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
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.
