Walt Disney Co on Thursday kicked off a presentation to investors and reported its Disney+ streaming service now has 86.8 million subscribers. 
The entertainment conglomerate added about 13 million new customers since October. 
 
Hollywood is closely following Disney`s plans a week after AT&amp;T Inc`s Warner Bros upended the film business by saying it would debut all of its 2021 movies on its HBO Max streaming service on the same day they hit theaters.&nbsp; 
 
Disney is aiming to attract new subscribers to Disney+, the Netflix Inc competitor it launched a year ago, and the company`s other streaming outlets. Netflix, which pioneered streaming in 2007, had 195 million paying subscribers at the end of October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-disney-plans-10-star-wars-and-10-marvel-series-over-next-few-years-349105" hreflang="en">Disney+ plans 10 'Star Wars' and 10 Marvel series over next few years</a>

In October, Disney said it was restructuring the company to put more emphasis on streaming over traditional linear television to better meet customer demands. In addition to Disney+, the company offers Hulu and ESPN+, and next year will offer a streaming platform overseas under the Star brand. 
 
Cinema chains including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc, Cineworld Group and Cinemark Holdings Inc are watching to see if Disney, the box-office leader last year, plans big changes to the slate of movies it has set for theatres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/star-wars-marvel-films-and-more-highlights-of-all-disney-announcements-349121" hreflang="en">Star Wars, Marvel films and more: Highlights of all Disney announcements</a> 
 
Disney and other studios previously moved some films to stream because the coronavirus pandemic has left many cinemas closed. Warner Bros. took the most aggressive action by saying it would release all 17 of its 2021 movies on the HBO Max streaming service the same day they debut in theatres. 
 
Hollywood trade publications have reported that Disney has considered shifting the release of live-action movies including "Pinocchio," which stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, as well as "Peter Pan &amp; Wendy," to Disney+ from theatres. 
 
Disney+ sign-ups have already surpassed the company`s earlier projections. In April 2019, the company had forecast that Disney+ would attract between 60 million and 90 million customers around the world by fiscal 2024. Last month, the company said it had already hit 74 million as of early October. 
 
Disney+ has been boosted by the popularity of 'The Mandalorian'&nbsp;TV series, a 'Star Wars' spinoff featuring the character popularly known as Baby Yoda.

Walt Disney Co on Thursday kicked off a presentation to investors and reported its Disney+ streaming service now has 86.8 million subscribers. The entertainment conglomerate added about 13 million new customers since October.

Walt Disney Co on Thursday kicked off a presentation to investors and reported its Disney+ streaming service now has 86.8 million subscribers. The entertainment conglomerate added about 13 million new customers since October. Hollywood is closely following Disney`s plans a week after AT&T Inc`s Warner Bros upended the film business by saying it would debut all of its 2021 movies on its HBO Max streaming service on the same day they hit theaters. Disney is aiming to attract new subscribers to Disney+, the Netflix Inc competitor it launched a year ago, and the company`s other streaming outlets. Netflix, which pioneered streaming in 2007, had 195 million paying subscribers at the end of October. Disney+ plans 10 'Star Wars' and 10 Marvel series over next few years In October, Disney said it was restructuring the company to put more emphasis on streaming over traditional linear television to better meet customer demands. In addition to Disney+, the company offers Hulu and ESPN+, and next year will offer a streaming platform overseas under the Star brand. Cinema chains including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc, Cineworld Group and Cinemark Holdings Inc are watching to see if Disney, the box-office leader last year, plans big changes to the slate of movies it has set for theatres. Star Wars, Marvel films and more: Highlights of all Disney announcements Disney and other studios previously moved some films to stream because the coronavirus pandemic has left many cinemas closed. Warner Bros. took the most aggressive action by saying it would release all 17 of its 2021 movies on the HBO Max streaming service the same day they debut in theatres. Hollywood trade publications have reported that Disney has considered shifting the release of live-action movies including "Pinocchio," which stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, as well as "Peter Pan & Wendy," to Disney+ from theatres. Disney+ sign-ups have already surpassed the company`s earlier projections. In April 2019, the company had forecast that Disney+ would attract between 60 million and 90 million customers around the world by fiscal 2024. Last month, the company said it had already hit 74 million as of early October. Disney+ has been boosted by the popularity of 'The Mandalorian' TV series, a 'Star Wars' spinoff featuring the character popularly known as Baby Yoda.

Disney reports nearly 87 million Disney+ subscribers

Walt Disney Co on Thursday announced a heavy slate of new shows for its streaming services, including Marvel and Star Wars series on its fast-growing Disney+ platform and programming from reality TV fan-favorites the Kardashians for Hulu. 
 
The blizzard of new content announcements in a marathon investor day presentation also came with bold new business targets - and programming costs of up to $16 billion in fiscal 2024 - as Disney races with U.S. entertainment industry rivals to catch up to video streaming pioneer Netflix Inc. 
 
By the end of fiscal 2024, Disney expects to attract as many as 350 million global subscribers across all of its streaming services, easily more than double the 137 million it has today. Armed with fresh content, Disney will also raise the price of Disney+ by $1 in the U.S. to $7.99 per month and by 2 euros in continental Europe to 8.99 euros ($10.92). 
 
