Hollywood
300’s Zach Snyder to direct ‘Justice League’
MUMBAI: Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a Justice League movie.
Like Man of Steel and its follow-up, which starts production next month, Justice League will be directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck (Gone Girl) and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively in 2016’s Man of Steel sequel tentatively titled Batman vs. Superman.
“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Silverman to WSJ. “’Superman vs. Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”
A script is still in development and Warner Bros. has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018. The studio has recently been casting the role of Cyborg, a half-robotic hero who is expected to have a cameo in Batman vs. Superman and then appear in Justice League. Other DC heroes who have been in Justice League comic books include Aquaman, Flash and Green Lantern.
The plans for three superhero movies in relatively quick succession show how intent Warner is on catching up with rival Walt Disney Co.’s Marvel Studios in building a cinematic superhero universe after years of lagging behind.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
