Hollywood
Clooney to direct a movie on UK phone hacking scandal
MUMBAI: Three years after Rupert Murdoch shut the News of the World, George Clooney is set to direct Hack Attack, an adaptation of the book by the same name by Guardian journalist Nick Davies, according to media reports. The book is an account of Davies’ investigation into the hacking scandal surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s news empire, which triggered the demise of its weekly News of the World.
As per the reports, the 53-year old will also serve as co-producer for the movie, alongside Grant Heslov with whom he has worked on several previous films through their Smokehouse Pictures production company.
Making a statement about his latest directorial venture, Clooney said, “This has all the elements – lying, corruption, blackmail – at the highest levels of government by the biggest newspaper in London. And the fact that it’s true is the best part. Nick is a brave and stubborn reporter and we consider it an honour to put his book to film.”
The phone-hacking trial was one of the most expensive in English legal history, spotlighting the close ties between the Murdoch empire and politicians and the no-holds-barred methods of Britain’s tabloid press.
Those affected included the then Kate Middleton, who is now married to Prince William, James Bond star Daniel Craig and actor Jude Law. Murdoch shut the News of the World in 2011 after it emerged that what was then Britain’s biggest selling paper had illegally accessed the voicemails of a murdered schoolgirl.
Two-time Academy Award winner Clooney is most well known for roles ranging from Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels to last year’s Oscar-winning Gravity. But in the last decade the heartthrob actor has moved behind the camera to direct a number of movies including Good Night, and Good Luck, The Ides of March and The Monuments Men.
Shooting on the new movie will begin next year but no release date has been set.
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.