The aggressive push comes as Disney taps into a home entertainment boom stoked by the global coronavirus pandemic, with more people staying indoors and seeking out new shows. Launched less than a year ago, Disney+ has already hit 86.8 million subscribers, Disney said, nearly reaching the upper end of a goal its previously set for 2024. 
 
"It is clear our strategy has already positioned us as a leading global streaming service provider, and that is within just one year of launching Disney+," Disney Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy said. 
 
Disney said it plans to release 10 new TV series each in the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, including two spinoffs of "The Mandalorian," over the next few years. 
 
Another 15 live-action Disney Animation and Pixar shows and 15 Disney Animation and Pixar feature films will be available on the Disney+ streaming service. 
 
Customers should expect about 100 or more titles every year, executives said in the presentation to investors. 
 
The company announced new programming for Hulu and Star, a general entertainment service it will launch overseas in February. This will include content from the popular Kardashian family, which this year announced it was ending its long-running reality show on NBCUniversal`s E! network. 
 
Disney said it continues to expect Disney+ will reach profitability in 2024, and shares rose 4% in after-hours trading during the investor presentation. 
 
CLOSING THE GAP 
The US&nbsp;entertainment industry has scrambled to match Netflix this year. Disney, AT&amp;T`s WarnerMedia and Comcast Corp`s NBCUniversal have all restructured operations to focus on streaming video services. 
 
On Thursday, Disney set higher subscriber targets, fueled by billions of dollars invested in new programming. The company estimated it would spend between $14 billion to $16 billion on content in fiscal 2024. 
 
Disney+ is now expected to reach 230 million to 260 million customers by 2024, up from a previous projection of 60 million to 90 million. 
 
The company said between 30% to 40% of the new subscriber forecast came from Disney+ Hotstar in India. 
 
Disney+ has been boosted by the popularity of "The Mandalorian" TV series, a Star Wars spinoff featuring the character popularly known as Baby Yoda. On Thursday, Disney said it planned two further spinoff series, "The Rangers of the New Republic" and "Ahsoka."

Including upgraded expectations for Hulu and ESPN+, Disney said it could reach 300 million to 350 million streaming subscribers worldwide. 
 
Those numbers would challenge Netflix, which pioneered streaming in 2007 and had 195 million paying subscribers at the end of October. 
 
Shares of Netflix slipped 0.6% during Disney`s presentation. 
 
Hollywood is closely following Disney`s plans a week after AT&amp;T Inc`s Warner Bros upended the film business by saying it would debut all 17 of its 2021 movies on its HBO Max streaming service on the same day they hit theaters. 
 
That left cinema chains including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc, Cineworld Group and Cinemark Holdings Inc disgruntled about losing the window when they can screen movies exclusively in theaters before productions hit streaming services. 
 
Disney said on Thursday two films - "Pinocchio" and "Peter Pan &amp; Wendy" - would skip theaters and go straight to Disney+, but it did not announce sweeping changes to its movie release strategy as Warner Bros. did. 
 
It also said "Wonder Woman" director Patty Jenkins will also direct the next Star Wars theatrical film, "Rogue Squadron," expected to arrive by the end of 2023.

Walt Disney Co on Thursday announced a heavy slate of new shows for its streaming services, including Marvel and Star Wars series on its fast-growing Disney+ platform and programming from reality TV fan-favorites the Kardashians for Hulu.

