Hollywood
The Rainmaker to premiere in India on 19 February on Moviesphere+
Legal drama based on John Grisham novel arrives on Moviesphere+
MUMBAI: The courtroom is about to get crowded. The Rainmaker, the legal drama inspired by John Grisham’s bestselling novel, will premiere in India on 19 February 2026, streaming exclusively on Moviesphere+. The first three episodes of Season 1 will drop on launch day, giving viewers an immediate front-row seat to the action.
Set in the high-pressure world of trial law, the series follows an idealistic rookie advocate whose first major case pits him against a powerful corporate giant. What begins as a career-defining opportunity soon turns into a test of nerve, ethics and survival, as the young lawyer learns that the courtroom is as much about character as it is about the law.
The show stars Milo Callaghan in the lead, supported by Lana Parrilla, known for Once Upon a Time and The Lincoln Lawyer, and Mad Men favourite John Slattery. Together, they bring to life a story filled with tense arguments, shifting loyalties and emotional stakes that run deeper than any legal brief.
Blending sharp courtroom exchanges with personal drama, the series channels the energy of fan favourites such as Suits and The Lincoln Lawyer, while carving out its own identity as a tale of ambition, integrity and the price of standing up to the system.
Part of global content leader Lionsgate, Moviesphere+ continues to build its India catalogue with a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, popular series and international hits. Indian viewers can begin streaming The Rainmaker from 19 February 2026 as part of its exclusive release on the platform, priced at Rs 399.
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.
