Latest news with #Paramount
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Report: 60 Minutes stars' insubordination against CBS News
The A-List stars of flagship CBS News program 60 Minutes have demanded the company appoint their pick for the show's next executive producer amid ongoing turmoil at the network. Correspondents Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Bill Whitaker, Anderson Cooper , Sharyn Alfonsi, Jon Wertheim, and Cecilia Vega all signed a letter addressed to the co-chief executive of CBS parent company Paramount requesting that longtime 60 Minutes staffer Tanya Simon get the job. The journalists' request, sent last month, has so far go unanswered by Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks, Status reported. One staffer insisted that the high-profile correspondents' are deadly serious. 'There will be a revolt if it's not her,' the source told Status. Simon, described as a 'beloved leader' in the newsroom, has worked as 60 Minutes' interim executive producer since Bill Owens left back in April. She has spent her entire 26-year career at 60 Minutes, and all seven of the show's correspondents stand behind her. Owens - as well as former CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon - resigned after coming out against Paramount's bid to settle a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump claiming that an October 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was 'deceptively edited.'60 Minutes Paramount has been pursuing a multibillion-dollar media merger with Skydance that would require approval by the Trump administration. Paramount brass believes any large settlement between the company and Trump could be considered a bribe to get the Skydance deal approved. Paramount heiress Shari Redstone doesn't appear to be supportive of Simon's appointment, Status reported. She remains frustrated with the show's coverage of Donald Trump and the Israel-Gaza war. Another 'likely' reason for Redstone's alleged hesitance is the looming deal with Skydance, staffers said. Simon's appointment could convince them to stay with 60 Minutes, while bringing in an outsider would make their exits 'appear far more likely,' Statues reported. On Wednesday, sources told the New York Post that David Ellison, 41, had become confident the $8 billion deal would close by the end of the summer.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A-List 60 Minutes stars' shocking insubordination against CBS News bosses
The A-List stars of flagship CBS News program 60 Minutes have demanded the company appoint their pick for the show's next executive producer amid ongoing turmoil at the network. Correspondents Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Bill Whitaker, Anderson Cooper, Sharyn Alfonsi, Jon Wertheim, and Cecilia Vega all signed a letter addressed to the co-chief executive of CBS parent company Paramount requesting that longtime 60 Minutes staffer Tanya Simon get the job. The journalists' request, sent last month, has so far go unanswered by Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks, Status reported. One staffer insisted that the high-profile correspondents' are deadly serious. 'There will be a revolt if it's not her,' the source told Status. Simon, described as a 'beloved leader' in the newsroom, has worked as 60 Minutes' interim executive producer since Bill Owens left back in April. She has spent her entire 26-year career at 60 Minutes, and all seven of the show's correspondents stand behind her. Owens - as well as former CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon - resigned after coming out against Paramount's bid to settle a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump claiming that an October 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was 'deceptively edited.'60 Minutes 60 Minutes correspondents (from left to right) Sharyn Alfonsi, Jon Wertheim, Bill Whitaker, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, and Anderson Cooper all signed a letter addressed to the co-chief executive of CBS parent Paramount requesting that longtime 60 Minutes editor Tanya Simon get the job as executive producer Paramount has been pursuing a multibillion-dollar media merger with Skydance that would require approval by the Trump administration. Paramount brass believes any large settlement between the company and Trump could be considered a bribe to get the Skydance deal approved. Paramount heiress Shari Redstone doesn't appear to be supportive of Simon's appointment, Status reported. She remains frustrated with the show's coverage of Donald Trump and the Israel-Gaza war. Another 'likely' reason for Redstone's alleged hesitance is the looming deal with Skydance, staffers said. If approved, Skydance CEO David Ellison - the son of GOP backer Larry Ellison - may move the show in a different direction. The decision could determine the fate of stars like Stahl and Pelley, who are said to be weighing whether to stick around for another season. Simon's appointment could convince them to stay with 60 Minutes, while bringing in an outsider would make their exits 'appear far more likely,' Statues reported. Former 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and ex-CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon (pictured) resigned after coming out against Paramount's bid to settle a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump claiming that an October 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was 'deceptively edited' On Wednesday, sources told the New York Post that David Ellison, 41, had become confident the $8 billion deal would close by the end of the summer. His vision for 60 Minutes - still CBS News' ratings crown jewel - remains a concern for staffers, after he reportedly reached out to former New York Times editor and Free Press founder Bari Weiss for a potential high-profile gig with the network.