Walt Disney Co on Thursday announced a heavy slate of new shows for its streaming services, including Marvel and Star Wars series on its fast-growing Disney+ platform and programming from reality TV fan-favorites the Kardashians for Hulu. The blizzard of new content announcements in a marathon investor day presentation also came with bold new business targets - and programming costs of up to $16 billion in fiscal 2024 - as Disney races with U.S. entertainment industry rivals to catch up to video streaming pioneer Netflix Inc. By the end of fiscal 2024, Disney expects to attract as many as 350 million global subscribers across all of its streaming services, easily more than double the 137 million it has today. Armed with fresh content, Disney will also raise the price of Disney+ by $1 in the U.S. to $7.99 per month and by 2 euros in continental Europe to 8.99 euros ($10.92). The aggressive push comes as Disney taps into a home entertainment boom stoked by the global coronavirus pandemic, with more people staying indoors and seeking out new shows. Launched less than a year ago, Disney+ has already hit 86.8 million subscribers, Disney said, nearly reaching the upper end of a goal its previously set for 2024. "It is clear our strategy has already positioned us as a leading global streaming service provider, and that is within just one year of launching Disney+," Disney Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy said. Disney said it plans to release 10 new TV series each in the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, including two spinoffs of "The Mandalorian," over the next few years. Another 15 live-action Disney Animation and Pixar shows and 15 Disney Animation and Pixar feature films will be available on the Disney+ streaming service. Customers should expect about 100 or more titles every year, executives said in the presentation to investors. The company announced new programming for Hulu and Star, a general entertainment service it will launch overseas in February. This will include content from the popular Kardashian family, which this year announced it was ending its long-running reality show on NBCUniversal`s E! network. Disney said it continues to expect Disney+ will reach profitability in 2024, and shares rose 4% in after-hours trading during the investor presentation. CLOSING THE GAP The US entertainment industry has scrambled to match Netflix this year. Disney, AT&T`s WarnerMedia and Comcast Corp`s NBCUniversal have all restructured operations to focus on streaming video services. On Thursday, Disney set higher subscriber targets, fueled by billions of dollars invested in new programming. The company estimated it would spend between $14 billion to $16 billion on content in fiscal 2024. Disney+ is now expected to reach 230 million to 260 million customers by 2024, up from a previous projection of 60 million to 90 million. The company said between 30% to 40% of the new subscriber forecast came from Disney+ Hotstar in India. Disney+ has been boosted by the popularity of "The Mandalorian" TV series, a Star Wars spinoff featuring the character popularly known as Baby Yoda. On Thursday, Disney said it planned two further spinoff series, "The Rangers of the New Republic" and "Ahsoka." Including upgraded expectations for Hulu and ESPN+, Disney said it could reach 300 million to 350 million streaming subscribers worldwide. Those numbers would challenge Netflix, which pioneered streaming in 2007 and had 195 million paying subscribers at the end of October. Shares of Netflix slipped 0.6% during Disney`s presentation. Hollywood is closely following Disney`s plans a week after AT&T Inc`s Warner Bros upended the film business by saying it would debut all 17 of its 2021 movies on its HBO Max streaming service on the same day they hit theaters. That left cinema chains including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc, Cineworld Group and Cinemark Holdings Inc disgruntled about losing the window when they can screen movies exclusively in theaters before productions hit streaming services. Disney said on Thursday two films - "Pinocchio" and "Peter Pan & Wendy" - would skip theaters and go straight to Disney+, but it did not announce sweeping changes to its movie release strategy as Warner Bros. did. It also said "Wonder Woman" director Patty Jenkins will also direct the next Star Wars theatrical film, "Rogue Squadron," expected to arrive by the end of 2023.

Disney expands Marvel and Star Wars galaxy for its streaming platform

The screenwriter of the iconic film ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Caroline Thompson, definitely does not want a live-action remake of the Halloween-Christmas movie.

In an interview with Insider, she said, "Do you really think they would do that? That would be so awful," Caroline Thompson, who co-wrote the screenplay after another writer exited 
 
It's no secret that Disney has been finding a lot of financial success with the remakes of their classic animated movies, including ‘Beauty &amp; the Beast,’ which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, and ‘The Lion King,’ which grossed over $1.6 billion globally. ‘Maleficent’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ also grossed over $750 million and $950 million globally respectively. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hong-kong-government-ends-disneys-option-for-expanding-theme-park-329846" hreflang="en">Hong Kong government ends Disney's option for expanding theme park</a>

However, when asked what Thompson would think if Disney decided to give the dark-hearted cousin of their animated movies the live-action remake treatment, she was not enamoured by the idea.

"I hope Tim [Burton] has enough rights that they can't do that," Thompson continued. "It's superfluous. That's greedy and stupid."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disneys-1997-animated-movie-hercules-to-get-a-remake-as-a-live-action-movie-296299">Disney's 1997 animated movie ‘Hercules’ to get a remake as a live-action movie</a>

There have been rumours of a ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ sequel in animated form, but Burton has always swiftly shut them down. However, in February 2019, it was reported that talks for a new "Nightmare" movie were underway, but they didn't specify whether that would be an animated sequel, spin-off or a live-action remake.

Burton himself has actually already been involved in three Disney live-action remakes: "Alice in Wonderland" and it's the sequel "Through the Looking Glass" along with &nbsp;"Dumbo." However, none of those movies fared that well with critics.

 
There is a slew of Disney live-action remakes already in the works, including "Cruella," "The Little Mermaid," "Peter Pan &amp; Wendy," "Hercules," "Pinocchio," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Lilo &amp; Stitch," and sequels or spin-offs to existing remakes to "The Lion King," "The Jungle Book," and "Aladdin."

Thompson hopes "The Nightmare Before Christmas" doesn't join that list anytime soon. 
&nbsp;

The screenwriter of the iconic film ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Caroline Thompson, definitely does not want a live-action remake of the Halloween-Christmas movie.

The screenwriter of the iconic film ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Caroline Thompson, definitely does not want a live-action remake of the Halloween-Christmas movie. In an interview with Insider, she said, "Do you really think they would do that? That would be so awful," Caroline Thompson, who co-wrote the screenplay after another writer exited It's no secret that Disney has been finding a lot of financial success with the remakes of their classic animated movies, including ‘Beauty & the Beast,’ which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, and ‘The Lion King,’ which grossed over $1.6 billion globally. ‘Maleficent’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ also grossed over $750 million and $950 million globally respectively. Hong Kong government ends Disney's option for expanding theme park However, when asked what Thompson would think if Disney decided to give the dark-hearted cousin of their animated movies the live-action remake treatment, she was not enamoured by the idea. "I hope Tim [Burton] has enough rights that they can't do that," Thompson continued. "It's superfluous. That's greedy and stupid." Disney's 1997 animated movie ‘Hercules’ to get a remake as a live-action movie There have been rumours of a ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ sequel in animated form, but Burton has always swiftly shut them down. However, in February 2019, it was reported that talks for a new "Nightmare" movie were underway, but they didn't specify whether that would be an animated sequel, spin-off or a live-action remake. Burton himself has actually already been involved in three Disney live-action remakes: "Alice in Wonderland" and it's the sequel "Through the Looking Glass" along with "Dumbo." However, none of those movies fared that well with critics. There is a slew of Disney live-action remakes already in the works, including "Cruella," "The Little Mermaid," "Peter Pan & Wendy," "Hercules," "Pinocchio," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Lilo & Stitch," and sequels or spin-offs to existing remakes to "The Lion King," "The Jungle Book," and "Aladdin." Thompson hopes "The Nightmare Before Christmas" doesn't join that list anytime soon.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas' writer says a Disney live-action remake would be 'greedy and stupid'

