Hollywood
Shraddha Kapoor hops aboard Zootopia 2 as Judy Hopps
MUMBAI: Looks like Shraddha Kapoor is ready to hop into action! JioStar, through its studio arm Star Studio18, has announced that the Hindi cinema star will voice the determined bunny cop Judy Hopps in the Hindi version of Disney’s Zootopia 2.
Known for its knack for blending Hollywood hits with Indian heart, JioStar continues to ace the localisation game. The studio’s latest move brings together a beloved global franchise and a homegrown favourite known for her infectious energy and charm.
“Judy Hopps is a character I deeply relate with, and I can totally say she is a version of me! She is full of heart, courage and never gives up, no matter how tough things get,” said Shraddha Kapoor. “Bringing her to life in Hindi has been such a joyful experience, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience this exciting new collaboration.”
A JioStar spokesperson added, “At the heart of our storytelling lies the effort to bring global stories closer to Indian audiences through voices they love and languages they connect with. Zootopia resonated deeply for its heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable characters, and with Shraddha as Judy Hopps, Zootopia 2 will only strengthen that bond.”
JioStar also unveiled a special video unit showcasing Shraddha channeling Judy’s trademark optimism, grit, and warmth, proving she’s the perfect match for the bunny who believes anyone can be anything.
With this partnership, JioStar once again champions the art of local connection, hopping straight into the hearts of Indian fans.
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.