Geek Vibes Nation
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
Michael Bay's Transformers Comeback: Blockbuster Revival or Risky Bet?
After bidding farewell to the Transformers franchise in 2017 with Transformers: The Last Knight , director Michael Bay is gearing up for a surprising return. Known for his explosive, high-octane style, Bay is reportedly developing a new Transformers film at Paramount, potentially stepping back into the director's chair. According to industry reports, he's collaborating with writer Jordan VanDina, known for SuperMansion and Animaniacs , on a script that could reignite the franchise's box office dominance. A Reluctant Return to a Billion-Dollar Franchise Bay's history with Transformers is a tale of blockbuster triumphs and personal regrets. Reflecting on his tenure, he admitted in 2022 while promoting Ambulance , 'I made too many of them.' He recalled advice from Steven Spielberg to stop after the third film, but studio pressure led to two more, each grossing massive sums— Dark of the Moon and Age of Extinction both surpassed $1 billion globally. Even the less successful The Last Knight pulled in over $600 million, dwarfing the earnings of later films like Bumblebee ($468 million) and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ($441.7 million). Despite mixed reviews, Bay's 'Bayhem' formula—big explosions, bold visuals, and relentless action—defined the franchise's global appeal. Now, after a break, Bay appears re-energized to tackle the robotic saga again. His return comes as Paramount seeks to recapture the financial magic of his earlier films, especially after recent entries failed to hit the same box office heights, despite better critical reception. Competing Visions: G.I. Joe Crossover and Josh Cooley's Project Bay's project is just one piece of a crowded Transformers puzzle at Paramount, which reportedly has five projects in development. Among them is a live-action film from Josh Cooley, director of the animated Transformers One , which earned praise but underperformed with $129 million against a $75 million budget. Another is the much-discussed G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover, teased in Rise of the Beasts when Anthony Ramos' character, Noah, was recruited by a G.I. Joe agent. This crossover, with Chris Hemsworth in talks to star and Derek Connolly writing the script, aims to unite the Autobots and Joes against the Decepticons and Cobra. However, the crossover's priority is unclear amid Paramount's juggling act. With Bay's film and Cooley's project taking shape, plus two other early-stage ideas, the studio faces a challenge in balancing these competing visions. The crossover, initially slated for a 2025 or 2026 release, may take a backseat as Bay's return gains momentum. Paramount's High-Stakes Gamble Paramount's decision to bring Bay back is driven by his proven track record, but it's not without risks. His films, while financially successful, often faced criticism for prioritizing spectacle over story, and some fans on platforms like X express skepticism, preferring the emotional depth of films like Bumblebee or Transformers One . Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some calling Bay's return a 'dark time' for the franchise, while others see it as a nostalgic comeback. Paramount, facing a 2029 deadline to retain Transformers rights, is banking on Bay to deliver a hit that recaptures the franchise's glory days. As Bay reflects on the 2007 original, which grossed $709 million and revolutionized visual effects, he acknowledges the franchise's cultural impact. Whether his new film will continue the Rise of the Beasts timeline, tie into the G.I. Joe crossover, or forge a new path remains uncertain. For now, Paramount's strategy seems clear: lean on Bay's legacy to steer Transformers back to blockbuster territory, even if it means navigating a complex web of projects and fan expectations.