After Hailee Steinfeld, another addition has been reported in the cast of Marvel and Disney+ series on Hawkeye.

Vera Farmiga has joined the cast of Hawkeye that is currently in production.&nbsp;

The series stars Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, the Avenger known as Hawkeye. Hailee Steinfeld joins as fan-favorite character Kate Bishop, who in the comics eventually takes the mantle of Hawkeye after training under Barton.&nbsp;

‘Black Widow’ actor Florence Pugh is also attached to the project.

Bert and Bertie are directing the series along with Saturday Night Live director Rhys Thomas. Jonathan Igla is writing.

After Hailee Steinfeld, another addition has been reported in the cast of Marvel and Disney+ series on Hawkeye. Vera Farmiga has joined the cast of Hawkeye that is currently in production.

After Hailee Steinfeld, another addition has been reported in the cast of Marvel and Disney+ series on Hawkeye. Vera Farmiga has joined the cast of Hawkeye that is currently in production. The series stars Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, the Avenger known as Hawkeye. Hailee Steinfeld joins as fan-favorite character Kate Bishop, who in the comics eventually takes the mantle of Hawkeye after training under Barton. ‘Black Widow’ actor Florence Pugh is also attached to the project. Bert and Bertie are directing the series along with Saturday Night Live director Rhys Thomas. Jonathan Igla is writing.

Vera Farmiga joins Marvel's 'Hawkeye' series

On the day that could have been 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman's 44th birthday, the Walt Disney Co. on Sunday remembered the late actor by honouring him. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-honours-black-panther-chadwick-boseman-with-wall-mural-330107">Also read:&nbsp;Disney honours 'Black Panther' Chadwick Boseman with wall mural</a> 
 
According to The Hollywood Reporter, new opening credits were added to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-disney-should-handle-black-panther-2-after-chadwick-bosemans-death-325190">'Black Panther,'</a>&nbsp;on Disney+ in honour of the late actor. Marvel Studios also shared the video on their social media handles and wrote, "Long live the King. #WakandaForever."

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-black-panther-sequel-marvel-to-begin-atlanta-production-in-july-2021-344460">Also see: 'Black Panther' sequel: Marvel to begin Atlanta production in July 2021</a> 
 
The Marvel credit scene is a 30-second-long montage of Boseman`s much-known and loved work as the King T`Challa."To all fans of #BlackPanther: watch the film on #DisneyPlus late tonight, for a special tribute to someone that was and will always be near and dear to our hearts," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Disney chairman Bob Iger as saying. 
 
Boseman passed away after battling cancer on August 28 earlier this year. He had never publicly revealed his diagnosis which led to shock and devastation in all fans across the world.&nbsp;

On the day that could have been 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman's 44th birthday, the Walt Disney Co. on Sunday remembered the late actor by honouring him. Also read: Disney honours 'Black Panther' Chadwick Boseman with wall mural According to The Hollywood Reporter, new opening credits were added to 'Black Panther,' on Disney+ in honour of the late actor.

On the day that could have been 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman's 44th birthday, the Walt Disney Co. on Sunday remembered the late actor by honouring him. Also read: Disney honours 'Black Panther' Chadwick Boseman with wall mural According to The Hollywood Reporter, new opening credits were added to 'Black Panther,' on Disney+ in honour of the late actor. Marvel Studios also shared the video on their social media handles and wrote, "Long live the King. #WakandaForever." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) × Also see: 'Black Panther' sequel: Marvel to begin Atlanta production in July 2021 The Marvel credit scene is a 30-second-long montage of Boseman`s much-known and loved work as the King T`Challa."To all fans of #BlackPanther: watch the film on #DisneyPlus late tonight, for a special tribute to someone that was and will always be near and dear to our hearts," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Disney chairman Bob Iger as saying. Boseman passed away after battling cancer on August 28 earlier this year. He had never publicly revealed his diagnosis which led to shock and devastation in all fans across the world.

Disney honours Chadwick Boseman with 'Black Panther' credits on his birth anniversary

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would layoff 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The layoffs will be in the first half of 2021, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Earlier this month, Disney said it was furloughing additional workers from its theme park in Southern California due to uncertainty over when the state would allow parks to reopen.

Disney`s theme parks in Florida and those outside the United States reopened earlier this year without seeing new major coronavirus outbreaks but with strict social distancing, testing and mask use.

