untreated bipolar disorder.

The move sparked widespread speculation after social media users noticed that Johar had dramatically reduced the number of accounts he follows on Instagram despite having more than 17 million followers.

Addressing the issue through an Instagram Story, Johar said he was trying to cut down the time and energy he spends on the platform.

“It’s a DIGITAL DETOX!!!! Am unfollowing everyone to reduce my time and energy spent on the gram!!! This can’t be national news for gods sake… please clickbait something else! This is irrelevant!,” he wrote.

Fans had observed that several of Johar’s closest friends and industry colleagues, including Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Manish Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Malaika Arora and Ananya Panday, were no longer on his following list.

Users also noted that actor Kartik Aaryan had been unfollowed despite starring in Johar’s upcoming production “Naagzilla.”

According to social media observers, Johar is no longer following any major Bollywood actor on Instagram. Among the prominent names still appearing on his list are Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta, business associate Adar Poonawalla and actor Priyanka Chopra.

Johar has long been one of Bollywood’s most active social media personalities, frequently sharing updates about his professional projects and personal life, including posts about his children, Yash and Roohi.

The filmmaker has previously spoken about the impact of online criticism and trolling on mental well-being. In 2022, he left X, formerly Twitter, saying he wanted to create space for positive energy.

On the professional front, Johar’s latest production, “Chaand Mera Dil,” starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, recently hit cinemas. The film has received mixed reviews and has reportedly struggled at the box office, earning around Rs200 million in India so far.

Dutch lawmakers had urged the government to bar West, who is now known as Ye, ​citing his past remarks and expressions of admiration for Nazism ​and Adolf Hitler.

“Solid grounds are needed to bar people ⁠from entering (the Netherlands). We have not found those in the analyses ​that were conducted,” Bart van den Brink said on Friday.

“His past statements ​are not, at this moment, a reason to deny him entry.”

The 48-year-old rapper will perform at the concert venue GelreDome in the city of Arnhem, about 100 ​km southeast of Amsterdam, on June 6 and 8.

They ​would be Ye’s first European performances since 2014, GelreDome said on its website.

Arnhem authorities ‌said ⁠no permits to protest the concerts had so far been requested.

Ye has faced a growing global backlash, including for his release of “Heil Hitler”, a song promoting Nazism.

In April, Britain denied Ye entry on the grounds that his ​presence would not ​be conducive to ⁠the public good, forcing the cancellation of his planned Wireless Festival appearance in London.

Later that month, ​he also postponed a Marseille show after reports that the French ​government had ⁠sought to block it, and a concert in Poland was also subsequently cancelled.

In January, Ye took out a full-page ad in US newspaper the ⁠Wall Street ​Journal, renouncing his past admiration for ​Hitler and apologising for his behaviour, which he attributed to an undiagnosed brain injury and untreated ​bipolar disorder.

Judge Sherilyn Garnett delivered the sentence for Kenneth Iwamasa, the person who found Perry floating face down and lifeless in a hot tub at his Los ​Angeles home in October 2023.

Federal prosecutors said Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine at the actor’s request before leaving the residence to run ​errands. Perry was dead when Iwamasa returned.

“I am so sorry to all of you,” Iwamasa said in court, turning to face ⁠the Perry family. “I’m just so sorry to have done illegal acts I will forever regret. I will take that to my grave.”

Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather, ​was the only family member to speak in court.

He said Iwamasa failed to raise the alarm about Perry’s deepening ketamine addiction and chose to keep “living ​like a king” in the star’s home.

“You kept injecting him with more,” Morrison said, looking directly at Iwamasa. “You could have made the phone call, but you were living a pretty dandy life.”

An autopsy report concluded that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” which, combined with other factors, caused him to lose consciousness and drown.

Ketamine, a short-acting ​but potent anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, is sometimes prescribed to treat depression and other psychological disorders but has gained popularity as an illicit party drug.

Iwamasa ​had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.

As part of a plea agreement, he admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without ‌medical training, ⁠including the lethal dose.

Under the deal, Iwamasa provided key evidence against other defendants. His sentence included two years’ supervised release and a $10,000 fine.

“You wanted control, control over Matthew and everything he owned,” Lisa Ferguson, Perry’s business manager and estate executor, said in court. “What you are is the monster who killed him.”

