Hollywood
Joy takes over! Inside Out 2 reaches $1 billion in record time
Mumbai: Disney and Pixar’s much-anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2, has taken the world by storm, rewriting the record books for animated films. In a stunning feat, the movie has become the fastest animated film to ever reach the coveted $1 billion mark at the global box office, achieving this milestone in less than three weeks!!
This record-breaking performance surpasses the previous record holder, Frozen 2, which took 25 days to reach the same benchmark. Inside Out 2’s phenomenal success is further underscored by its impressive performance in India. The film raked in a whopping Rs 101.48 crores ($12.7 million) within just 19 days, becoming the fastest animated film to enter the exclusive 100 crore club in the country. This prestigious club recognizes animated films that have achieved a lifetime gross of over Rs 100 crores ($12.3 million) at the Indian box office. Notably, eight out of the eleven films currently in this club are from Disney and Pixar, solidifying their dominance in the animation genre.
Inside Out 2’s emotional journey resonated with audiences worldwide. The film’s ability to delve deeper into the complexities of our inner world, introducing new characters representing fresh emotions, seems to have struck a chord. With its critical acclaim and record-breaking box office numbers, Inside Out 2 has cemented its place as a true animation powerhouse.
Directed by Kelsey Mann, Inside Out 2 was released on 14 June 2024 in cinemas worldwide. Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira gave their voices to the beloved animated characters of the film. Written by Meg LeFauve, the animated film continues to weave its Pixar magic in theatres in India and across the world!
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.
