Hollywood
Morgan Freeman comes out in Ben Afflecks support
MUMBAI: Ever since actor Ben Affleck decided to play Batman, he has been attacked with some of the most critical remarks of his career. In fact even a petition began on the Change.org website calling for his removal currently as Batman for the sequel to Superman reboot Man of Steel 2.
However, slowly the industry is coming forward to support the actor. This time, it is actor Morgan Freeman, who has come out to talk in his support. The 76-year-old actor thinks that Affleck will surely fit the Batman’s role and asked the critics and fans to give him a chance to portray the much demanding role.
“It’s a franchise! It’ll stand on its own merits, and you can’t really say anything until he’s done it. The pre-judging was strange. Give him a shot!” Freeman said in a statement.
The next installment of the series will be the first film ever where Batman and Superman will come up on the big screen together. Henry Cavill has already been finalized for the role of Superman in the sequel.
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.
