Legendary and Paramount negotiate distribution deal; 'The Diplomat' Season 3 premiere date announced
Key Takeaways
- Legendary Entertainment is negotiating a global distribution deal with Paramount, excluding China.
- Netflix's 'The Diplomat' Season 3 premieres October 16, 2025, Penn assumes presidency after Rayburn's death.
- ESPN, Colin Kaepernick, and Spike Lee scrapped their docuseries due to creative differences.
- Netflix renewed 'Dept. Q' for Season 2; Matthew Goode returns as DCI Carl Morck.
- Offset's 'Move On' addresses Cardi B divorce; album 'Kiari' releases August 22, 2025.
Top Stories
Legendary, Paramount negotiate global distribution deal, excluding China.
Legendary Entertainment is negotiating a global theatrical distribution deal with Paramount, excluding China. The deal would give Paramount a built-in streaming window with Legendary for Paramount+.
'The Diplomat' Season 3: Penn assumes presidency after Rayburn's death.
Netflix will premiere Season 3 of 'The Diplomat' on October 16, 2025, starring Keri Russell. The season will show the fallout of President Rayburn's death, with Grace Penn assuming the presidency.
Kaepernick docuseries scrapped by ESPN, Colin Kaepernick, and Spike Lee.
ESPN, Colin Kaepernick, and Spike Lee scrapped their docuseries about Kaepernick due to creative differences. The project, announced in 2022, was intended to be a comprehensive account of Kaepernick's life.
Netflix renews 'Dept. Q' for Season 2; Goode returns.
Netflix renewed 'Dept. Q' for a second season, based on Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels. Matthew Goode returns as DCI Carl Morck.
Offset's 'Move On' addresses Cardi B divorce; album releases August 22.
Offset's new song 'Move On', the closing track of his solo album 'Kiari' set to release on August 22, 2025, addresses the end of his marriage to Cardi B. Offset described the song's message as 'moving on peacefully'.
Award Watch
2025 MTV VMAs: LL Cool J hosts, Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin honored.
The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, will be held on September 7 at UBS Arena in New York. Busta Rhymes will receive the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin will get the Latin Icon Award.
Box Office Buzz
'War 2' earnings decline; domestic collection reaches Rs 183.25 crore.
On August 19, 2025, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, saw a decline in earnings. After five days, the film's domestic collection reached Rs 183.25 crore.
Raj B Shetty's Kannada film 'Su From So' earns ₹105.71 crore.
Raj B Shetty's Kannada film 'Su From So' has performed well. The film earned ₹105.71 crore worldwide and has earned a SUPER HIT verdict.
Gossip Mill
Michael Franti denies abuse allegations; Soulshine cruise canceled.
Michael Franti has denied sexual abuse and grooming allegations made by Victoria Canal. Following the allegations, Franti split with Activist Artist Management and the Soulshine at Sea cruise was canceled.
Joss Stone, 38, reveals abusive relationship, escaped via touring.
Joss Stone, 38, revealed she was in an abusive relationship in an Instagram video and on her podcast 'A Cuppa Love'. She shared that she attempted to leave the relationship multiple times, but the situation became more dangerous.
Wendy Williams, 61, fights conservatorship, wants NYC apartment.
Wendy Williams, 61, is fighting to end her conservatorship. On Aug. 18, 2025, Williams expressed her desire to 'get out of my guardianship' and return to society.
Ferrer accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Baldoni of harassment.
Isabela Ferrer, who played Young Lily in 'It Ends With Us,' accused director Justin Baldoni of harassment. Ferrer's legal team claims Baldoni sent her a subpoena related to his legal dispute with Blake Lively.
Screen Scene
Satyadev's 'Rao Bahadur' teaser unveiled by SS Rajamouli.
The teaser for Satyadev's film 'Rao Bahadur', directed by Venkatesh Maha and presented by Mahesh Babu, was released online. The film is set for a Summer 2026 global release and explores the Telugu concept of doubt.
Tarantino: 'Once Upon a Time' is favorite, 'Inglourious' is best.
Quentin Tarantino discussed his films on the 'Church of Tarantino' podcast, naming 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' as his favorite and 'Inglourious Basterds' as his best film and best script. He also mentioned scrapping 'The Movie Critic'.
Conan O'Brien: Late-night TV is dying, Colbert's show ending.
At the 2025 TV Academy Hall of Fame, Conan O'Brien, 62, stated that late-night TV is dying. Colbert's “Late Show” is ending in 2026 due to financial decisions.
Venice Film Festival: Herzog, Coppola, Cuarón to hold masterclasses.
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6, will feature masterclasses with Werner Herzog and conversations with Sofia Coppola, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jane Campion.
Stiller reduces 'Severance' role to direct WWII, Agnew films.
Ben Stiller, director and executive producer of 'Severance,' will reduce his role in Season 3 due to scheduling conflicts. He will focus on directing historical dramas, including a World War II film and a biopic about Spiro Agnew.
Gyllenhaal, Costner in 'Honeymoon with Harry'; Amazon MGM acquires.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Kevin Costner will star in 'Honeymoon with Harry,' a dramedy directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film, which centers on a man who loses his fiancée just before their wedding.