Disneyland Paris was forced to close again late last month when France imposed a new lockdown to fight a second wave of the coronavirus cases.

The company`s theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo remain open.

Disney did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on whether the 28,000 layoffs announced earlier were included in the latest figure, but a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Variety that the figure includes the previously announced number.

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would layoff 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would layoff 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs will be in the first half of 2021, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Earlier this month, Disney said it was furloughing additional workers from its theme park in Southern California due to uncertainty over when the state would allow parks to reopen. Disney`s theme parks in Florida and those outside the United States reopened earlier this year without seeing new major coronavirus outbreaks but with strict social distancing, testing and mask use. Disneyland Paris was forced to close again late last month when France imposed a new lockdown to fight a second wave of the coronavirus cases. The company`s theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo remain open. Disney did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on whether the 28,000 layoffs announced earlier were included in the latest figure, but a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Variety that the figure includes the previously announced number.

Disney to layoff about 32,000 workers in first half of 2021

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would lay off 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September, as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
The layoffs will be in the first half of 2021, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
 
Earlier this month, Disney said it was furloughing additional workers from its theme park in Southern California due to uncertainty over when the state would allow parks to reopen. 
 
Disney`s theme parks in Florida and those outside the United States reopened earlier this year without seeing new major coronavirus outbreaks but with strict social distancing, testing and mask use. 
 
Disneyland Paris was forced to close again late last month when France imposed a new lockdown to fight a second wave of the coronavirus cases. The company`s theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo remain open. 
 
Disney did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on whether the 28,000 layoffs announced earlier were included in the latest figure, but a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Variety that the figure includes the previously announced number.

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would lay off 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September, as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday it would lay off 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September, as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs will be in the first half of 2021, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Earlier this month, Disney said it was furloughing additional workers from its theme park in Southern California due to uncertainty over when the state would allow parks to reopen. Disney`s theme parks in Florida and those outside the United States reopened earlier this year without seeing new major coronavirus outbreaks but with strict social distancing, testing and mask use. Disneyland Paris was forced to close again late last month when France imposed a new lockdown to fight a second wave of the coronavirus cases. The company`s theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo remain open. Disney did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on whether the 28,000 layoffs announced earlier were included in the latest figure, but a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Variety that the figure includes the previously announced number.

Disney to lay off about 32,000 workers in first half of 2021

Disney is now making a difficult decision of skipping theatrical release for their upcoming films due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to a report published in the Deadline, a number of upcoming tentpole family films are heading straight to Disney+.&nbsp;

The names that have been discussed are ‘Cruella’, the Craig Gillespie-directed live-action re-imaging of the animated classic that stars Emma Stone and Emma Thompson; the Robert Zemeckis-directed ‘Pinocchio’ that has Tom Hanks starring; and ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’, the David Lowery-directed film that has Yara Shahidi set to play Tinker Bell.

The studio is looking at every option, and everything is under consideration and contingency planning, as Disney makes plans to lean in heavily on its direct-to-consumer initiative and towards continuing to build the juggernaut Disney+.

Before this, Warner Bros made the announcement that its sequel ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ will release <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-confirmed-wonder-woman-1984-to-hit-theaters-and-streaming-on-christmas-343993">simultaneously on HBO Max and theatres</a> on the same day -- Christmas 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-the-crown-mouse-to-got-coffee-mug-guffaw-here-are-most-epic-onscreen-goof-ups-344106" hreflang="en">From 'The Crown' mouse to 'GOT' coffee mug guffaw: Here are most epic onscreen goof-ups</a>

Disney is now making a difficult decision of skipping theatrical release for their upcoming films due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to a report published in the Deadline, a number of upcoming tentpole family films are heading straight to Disney+.

Disney is now making a difficult decision of skipping theatrical release for their upcoming films due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to a report published in the Deadline, a number of upcoming tentpole family films are heading straight to Disney+. The names that have been discussed are ‘Cruella’, the Craig Gillespie-directed live-action re-imaging of the animated classic that stars Emma Stone and Emma Thompson; the Robert Zemeckis-directed ‘Pinocchio’ that has Tom Hanks starring; and ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’, the David Lowery-directed film that has Yara Shahidi set to play Tinker Bell. The studio is looking at every option, and everything is under consideration and contingency planning, as Disney makes plans to lean in heavily on its direct-to-consumer initiative and towards continuing to build the juggernaut Disney+. Before this, Warner Bros made the announcement that its sequel ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ will release simultaneously on HBO Max and theatres on the same day -- Christmas 2020. From 'The Crown' mouse to 'GOT' coffee mug guffaw: Here are most epic onscreen goof-ups

Disney mulling to release 'Pinocchio', 'Cruella' 'Peter Pan' directly on OTT

There’s no denying the fact that each one of us has, at some point in our lives, wanted to have superpowers like being able to fly, become invisible, run extremely fast, travel through time, and many more. What makes us want to have these abilities and look to save the day, and the world has been a host of comics and movies that have given us countless superheroes to take inspiration from. With each new superhero comes a new superpower which is exactly why we love watching movies and show and thanks to Disney we have a never-ending supply of such movies.

