Entertainment

Can The End of Oak Street End Warner Bros.’ Box Office Slump?

Published

8 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

What a difference a year makes for Warner Bros. This time a year ago, Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” became the sixth of a Hollywood record seven consecutive releases from the studio to earn a domestic opening weekend of $40 million or greater.

Now, the Bad Robot-produced “The End of Oak Street” comes as all seven of Warner’s 2026 releases have opened below $40 million domestically, with the highest-grossing movie of the bunch being Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” with a modestly successful $241 million worldwide.

Though a couple of R-rated New Line offerings, “They Will Kill You” and “Evil Dead Burn,” turned a small profit theatrically, high-profile bombs like “The Bride!” and “Supergirl” left Warner’s theatrical revenue sinking 46% year-over-year in its latest quarterly report, a hard fall from a year ago when it released the hit films “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sinners.”

Anne Hathaway in 'The End of Oak Street' (Warner Bros.)

Warner Bros. has a guaranteed hit at the end of the year with “Dune: Part Three,” but one hit is not going to be enough to turn 2026 around. Over the past few weeks, it has not looked like “The End of Oak Street” would be the film that could stop the bleeding for the studio, as it is currently projected for an opening weekend of $20-25 million against an $80 million budget.

But there is some good news: critics really love David Robert Mitchell’s thriller. Starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor as a couple that must protect their children when their neighborhood inexplicably lands in a prehistoric world filled with carnivorous dinosaurs, “The End of Oak Street” has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 85% at time of writing.

Critics have praised the film for balancing its “Jurassic Park”-inspired plot with ruthless kills, dark humor and a surprising amount of heart. Some reviews have described “Oak Street” as a cut above the past decade’s worth of “Jurassic World” films, which made billions at the box office but left critics unimpressed.

Of course, those moviegoers who have shown up over and over for “Jurassic World” out of love for dino mayhem are exactly the core audience that “Oak Street” needs to bring out, preferably with the help of families with teens and preteens. With schools resuming in parts of the U.S. starting this week, family turnout may be slow for “Oak Street” if word-of-mouth catches on with that demographic.

But if adult moviegoers in the 18-35 demo — with the help of Gen Xers intrigued by the ’80s Amblin influence of Mitchell’s filmmaking — come out of theaters this weekend raving about “Oak Street,” Warner Bros. may have a sleeper hit on its hands even if this title joins the other 2026 offerings in the sub-$40 million opening club. This summer has seen the theatrical marketplace carry multiple hit films at once, so the continued presence of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” shouldn’t be an issue for “Oak Street” if it builds enough of a reputation as a gripping end-of-summer thriller.

From here, Warner Bros. is hoping that the final third of 2026 will bring better numbers with a slate that includes the Sandra Bullock/Nicole Kidman legacy sequel “Practical Magic 2,” Alejandro Iñárritu and Tom Cruise’s biting apocalyptic satire “Digger,” and an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat” before the year closes out with a potential billion-dollar contender in “Dune: Part Three.”

Along with “The End of Oak Street,” a more preschool-friendly dinosaur film will arrive this weekend: Paramount/Spin Master’s “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie,” the third feature film from the popular Canadian kids series that launched on Nick Jr. in 2013. This installment, which sees the titular team of puppies fight to save an island of dinosaurs from the clutches of the evil Mayor Humdinger, is projected for a $15-18 million opening, a few steps below the $22.7 million opening of “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” in 2023.

While shaping up for a modestly profitable theatrical run, the real money in “Paw Patrol” has always been in merchandising, as Paramount and Spin Master have made billions in toys, clothes, backpacks and other products related to the franchise. When you consider that plenty of dino-themed “Paw Patrol” school supplies are now in stores, Paramount’s decision to place this film in mid-August right when kids are going back to school makes a lot more sense.

Entertainment

Jesse Lee Soffer to Star in Heartland Crime Drama at CBS

Published

15 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

Jesse Lee Soffer is reuniting with “FBI: International” executive producer Matt Olmstead for a new crime drama at CBS, set in America’s heartland.