Prosecutors had asked for at least 41 months in federal prison for Iwamasa, who met Perry in 1992 and had been his live-in assistant since 2022.

They called him ​Perry’s “enabler and drug supplier” in court ​documents filed ahead of the sentencing.

Iwamasa’s ⁠lawyer, Alan Eisner, said his client “only did what his boss said.”

“Kenny will regret forever that he couldn’t step up and say ‘no’ to Mr Perry,” Eisner told reporters, as Iwamasa stood calmly beside him after the sentencing.

Iwamasa repeatedly injected ​Perry throughout October 2023 with ketamine and at least twice found him unconscious but kept administering the drug, prosecutors ​said.

Another time, ⁠he saw Perry “freeze” and lose the ability to speak after receiving a ketamine injection from a doctor.

“Your conduct was reckless, not just on the day of his death, but on the days leading up to his death,” Garnett told Iwamasa.

Before his death at age 54, Perry had acknowledged decades of substance abuse that overlapped with ⁠the height ​of his fame playing the sardonic but charming Chandler Bing on the 1990s hit NBC ​television comedy “Friends.”

Two doctors, a drug dealer and a go-between who helped obtain ketamine were previously sentenced in the case. Jasveen Sangha, a dealer dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” received the longest sentence of 15 ​years in prison.

The expansion, co-developed with Fool’s Theory, is scheduled for release in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to the company’s announcement on its official website.

The new content will once again feature series protagonist Geralt of Rivia and continues a storyline nearly 11 years after the game’s last major expansion, Blood and Wine, which launched in 2016.

This adds another chapter to the long-running success of The Witcher 3, which has accumulated more than 250 Game of the Year awards and remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, alongside a wider franchise total of roughly 85 million units.

CD Projekt’s announcement makes Songs of the Past the third major expansion for the award-winning 2015 title, following Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, both of which helped cement the game’s reputation as one of the most critically acclaimed RPGs in history.

The company said more details on the expansion will be revealed in the summer of 2026.

Speaking about the project, Meera said she experienced emotional strain while working on the psychological thriller and had to “live the character,” which she said impacted her mental state.

She added that she has previously played lighter and more glamorous roles, making this experience more difficult.

She described the film as emotionally charged, saying each scene carries “mystery and depth,” and called it her “Eidi” for audiences in Pakistan and India.

The actress said the film explores mental health and emotional instability, adding that the theme is reflected in its tagline, “The real enemy stays in the mind.”

Meera also said she believes every individual has complex emotional traits, though at different levels, and urged audiences to reflect on negative emotions after watching the film.

She credited director Shaan Shahid for shaping her performance, saying her work reflected his vision for the character.

Meera expressed admiration for Indian cinema and said she follows Bollywood films closely.

She said she would like actors Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar to watch “Psycho,” adding that audiences in both Pakistan and India should support films regardless of origin.

She also referred to reports about the Indian film “Dhurandhar,” saying she had heard positive comments about Akshaye Khanna’s performance.

During the interview, Meera spoke about emotional struggles, personal ambition and societal attitudes toward mental health language, urging people not to casually label others.

She also briefly referenced a recent viral podcast interaction, saying she was grateful for public support and that many people experience difficult public situations.

Meera ended the discussion by promoting “Psycho” along with several upcoming projects and invited audiences to watch the film on Eid-ul-Azha.

The group also claimed ​the song of the summer honour for ​the single Swim at the ceremony in Las ⁠Vegas, which aired live on CBS and Paramount.

BTS ​prevailed over Taylor Swift, winner of the most ​AMAs of any artist over her career, as well as stars including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady ​Gaga and others.

Twenty-year-old indie musician Sombr was named ​the recipient of the best rock/alternative song for his hit Back to ‌Friends.

“I ⁠wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” he said on stage. “So being here, I never would ​have expected ​that.”

He later ⁠won best rock/alternative album for his debut album, I Barely Know Her.

Song of the ​year went to Golden, the upbeat tune ​from ⁠the Netflix animated movie KPop Demon Hunters.

The show opened with BTS, dressed in all-black outfits and black sunglasses, ⁠in ​a pre-recorded performance of “Hooligan” from ​the Vegas concert stop on the group’s Arirang Tour.