Disney’s 'The New Mutants' recently hit the theatres. Based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name and distributed by 20th Century Studios, it&nbsp;is the thirteenth and final installment in the X-Men film series. The film was directed by Josh Boone from a screenplay he wrote with Knate Lee, and stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga. In the film, a group of young mutants held in a secret facility fight to save themselves. Here's what you need to know about the five mutants and their superpowers:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Wolfsbane

<img alt="Wolfsbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b671a89a-16ff-4643-aff6-a1d9935e54e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rahne-wolfsbane.jpg" />

The most intelligent and sharpest mutant of the lot, Wolfsbane, a.k.a Rahne Sinclair has the superpower of turning into a wolf whenever she pleases. Her lycanthropy allows her to shift between human and wolf form, with the later giving her superhuman strength, speed, and durability while seeing her gain the sensory capabilities of a wolf.&nbsp;

Magik

<img alt="magik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c96fe7d-4cd1-454d-9eaf-311e7cf6278f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/magik.jpg" />

Illyana Rasputin, famously known as Magik, has the most unique power of them all. She has inter-dimensional sorcery powers that help in manifesting the Soulsword. The coolest thing about her superpower is that she can use teleportation discs to travel. Now, who wouldn’t want to travel through different dimensions and figure out all the questions pertaining to the universe?&nbsp;

Mirage

<img alt="mirage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="903a7922-3fd9-4919-83ed-8ff470bcd022" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dani-mirage.jpg" />

Danielle, Dani, or Mirage, whatever you call her, the sweetest mutant of the lot possesses the superpower that would make not want to mess with her. Mirage's ability involves physically manifesting a person's fears and desires in a lifelike illusion. Wouldn’t it be relaxing to just lay down and experience something extraordinary, yet so calm? Say for example being at a mountain or lakeside or next to a cute and adorable koala bear?

Cannonball

<img alt="cannonball" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24d692af-30ef-4fb8-bc82-326756ae0949" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sam-cannnonball.jpg" />

Sam Guthrie has the superpower that allows him to propel himself through the air at great speed. He uses his naturally-available thermo-chemical energy to lift himself off the ground. Interestingly, he gets his name because he is invulnerable when he is in motion, effectively making this young mutant a human cannonball.&nbsp;

Sunspot

<img alt="Sunspot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9add7d65-eed8-4a09-bd80-d14c5a326bd5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sunspot.jpg" />

Sunspot or Roberto "Bobby" da Costa has the most interesting superpower of them all. Sunspot can absorb solar energy in his body that he can use to fuel his range of abilities that include an increase in strength, flight, and energy discharge.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There’s no denying the fact that each one of us has, at some point in our lives, wanted to have superpowers like being able to fly, become invisible, run extremely fast, travel through time, and many more.

There’s no denying the fact that each one of us has, at some point in our lives, wanted to have superpowers like being able to fly, become invisible, run extremely fast, travel through time, and many more. What makes us want to have these abilities and look to save the day, and the world has been a host of comics and movies that have given us countless superheroes to take inspiration from. With each new superhero comes a new superpower which is exactly why we love watching movies and show and thanks to Disney we have a never-ending supply of such movies. Disney’s 'The New Mutants' recently hit the theatres. Based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name and distributed by 20th Century Studios, it is the thirteenth and final installment in the X-Men film series. The film was directed by Josh Boone from a screenplay he wrote with Knate Lee, and stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga. In the film, a group of young mutants held in a secret facility fight to save themselves. Here's what you need to know about the five mutants and their superpowers: Wolfsbane The most intelligent and sharpest mutant of the lot, Wolfsbane, a.k.a Rahne Sinclair has the superpower of turning into a wolf whenever she pleases. Her lycanthropy allows her to shift between human and wolf form, with the later giving her superhuman strength, speed, and durability while seeing her gain the sensory capabilities of a wolf. Magik Illyana Rasputin, famously known as Magik, has the most unique power of them all. She has inter-dimensional sorcery powers that help in manifesting the Soulsword. The coolest thing about her superpower is that she can use teleportation discs to travel. Now, who wouldn’t want to travel through different dimensions and figure out all the questions pertaining to the universe? Mirage Danielle, Dani, or Mirage, whatever you call her, the sweetest mutant of the lot possesses the superpower that would make not want to mess with her. Mirage's ability involves physically manifesting a person's fears and desires in a lifelike illusion. Wouldn’t it be relaxing to just lay down and experience something extraordinary, yet so calm? Say for example being at a mountain or lakeside or next to a cute and adorable koala bear? Cannonball Sam Guthrie has the superpower that allows him to propel himself through the air at great speed. He uses his naturally-available thermo-chemical energy to lift himself off the ground. Interestingly, he gets his name because he is invulnerable when he is in motion, effectively making this young mutant a human cannonball. Sunspot Sunspot or Roberto "Bobby" da Costa has the most interesting superpower of them all. Sunspot can absorb solar energy in his body that he can use to fuel his range of abilities that include an increase in strength, flight, and energy discharge.

Disney’s 'The New Mutants': Know the superpowers of the five mutants

Classic Disney animated movies 'Peter Pan,' 'The Aristocrats' and 'Dumbo' have been given content advisory notices warning viewers that they contain outdated or stereotyped depictions of people of color. 
 
