Hollywood
Godzilla sets new records for creature films in Japan
NEW DELHI: Godzilla directed by Gareth Edwards made ?684 million (US$6.7 million) from 427 screens on its first three days in cinemas in Japan, including ?508 million (US$4.98 million) from 339,000 admissions on saturday and sunday.
The film scored the second-biggest opening for a foreign live-action film this year after Maleficent. The Warner Bros international- Legendary Pictures LLC production is distributed locally by Toho, the studio behind the original Godzilla franchise.
The new film’s performance in Japan was uncertain as several Hollywood films with Japanese elements have performed below expectations in the world’s third largest film market.
Last year, Pacific Rim – also co-produced by Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures — opened sixth-placed with ?212 million (US$2.08 million) in its first three days for a final gross of ?1.55 billion (US$15.2 million). In December, 47 Ronin opened on ?142 million (US$1.39 million) from 753 screens, for a final gross of just ?292 million (US$2.86 million).
Tsutsumi Yukihiko’s Eight Rangers opened in fifth place. On 160 screens, the sequel to the superhero comedy starring Johnny and Associates’ group Kanjani Eight made ?125 million (US$1.22 million) from 93,600 admissions in its first two days.
Two years ago, the first Eight Rangers (2012) made ?156 million (US$1.53 million) from 155 screens on its opening weekend. It made a total of ?1.2 billion (US$11.7 million) during its theatrical run.
Time traveling comedy Time Trip App opened in ninth place, making only ?51 million (US$500,000) from 39,100 admissions on 254 screens. Lee Tishio’s film recently competed at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Opening on just 12 screens in 11 cities, Kawase Naomi’s Still the Water made ?4.58 million (US$44,800) in its first two days. The Cannes competition title will slowly expand to other cities over the next two months.
In its second weekend, Studio Ghibli’s When Marnie was There dropped to fourth place in terms of admissions, but remained in third place in terms of revenue. With a week-on-week drop of 42 per cent, the Yonebayashi Hiramasa film made ?220 million (US$2.16 million) from 164,000 admissions on saturday and sunday. It has made ?1.06 billion (US$10.4 million) after nine days in cinemas.
Maleficent dropped to second place. After four weekends, the Disney fantasy has made ?3.97 billion (US$38.9 million).
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.