The network opened a development room for “Strike Force” (working title), which centers on a battle-tested DEA agent who returns home to Kansas City to lead a multi-agency unit targeting violent criminals trying to exploit America’s heartland. Olmstead writes and executive produces alongside Soffer, who would star should the show land a series order.

Soffer starred on the fourth season of “FBI: International” on CBS, which Olmstead ran since Season 3. The duo also worked together on NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” Both series were produced by Wolf Entertainment.

Jerry Bruckheimer and Kristie Anne Reed are non-writing executive producers for Jerry Bruckheimer TV. The project hails from CBS Studios. Soffer is repped by UTA and Ethos Entertainment. Olmstead is repped by WME and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.

“Strike Force” is one of several projects in development for the 2027-28 television season, as part of the network’s long-term development strategy for their scripted shows. CBS also granted a pilot order for “Hilda! (In Lights),” a single camera comedy from Abbey Caldwell about a 70-year-old woman from Nebraska pursuing her dreams to be on Broadway.

In April, the network also opened a development room for “Flint,” a crime drama from Evan Katz and Matt LeBlanc attached to star and executive produce should it receive a series greenlight. The project also hails from CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

The network and JB TV are also developing a medical drama set in the world of “Fire Country,” which is set to be introduced as a backdoor pilot in the upcoming season of spinoff series “Sheriff Country.

movies

Mark Zuckerberg Responded to Jeremy Strong’s ‘Social Reckoning’ Email

Published

17 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

Jeremy Strong is speaking out on portraying Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin‘s forthcoming film, The Social Reckoning.

In a new GQ cover story, Strong revealed that he reached out to Zuckerberg after he landed the role. Sorkin’s follow-up to the 2010 Oscar-winning The Social Network, in which Jesse Eisenberg played Zuckerberg, sees Strong take over the part. Strong recalled telling Sorkin, “If Jesse Eisenberg doesn’t do it, call me.”

“It’s the kind of role that fascinates me,” Strong said of succeeding the part. “It’s like Sebastian [Stan] playing Trump. You are wearing the cape. It’s like Jeremy [Allen White] playing Bruce [Springsteen]. It’s like, the perils of that could not be greater. To commit to it, and to be free within it, is a great challenge.”

The Succession star added, “I know that he is a reviled person and not a popular person in our culture, but I do not think you should have an actor playing him who wants to set out to condemn him.”

When Strong joined the project, he contacted Zuckerberg. “I wrote to him — I’m probably going to give Sony an aneurysm — I sent him an email. Just to say that I take this responsibility very seriously, and the veracity of it seriously, and I’m approaching it with respect,” he said.

And Zuckerberg wrote him back, though Strong wouldn’t reveal what he said. He did, however, say he would be open to spending time if he were invited by the businessman.

“It feels incredibly fraught to talk about the movie, to talk about Mark and being the person who is playing Mark and representing Mark in a sense to the world and to posterity. I feel an enormous sense of weight and responsibility,” The Apprentice star added. “My job is to understand and defend his point of view and fight his fight.”

After the trailer for The Social Reckoning released in June, comments poured in about how strikingly close Strong’s voice sounded to Zuckerberg’s. His cast member Jeremy Allen White previously told The Hollywood Reporter at The Bear season five premiere in New York that the trailer was also his first time hearing Strong as the Meta CEO.

“Jeremy and I spent zero time together filming — we were totally separate,” White said. “So the first I heard was the trailer with you guys, but it’s incredible. I thought it was great, but that’s what I expect of Jeremy. He’s so talented.”

Speaking with GQ, Bradley Cooper also praised Strong’s commitment to playing Zuckerberg. “I enjoy very much talking to him when he’s in the throes of these other people. I love it. I’ve talked to Mark Zuckerberg many times — I had a whole friendship with Mark Zuckerberg, and Mark Zuckerberg has no idea,” he said.