The advisories, the latest example of Hollywood`s reckoning with racism, come in the form of a short graphic on the Disney + streaming service as some of the older films are selected for viewing. 
 
"This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures," the on screen advice reads. 
 
"These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together," it adds. 
 
Disney said on its website that the advisories were part of a review of its library content. 
 
The movie studio said that 1953 film 'Peter Pan' refers to Native people as "redskins" and that the dancing in headdresses by Peter and the Lost Boys is a "form of mockery and appropriation of Native peoples` culture and imagery." 
 
For the 1970 film 'The Aristocats,' the advisory refers to one of the felines, noting that it "sings in poorly accented English voiced by a white actor and plays the piano with chopsticks." 
 
Other movies dating back to the 1950s 1960s and 1970s with the new warning include 'The Lady and the Tramp,' 'Swiss Family Robinson,' and 'The Jungle Book.' 
 
Earlier this year, amid massive nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice, the Civil War era film 'Gone With the Wind' was briefly pulled from the HBO Max streaming service. 
 
It reappeared two weeks later with a commentary about the brutality of slavery.

Classic Disney animated movies 'Peter Pan,' 'The Aristocrats' and 'Dumbo' have been given content advisory notices warning viewers that they contain outdated or stereotyped depictions of people of color.

Classic Disney animated movies 'Peter Pan,' 'The Aristocrats' and 'Dumbo' have been given content advisory notices warning viewers that they contain outdated or stereotyped depictions of people of color. The advisories, the latest example of Hollywood`s reckoning with racism, come in the form of a short graphic on the Disney + streaming service as some of the older films are selected for viewing. "This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures," the on screen advice reads. "These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together," it adds. Disney said on its website that the advisories were part of a review of its library content. The movie studio said that 1953 film 'Peter Pan' refers to Native people as "redskins" and that the dancing in headdresses by Peter and the Lost Boys is a "form of mockery and appropriation of Native peoples` culture and imagery." For the 1970 film 'The Aristocats,' the advisory refers to one of the felines, noting that it "sings in poorly accented English voiced by a white actor and plays the piano with chopsticks." Other movies dating back to the 1950s 1960s and 1970s with the new warning include 'The Lady and the Tramp,' 'Swiss Family Robinson,' and 'The Jungle Book.' Earlier this year, amid massive nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice, the Civil War era film 'Gone With the Wind' was briefly pulled from the HBO Max streaming service. It reappeared two weeks later with a commentary about the brutality of slavery.

Disney's 'Peter Pan,' 'Aristocrats' get racism advisories

There has been a lot of reportage around Disney’s latest flick ‘Mulan’ and not everything written about it was in favour of the film that tells the story of a brave girl Mulan from China who takes upon a tough task for an important reason.&nbsp;

The film has been riddled with controversies ever since it released. Most importantly for filming near internment camps in China where Uighur Muslims and other Muslim minorities have been kept allegedly by force. The film that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disneys-mulan-sparks-backlash-over-xinjiang-hong-kong-326101">filmed in the Xinjiang province</a> was criticised heavily for whitewashing the issue and continuing filming in a troubled area. Disney has responded to the criticism.&nbsp;

Disney's president of film production, Sean Bailey, defended the decision to film in that area, saying that those scenes "comprised 78 seconds" of the final film. Bailey's statement came as a response to a letter of critique from Iain Duncan Smith, a member of the UK Parliament.&nbsp;

They have also argued that they filmed it there to make ‘Mulan’ more authentic.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-has-launched-a-campaign-to-suppress-minorities-330312">Gravitas: China has launched a campaign to suppress minorities</a>

The live-adaptation of the 1998 classic is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar and has also been released in several parts of the world in theatres. It has, however, particularly in China, received a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-disneys-mulan-opens-weak-in-china-with-232-million-at-box-offices-327331">lukewarm response.</a>&nbsp;In&nbsp;mainland China,&nbsp;authorities had told major media outlets not to cover the film's release in the wake of the uproar.

There has been a lot of reportage around Disney’s latest flick ‘Mulan’ and not everything written about it was in favour of the film that tells the story of a brave girl Mulan from China who takes upon a tough task for an important reason.

There has been a lot of reportage around Disney’s latest flick ‘Mulan’ and not everything written about it was in favour of the film that tells the story of a brave girl Mulan from China who takes upon a tough task for an important reason. The film has been riddled with controversies ever since it released. Most importantly for filming near internment camps in China where Uighur Muslims and other Muslim minorities have been kept allegedly by force. The film that was filmed in the Xinjiang province was criticised heavily for whitewashing the issue and continuing filming in a troubled area. Disney has responded to the criticism. Disney's president of film production, Sean Bailey, defended the decision to film in that area, saying that those scenes "comprised 78 seconds" of the final film. Bailey's statement came as a response to a letter of critique from Iain Duncan Smith, a member of the UK Parliament. They have also argued that they filmed it there to make ‘Mulan’ more authentic. Watch Gravitas: China has launched a campaign to suppress minorities The live-adaptation of the 1998 classic is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar and has also been released in several parts of the world in theatres. It has, however, particularly in China, received a lukewarm response. In mainland China, authorities had told major media outlets not to cover the film's release in the wake of the uproar.

