Hollywood
Seth MacFarlane and Charlize Theron learn ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’
MUMBAI: This summer, Universal Pictures India gears up to take audiences on a joyride with their latest offering ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West.’ From the makers of the acclaimed 2012 fantasy-comedy ‘Ted’, this sure-shot entertainer sees the multi-faceted Seth MacFarlane don the director’s hat once again as he stars alongside the likes of Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris and Liam Neeson. An adaptation of MacFarlane’s novel by the same name, the western comedy movie will release across Indian theatres in June.
Set in the nineteenth century Arizona, ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ is the hysterical narrative of Albert (Seth MacFarlane), a sheep farmer whose lack of courage results in his withdrawal from a gunfight, thus losing his beloved girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) who leaves him for another man. However, when a mysterious and beautiful woman (Charlize Theron) rides into town, she helps him discover his bravery and courage and they begin to fall in love. Albert begins to realize his true potential but when the woman’s husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious Outlaw arrives seeking revenge and demanding payback, the herder is forced to put his new found courage to test.
Interestingly, enough MacFarlane, who has created some of the most popular content on television and film today, while also expanding his career in music and philanthropy, turned author with the novel ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ on which the movie is based. Boasting a stellar star-cast, and bringing together the best in Hollywood, the movie promises to be nothing short of a laughter riot expecting to emulate the success of the makers’ previous outing ‘Ted’, which took the box office by storm.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
