Hollywood
‘Superhero’ to be Hugh Jackman’s last X Men movie
MUMBAI: Much to the dismay of Wolverine fans all over, Hugh Jackman confirmed that his final appearance as Wolverine will be in 2017 with the movie X-Men Superhero in the third Wolverine spin-off film, reports Independent.
The actor made the announcement while making an appearance on the American talk show Dr. Oz.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, rumours of Jackman’s last appearance as Wolverine have been floating on social media ever since the actor uploaded a picture on Intagram with the caption: ‘Wolverine. One last time.’
Over the years, Jackman was almost synonymous as Wolverine amongst the X Men fans worldwide. When the actor was asked his reasons for giving up such a character that has brought him so much love and respect, Jackman said, “It just felt like it was the right time to do it. And let’s be honest, 17 years. I never thought in a million years it would last, so I’m so grateful to the fans for the opportunity of playing it.”
Jackman has starred in two spin-off films: X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine and is due to appear in a third. Wolverine III, as it is currently known, will be released in 2017. When Jackman finally says goodbye to his role in 2017, he will have appeared in nine movies as Wolverine.
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.
