Hollywood
‘The Help’ director Tate Taylor to helm DreamWorks’ ‘Girl on the Train’
MUMBAI: Tate Taylor, who directed DreamWorks Studios’ Oscar-winning film, The Help, returns to direct its adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train.
DreamWorks acquired the rights to Paula Hawkins’ debut thriller in 2014, prior to the novel’s publication, and set Erin Cressida Wilson to adapt for the screen. Marc Platt will produce the film, while Jared LeBoff of Marc Platt Productions will serve as executive producer.
In The Girl on the Train, Rachel, who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.
“With The Help, Tate deftly adapted a beloved novel into a compelling film that stayed true to its origin while pleasing fans and moviegoers alike. We are excited to have Tate back at DreamWorks and thrilled that he’s joining us on this journey as we bring another bestseller to theaters,” said DreamWorks Studios president of production Holly Bario.
“Bringing rich material to the screen in the filmmaker friendly environment DreamWorks provides is a director’s dream. I’m honored to be a part of this,” added Taylor.
The Girl on the Train, is the fastest selling adult novel in history with over two million copies sold in the United States alone since it was published in January by Riverhead Books. It landed in the top spot on the New York Times bestsellers list its first week and has remained on there for the past 17 weeks straight.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
