Hollywood
Sony Le PLEX HD to air tribute-movies of Hollywood actors
MUMBAI: This February, Sony Le PLEX HD will pay tribute to those well-known actors who passed away too soon into their career. From Heath Ledger to Paul Walker, Hollywood has lost some gems too early, leaving fans and critics disheartened and wanting for more. `WatchIt’s 9O’Talk themed ‘The Tribute’ will feature five great movies with a common theme for the week starting Feb. 20, 2017.
Robin Williams is another name in the list. After playing iconic characters in movies like `Jumanji’, `Hook’ and `Mrs. Doubtfire’, he garnered a massive fan following all around the world. His death left a void in the entertainment world.
Another shocker that came to Hollywood was when the young heart-throb Paul Walker lost his life in the tragic car accident while shooting for `Fast & Furious 7’. The remaining part of the movie had to be created with the help of VFX and body doubles.
Other names in this tribute list include Philip Seymour Hoffman and Chris Farley. While Philip died during production of the blockbuster film `The Hunger Games –Mockingjay Part II’, Chris (known for his comic timing in Saturday Night Live) passed away leaving quite a few unfinished projects and a lot of sorrowful fans behind.
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
