Hollywood
Hollywood see’s a return to Biblical-themed films with ‘Exodus: God and Kings’
MUMBAI: Ten Commandments, The Bible: In the Beginning, Ben-Hur, The Passion of Christ; Biblical themed movies have inspired many filmmakers to recreate medieval events on a grand scale.
The latest in the offering is Exodus: Gods and Kings and as the name suggests the film is about the mass departure of the Hebrews from Egypt. The film stars Batman-turned-Moses Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul and Ben Kingsley. The 150 minute film is directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian.
The plot revolves around the defiant leader Moses rising up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses played by Edgerton. The first half is about Moses discovering he does not belong to the lineage of the Egyptians (he is raised as a brother to Ramses) and after a wakeup call from God, who is portrayed as a kid (Yes, as a kid who goes about guiding Moses!), returns from exile to free his people and guide them to the promised land.
While the storyline seems like old wine in new bottle, there are few new twists (spoilers ahead!). Instead of Moses dipping his staff into the river of Nile, God sends monstrous crocodiles to destroy the river life, giving rise to multiple plagues that command most of the second half of the movie. And instead of the prophet’s staff that works miracles, it is a sword here.
The movie ends with both Moses and Pharaoh surviving the parting of the Red Sea. The added 3-D effects definitely bring to life the old tale especially the mammoth animals that turn the blessed city of Egypt into a ruin.
It is produced by 20th Century Fox studios.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