Eva Pilgrim new 'Inside Edition' host, aims for immersive reporting.
Eva Pilgrim is set to become the new host of 'Inside Edition,' aiming to incorporate more on-the-ground reporting into the show. With her experience from ABC News and 'GMA3,' she plans to bring a more immersive approach to storytelling.
Glenn Close stars in Channel 4's 'Maud' as ruthless killer.
Glenn Close will star in Channel 4's six-part crime series 'Maud' (MAUDE), based on Helene Tursten's short stories. Close will play Maud Oldcastle, a ruthless killer with a tortured past, also serving as executive producer.
'& Juliet' musical opens in LA, reimagines Juliet's post-Romeo life.
The musical '& Juliet', featuring songs by Max Martin, opened at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles on August 18, 2025. The production reimagines a new post-Romeo life for Juliet.
Romanian film 'Milk Teeth' to premiere at Venice Film Festival.
Cercamon has boarded world sales on Romanian filmmaker Mihai Mincan's 'Milk Teeth', set to world premiere in the Horizons competition at the Venice Film Festival. The drama is set in 1989 during Nicolae Ceausescu's dictatorship.
Star Sightings
Bella Ramsey ('The Last of Us') wants to play Spider-Man.
Bella Ramsey, known for 'The Last of Us,' expressed interest in joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically mentioning Spider-Man. She made the comment at an HBO event in Hollywood on August 17, 2025.
Seth Rogen reflects on 25 years in Hollywood, Emmy nods.
Seth Rogen, a 43-year-old Canadian actor, writer, producer, and director, reflects on his 25-year career in Hollywood and the recent Emmy nominations for his Apple TV+ series 'The Studio'.
Stiller discusses 'Severance' Emmy nods, 'Happy Gilmore 2' filming.
In an interview on August 18, 2025, Ben Stiller discussed his career, including the success of Apple TV+’s 'Severance,' which received 27 Emmy nominations. Stiller also talked about 'Happy Gilmore 2,' and 'Focker In-Law,' with Robert De Niro.
Agron remembers 'Glee' costars Monteith, Rivera, Salling.
Dianna Agron reflected on her time on Glee and remembered late costars Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera, and Mark Salling. Agron shared that the late actors feel “so present” in her heart, body, mind, and soul.
Stream Scene
Netflix's 'House of Guinness' premieres September 25, 2025.
Netflix will premiere Steven Knight's 'House of Guinness' on September 25, 2025. The historical drama, set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, follows the Guinness family after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness.
Apple acquires 'The Dink,' pickleball comedy starring Jake Johnson.
Apple Original Films acquired worldwide rights to “The Dink,” a sports comedy directed by Josh Greenbaum, starring Jake Johnson. The film is set to stream on Apple TV+.
Dormer, Holbrook lead Netflix's 'Extraction' series; Sy also cast.
Natalie Dormer and Boyd Holbrook are set to star in Netflix's 'Extraction' series, an action thriller. Dormer will play Clayton Wisper, and Holbrook will play David Ibarra.
Victoria Beckham docuseries on Netflix to explore career, body image.
A Netflix documentary about Victoria Beckham is set to premiere in September 2025. The docuseries will explore her career, from her time as Posh Spice to her success as a fashion designer.
Netflix releases 'Hostage' miniseries, other content August 18-24.
Netflix will release new content from August 18 to 24, 2025. This includes the British political thriller miniseries "Hostage".
Worthington, Lower, Ventimiglia star in Netflix's 'I Will Find You'.
Netflix is adapting Harlan Coben's novel 'I Will Find You' into an 8-part limited series. The series stars Sam Worthington, Britt Lower, and Milo Ventimiglia.
'Are You My First?' dating show premieres on Hulu; Underwood hosts.
The reality dating show 'Are You My First?' premiered on Hulu on August 18, 2025. Hosted by Colton Underwood and Kaitlyn Bristowe, the show features 21 virgin singles in a tropical paradise.
'America's Sweethearts' renewed for Season 3, debuting in 2026.
Netflix has renewed 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' for a third season, set to debut in 2026. Season 3 will focus on the 2025-26 squad as they prepare for the NFL season.
Disney hires Zameczkowski from Netflix to lead APAC streaming.
Disney announced the appointment of Tony Zameczkowski as Senior Vice President and Head of DTC business in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) on August 18, 2025. Zameczkowski will lead Disney's streaming business growth in the region.
Ortega, White star in 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall' on Paramount+.
Paramount+ will release 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall,' a coming-of-age romantic drama starring Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White, on September 1, 2025. Directed by Tiffany Paulsen, the film follows Remi, who reconsiders her life after meeting Barnes.
Tune In
'Lego Masters' junior spinoff premieres with Kelly Osbourne hosting.
The junior spinoff of 'Lego Masters,' hosted by Kelly Osbourne, premiered on August 18, 2025. The winning team receives a $50,000 grand prize and the title of Lego Masters Jr. champions.
Hayley Williams releases 'Glum' music video, first independent music.
Hayley Williams released a music video for her song 'Glum' on August 18, 2025. The video was co-directed by Zac Farro and AJ Gibboney. The releases mark Williams’ first new music as an independent artist.