Hollywood
American films continue to win at Chinese box-office
NEW DELHI: Marvel Studios LLC continues its winning streak in China as Guardians of the Galaxy topped the Mainland box office.
In its first three days in cinemas, the James Gunn film made RMB185 million ($30.2 million) from approximately 4.74 million admissions. Released only in 3-D, the sci-fi film represented approximately 39.2 per cent of all screenings nationwide.
In April, Captain America: The Winter Soldier made RMB224 million ($36.6 million) from approximately 5.17 million admissions over the three-day Ching Ming holiday weekend. It secured RMB720 million ($118 million) during its theatrical run.
Nonetheless, Guardians of the Galaxy has by far had the best weekend for a Marvel Studios origin film in China. Three years ago, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) opened with RMB34.3 million ($5.60 million), for a total of RMB98.1 million ($16 million).
Ning Hao’s Breakup Buddies dropped to second place with RMB99.8 million ($16.3 million) over the weekend. After 13 days, it has made RMB931 million ($152 million).
At its current rate, road movie comedy is expected to break the RMB1 billion ($163 million) mark by this weekend, making it the second domestic film to do so in 2014. Lost in Thailand (2012) took 21 days to reach the RMB1 billion mark in 2012. Earlier this year, The Monkey King took 23 days.
The only other new film to reach the top ten is the domestic monster film Bugs 3D. Released only in 3-D, it made RMB12.13 million ($1.98 million) from approximately 328,000 admissions.
Two years ago, Million Dollar Crocodile (2012) opened with RMB6.50 million ($1.06 million) for a total of RMB12.9 million ($2.10 million) during its theatrical run.
Peter Chan’s Dearest dropped to third place with RMB22.3 million ($3.65 million) between Friday and Sunday. The child abduction drama has made RMB292 million ($47.7 million) after 18 days.
Black & White: The Dawn of Justice was fifth place with RMB10.5 million ($1.71 million) between Friday and Sunday. The 3-D action sequel has made RMB187 million ($30.6 million) after 12 days.
With RMB4.05 million ($661,000) between Friday and Sunday, Ann Hui’sThe Golden Era has made RMB44.12 million ($7.20 million) after 12 days.
Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) returned to Chinese cinemas yesterday with a special 3-D re-release.
In Hong Kong, Gone Girl became the top film this weekend due to the lack of any strong newcomers. The David Fincher mystery-drama made HK$3.92 million ($505,720) from 36 locations between Thursday and Sunday. After 11 days in cinemas, it has made HK$10.3 million ($1.33 million).
Last week’s top film Dracula Untold dropped to second place with HK$2.06 million ($265,750) between Thursday and Sunday. It has made HK$9.83 million ($1.27 million) after 11 days.
The top new film was spy thriller The November Man. From 34 locations, it made HK$1.69 million ($218,000) from 34 locations over four days.
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.