Sony Pictures‘ The Social Reckoning is set 17 years after the events of The Social Network. White plays Wall Street Journal journalist Jeff Horwitz, who works with former Facebook employee Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison) to expose the social network’s biggest secrets. The film hits theaters Oct. 9.

Entertainment

‘The Amazing Race’ Season 39: Meet the Cast

Published

22 minutes ago

August 12, 2026

qasimgillani

We’re pleased to tell you that when “Big Brother” Season 28 comes to an end later this summer, “The Amazing Race” is ready to immediately take its place on the CBS schedule.

The network revealed the 13 teams taking part in “TAR” Season 39 on Wednesday ahead of next month’s two-night premiere, along with details of a brand-new, game-changing twist: For the first time ever, every single pair of contestants will be getting their very own Express Pass good through the first six legs — meaning it’ll be up to them to decide when to play it.

“’Amazing Race’ fans continue to make it clear what they love most is seeing everyday Americans stepping outside their comfort zones to race around the world and complete extraordinary challenges in extraordinary places – a chance to vicariously experience our amazing planet through the eyes of compelling, relatable contestants,” host Phil Keoghan said in a statement. “This season’s twists, including a new, unexpected reveal at the start line, as well as the return of some tried and tested classics, ramp up the importance of strategy. All this, along with a first-time visit to Albania, make for another thrilling race for $1 million.”

Season 39 will kick things off in Vancouver, Canada, for a race across five continents, nine countries, 13 cities and more than 25,000 miles. The new season also comes a year after past “BB” contestants crossed over for their own European Adventure in Season 38.

Check out the cast of “The Amazing Race” Season 39, below:

Ali & Joanna

Ali Krieger — 42, pro athlete (two-time World Cup champion)
Joanna Lohman — 44, pro athlete
Soccer moms from Montclair, New Jersey, and Silver Spring, Maryland

Ann-Marie & Riley

Ann-Marie Tejcek — 56, healthcare executive
Riley Tejcek — 29, marine officer
Mother and daughter from Carmel, Indiana, and San Diego, California

Anuar & Andrea

Anuar Tager — 58, developer
Andrea Tager Ballesca — 25, medical student
Father and daughter from Houston, Texas

Cody & Jaime

Cody Langlois — 35, civil engineer
Jaime Tribo — 33, dietitian
Siblings from Los Angeles, California, and Tinley Park, Illinois

Conner & Garrett

Conner Wilson — 27, media producer
Garrett McGuire — 27, engineer
Childhood friends from Loomis, California, and Rocklin, California

Dafina & Saran

Dafina Dunmore — 52, bond analyst/DJ
Saran Dunmore — 51, personal trainer/founder of Kids Leading Kids
Sisters and best friends from Chicago, Illinois

Daisha & Dalton

Daisha Wilks — 28, videographer
Dalton Hamby — 27, videographer
Dating from Flat Rock, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Alabama

Doug & Dylan

Doug Matter — 73, retired fire chief
Dylan Matter — 19, college student
Grandfather and grandson from San Diego, California

Erin & Javi

Erin Taylor — 28, head of human resources
Javi Vintimilla — 30, pilot
Married couple from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Jody & Jenn

Jody Rebhun — 44, history teacher
Jenn Naso — 44, forensic scientist
Best friend moms from Branford, Connecticut, and Larchmont, New York

Katie & Charlotte

Katie Schultz — 26, esthetician
Charlotte Schultz — 20, esthetician
Sisters from Murray, Kentucky

Michelle & Matthew

Michelle Patterson — 31, auto body shop owner/real estate agent
Matthew Patterson — 36, business operations director
Married parents from Rutherford, New Jersey

Zach & Nate

Zach Johnson — 30, car salesman/co-founder of Pipley
Nate Johnson — 27, director of sales
Brothers from Dallas, Texas

“The Amazing Race” returns for its two-night premiere Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 on CBS. New episodes will then air Wednesdays after “Survivor” Season 51 before streaming on Paramount+.