Hollywood
Weinstein Company acquires ‘The Eichmann Show’
MUMBAI: The Eichmann Show starring Martin Freeman (Hobbit, Sherlock) has been acquired by the Weinstein Company for the US.
Co-produced by India’s Sheetal Talwar (Vistaar Film Fund) with BBC and Laurence Bowen and Ken Marshall of Feelgood Fiction from the UK, the film directed by Paul Andrew Williams recounts the global transmission of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of the major organisers of the Holocaust, which was broadcast to over 37 countries.
Bowen felt that the extraordinary story of how the Eichmann trial came to be televised and shown around the world has never been told. “By allowing Holocaust survivors to share their stories with a huge viewing audience, it unblocked whole strata of shame and denial. It literally changed history. We believe the BBC, Vistaar and Goldfinch helped us put together a project we are all extremely proud of.”
The deal of the Weinsteins boarding the film was announced at the start of the 65th Berlin Film Festival’s market (EFM), and was struck by Content Media, the sales agency representing the film.
Vistaar Film Fund managing director Talwar said, “We are extremely thrilled to have someone like the Weinstein’s who understand quality cinema on board. It only bolsters our faith that good cinema will always find good partners.”
Hollywood
Paramount raises bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Higher offer challenges Netflix’s $82.7bn deal; Paramount targets full company at improved terms on 24 February 2026.
MUMBAI: Hollywood’s blockbuster bidding war just got a sequel because when studios are the prize, even the richest players keep upping the ante. Paramount Skydance has submitted a sweetened bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on 24 February 2026, intensifying efforts to derail Netflix’s proposed acquisition of the HBO Max owner. The new offer improves on Paramount’s earlier $108.4 billion ($30 per share) proposal for the entire company, addressing Warner Bros’ concerns over financing certainty.
Netflix’s cash offer of $27.75 per share ($82.7 billion) for the studios and streaming assets allows it to match any superior bid. Warner Bros had rejected Paramount’s previous enhanced proposal, which included covering Netflix’s $2.8 billion termination fee and a 25-cent quarterly “ticking fee” from next year to compensate shareholders for delays. The board gave Paramount until 23 February to submit its “best and final” offer.
MoffettNathanson analysts earlier suggested a Paramount bid around $34 per share could end the contest by settling debates over Discovery Global’s value. Warner Bros plans to spin off cable assets (CNN, HGTV) into Discovery Global, estimated at $1.33 to $6.86 per share, arguing the move gives the remaining company greater flexibility. Netflix claims its offer provides shareholders upside from the spinoff; Paramount has dismissed the cable business as “effectively worthless”.
The saga escalated after activist investor Ancora Capital built a roughly $200 million stake in Warner Bros, accusing the board of failing to engage properly with Paramount and threatening to vote against the Netflix deal at the 20 March shareholder meeting.
Paramount shares rose 1.3 per cent to $10.70 in extended trading. The outcome now hinges on Warner Bros shareholders, antitrust scrutiny in the US, EU, and UK, and bipartisan lawmaker concerns over market dominance. A Paramount win would create a studio larger than Disney and merge two major TV operators, Netflix’s victory would forge the biggest global streamer with nearly half a billion subscribers.
With Ted Sarandos confident in regulatory approval and Paramount claiming a clearer path, this clash isn’t just about price, it’s about who gets to write Hollywood’s next chapter in the streaming era. The popcorn’s ready; the credits haven’t rolled yet.
