Episode 272 - Movie News Roundup: Kathleen Kennedy steps down as Lucasfilm President.

In this episode we unpack what a leadership change at Lucasfilm could mean for the Star Wars slate, potential shifts in creative direction, and how the studio might navigate its next era. Oscar News! The Oscars are moving to YouTube in 2029.

We discuss what a streaming-first ceremony could mean for accessibility, audience engagement, sponsorships, and the future shape of awards shows. Industry Update! Updates on the Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. We break down the latest developments, potential impacts on catalogs and original content, and what this could mean for the streaming wars and theatrical as we know it. Creator Insight! Matt Damon details how Netflix wants their action films made. Damon shares Netflix’s production preferences, tone, and how they view the attention spans of their audience. Trailer Spotlight! The Bride!, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal; Crime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth; and Undertone, the latest A24 horror film. We offer quick takes on each trailer, what they signal for their genres, and what to watch for in storytelling, visuals, and mood. Lastly, Box Office Forecast!  Mercy, starring Chris Pratt.

We close with a focused opening-weekend forecast, analyzing factors like the film’s so-so reviews, competition, and theater strategies to predict how Mercy might perform!