Geek Tyrant
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Michael Bay is Returning To The TRANSFORMERS Franchise, But What Happens to the G.I. JOE Crossover Now? — GeekTyrant
Michael Bay is ready to roll out again. After stepping away from the Transformers franchise following The Last Knight in 2017, the director who practically defined the series is back, and not just as a producer. According to Puck, Bay is actively developing a new Transformers film at Paramount and has writer Jordan VanDina (of SuperMansion and Animaniacs ) working on a script. Bay actually may directing this thing. That's a big shift, considering Bay once admitted he stuck around too long. While Promoting Ambulance in 2022, Bay said: 'I made too many of them. Steven Spielberg said, 'Just stop at three.' And I said I'd stop. 'The studio begged me to do a fourth, and then that made a billion too. And then I said I'm gonna stop here. And they begged me again. I should have stopped. They were fun to do.' Now, after a much-needed break, Bay seems energized to take another crack at the robotic war saga, after the studio obviously begged him to come back again. While the critics weren't exactly lining up to shower praise on his films, the box office numbers speak for themselves. Even the 'least successful' Bay-directed Transformers flick made over $600 million globally. Compare that to Bumblebee , Rise of the Beasts , or even Transformers One , each of which was better reviewed but fell short of that blockbuster magic. But Bay's return brings complications, especially when it comes to the long-gestating G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover. With multiple Transformers projects already in the works, reportedly five in total, there's a lot of juggling going on behind the scenes. One of those projects is a live-action adaptation from Transformers One director Josh Cooley, and yes, another is that long-discussed crossover with G.I. Joe . It's unclear whether that team-up is a priority anymore or just one of several competing visions. As Puck notes, 'Josh Cooley… just closed a deal to pursue a live-action take. There's also a possible G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover in development, and the studio has two separate ideas in early stages.' Bay seems aware of the franchise's legacy and where he fits into it. Reflecting on the 2007 original, he said: 'The first one was scary. It was technology we didn't know would work, and then it became very successful… It made more than [$709 million], that's a lot of movie tickets and a lot of people that have seen it.' I haven't been a fan of most of the Transformers movies that Bay has made and I can't say I'm excited to see him return. I think I'd much rather see him jump into the G.I. Joe franchise than see him make another Transformers movie. But, Paramount is obviously hoping he will make another Transformers movie that will print cash for them. There's no immediate deadline for these projects, Paramount just has to be in production on at least one of them by 2029 to retain the rights. We'll just have to wait and see how this all turns out.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Love Squid Game? Here are 5 similar TV shows to watch
Jun 27, 2025 05:51 PM IST Squid Game Season 3 is finally out on Netflix. The latest season of the popular survival thriller series features Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan and Kang Ha-neul in key roles. If you are a hardcore Squid Game fan and have already finished the new season, we know you must be craving more thrill, survival games or twisted social experiments. Do not worry, we have got you covered. From deadly challenges to psychological drama, here are five shows that Squid Game fans will love: A still from Netflix's Squid Game(Netflix) This Japanese sci-fi thriller is all about survival games in a deserted Tokyo. Players have to clear life-threatening games to stay alive. It is fast-paced, brutal and totally binge-worthy. If you liked Squid Game, this one is a no-brainer. This Brazilian dystopian show is about a world divided into progress and poverty. People can escape their tough lives, but only 3% of them make it through a tough selection process. 3. The Challenge: USA (Paramount) This one is a reality competition with high stakes and big drama. The contestants go head-to-head. No, it is not deadly like Squid Game, but the pressure is real. 4. Panic (Prime Video) Set in a small town where teens join a secret game to win money and escape their lives. Sounds fun? Not really. The challenges get risky fast. 5. The 100 (Netflix) A group of teens is sent to a ruined Earth from space and has to figure out how to live, and who they can trust. Lots of action and twists. ALSO READ: Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk reveals details about Squid Game Season 3: 'It's not always a happy ending' FAQs: What are some shows like Squid Game on Netflix? Some great shows like Squid Game on Netflix include Alice in Borderland, 3% and The 100. Is Panic on Prime Video similar to Squid Game? Yes, Panic is similar in its high-stakes game format. While it is not as violent, it is packed with suspense and risky challenges. Can I watch The Challenge: USA if I liked Squid Game? Definitely. The Challenge: USA has thrilling physical and mental games. It is not deadly, but the strategy and stress levels will feel familiar to Squid Game fans.
