Hollywood
Amazing Spiderman sequel to hit Indian shores a day before US screens
NEW DELHI: The first trailer of The Amazing Spider Man 2, which will see its Indian release a day prior to the release in US, has been released.
Presently in English, the trailer will soon be out in Hindi as well.
The film is being released by Sony Entertainment Pictures in 2D, 3D and IMAX on 1 May in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The US release will be on 2 May.
Actor Vivek Oberoi will be lending his voice in the Hindi version for the role of Max Dillon aka Electro. In the original English version, Electro is played by Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx.
Sony Pictures India MD Kercy Daruwala said: “We are very happy to have Vivek on board for the Hindi version of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Hindi version is a large part of our box office and it’s a very important role that Vivek will be playing in its success. Vivek has played a villain so brilliantly in the past and is already a familiar face in the genre. Kids in particular love him.”
Oberoi, ecstatic on giving his voice to Electro said: “I have always been a huge fan of the Spider-Man comics and films and am thrilled to see that the franchise has just grown bigger and better with each film. I have been tremendously excited for The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s release ever since the first trailer came out, and when I was offered to voice Electro for the Hindi version, I was immediately interested in this unique opportunity. Max Dillon/Electro is an immensely fascinating and complex character and it will be interesting to face off with Spider-Man. After my turn as super villain Kaal in Krrish 3, (which grossed Rs 250 crore at the box office) was incredibly gratifying, this is just the icing on the cake. I have already begun dubbing.”
Directed by Marc Webb, the film has big stars like Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm Feore with Paul Giamatti and Sally Field associated with it.
Spider-Man’s most important conflict has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
