Hollywood
Clooney to direct a movie on UK phone hacking scandal
MUMBAI: Three years after Rupert Murdoch shut the News of the World, George Clooney is set to direct Hack Attack, an adaptation of the book by the same name by Guardian journalist Nick Davies, according to media reports. The book is an account of Davies’ investigation into the hacking scandal surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s news empire, which triggered the demise of its weekly News of the World.
As per the reports, the 53-year old will also serve as co-producer for the movie, alongside Grant Heslov with whom he has worked on several previous films through their Smokehouse Pictures production company.
Making a statement about his latest directorial venture, Clooney said, “This has all the elements – lying, corruption, blackmail – at the highest levels of government by the biggest newspaper in London. And the fact that it’s true is the best part. Nick is a brave and stubborn reporter and we consider it an honour to put his book to film.”
The phone-hacking trial was one of the most expensive in English legal history, spotlighting the close ties between the Murdoch empire and politicians and the no-holds-barred methods of Britain’s tabloid press.
Those affected included the then Kate Middleton, who is now married to Prince William, James Bond star Daniel Craig and actor Jude Law. Murdoch shut the News of the World in 2011 after it emerged that what was then Britain’s biggest selling paper had illegally accessed the voicemails of a murdered schoolgirl.
Two-time Academy Award winner Clooney is most well known for roles ranging from Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels to last year’s Oscar-winning Gravity. But in the last decade the heartthrob actor has moved behind the camera to direct a number of movies including Good Night, and Good Luck, The Ides of March and The Monuments Men.
Shooting on the new movie will begin next year but no release date has been set.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