Disney responds to 'Mulan' controversy of filming in Xinjiang province

Disney Expo’s next edition, D23, has been delayed by a year to 2022.&nbsp;

The event, which takes place every two years, had originally been slated for summer 2021, but it will now take place between September 9-11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

D23 has become a go-to place for Disney to bring together stars, major news and exclusive footage of its upcoming projects.

D23 most recently occurred in August 2019 and was a star-studded affair. It was announced during the event that they have got on board talents like Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, with some repeat members like Jamie Foxx, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt and the cast of Eternals.&nbsp;

Disney also used the convention to officially confirm that Ewan McGregor was back as Obi-Wan Kenobi for a Disney+series, as well as to lay out plans for Marvel Studios' Disney+ shows.

The move comes as a result of everyone around the world dealing with COVID-19 restrictions.&nbsp;

Disney Expo’s next edition, D23, has been delayed by a year to 2022. The event, which takes place every two years, had originally been slated for summer 2021, but it will now take place between September 9-11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Disney Expo’s next edition, D23, has been delayed by a year to 2022. The event, which takes place every two years, had originally been slated for summer 2021, but it will now take place between September 9-11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. D23 has become a go-to place for Disney to bring together stars, major news and exclusive footage of its upcoming projects. D23 most recently occurred in August 2019 and was a star-studded affair. It was announced during the event that they have got on board talents like Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, with some repeat members like Jamie Foxx, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt and the cast of Eternals. Disney also used the convention to officially confirm that Ewan McGregor was back as Obi-Wan Kenobi for a Disney+series, as well as to lay out plans for Marvel Studios' Disney+ shows. The move comes as a result of everyone around the world dealing with COVID-19 restrictions.

Disney Expo’s next edition, D23, delayed by a year to 2022

Walt Disney Co on Wednesday postponed the release of superhero movie 'Black Widow' and Steven Spielberg`s 'West Side Story' until 2021, a setback to cinema operators hoping for a late-year surge in moviegoing. 
 
The films were among the biggest titles remaining on Hollywood`s schedule for 2020. 'Black Widow' was delayed by six months until May 2021 and 'West Side Story,' a movie version of the classic Broadway musical, by a year to December 2021. 
 
The changes follow disappointing efforts to get Americans back into movie theaters after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered cinemas worldwide in March. 
 
Theaters remain closed in Los Angeles and New York, the two largest moviegoing hubs in the United States. Big chains including AMC Entertainment and Cineworld Plc`s Regal Cinemas have reopened in other US cities. 
 
The few blockbusters left on this year`s include James Bond movie 'No Time to Die,' due to debut on November 20, and 'Wonder Woman 1984,' which recently moved to December 25. 
 
Disney and others have shuffled their schedules several times as they try to gauge when the pandemic will fade enough to bring audiences back to multiplexes. Some movies have skipped theaters and gone straight to streaming services. 
 
'Black Widow', starring Scarlett Johansson as the Marvel action hero, had originally been scheduled for May before Disney moved it to November 6. 
 
Disney on Wednesday also moved back Agatha Christie mystery "Death on the Nile" to December 2020 from October, and Marvel`s 'Eternals' to November 2021 from February 2021. 
 
"Marvel made the right &amp; responsible decision," 'Eternals' star Kumail Nanjiani wrote on Twitter. "There’s a pandemic. Nothing is more important than health &amp; lives. I can’t tell (people) to go to a movie theater until I feel safe going to one." 
Disney still plans to release animated Pixar movie 'Soul' in theaters on November 20.

Walt Disney Co on Wednesday postponed the release of superhero movie 'Black Widow' and Steven Spielberg`s 'West Side Story' until 2021, a setback to cinema operators hoping for a late-year surge in moviegoing.

Walt Disney Co on Wednesday postponed the release of superhero movie 'Black Widow' and Steven Spielberg`s 'West Side Story' until 2021, a setback to cinema operators hoping for a late-year surge in moviegoing. The films were among the biggest titles remaining on Hollywood`s schedule for 2020. 'Black Widow' was delayed by six months until May 2021 and 'West Side Story,' a movie version of the classic Broadway musical, by a year to December 2021. The changes follow disappointing efforts to get Americans back into movie theaters after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered cinemas worldwide in March. Theaters remain closed in Los Angeles and New York, the two largest moviegoing hubs in the United States. Big chains including AMC Entertainment and Cineworld Plc`s Regal Cinemas have reopened in other US cities. The few blockbusters left on this year`s include James Bond movie 'No Time to Die,' due to debut on November 20, and 'Wonder Woman 1984,' which recently moved to December 25. Disney and others have shuffled their schedules several times as they try to gauge when the pandemic will fade enough to bring audiences back to multiplexes. Some movies have skipped theaters and gone straight to streaming services. 'Black Widow', starring Scarlett Johansson as the Marvel action hero, had originally been scheduled for May before Disney moved it to November 6. Disney on Wednesday also moved back Agatha Christie mystery "Death on the Nile" to December 2020 from October, and Marvel`s 'Eternals' to November 2021 from February 2021. "Marvel made the right & responsible decision," 'Eternals' star Kumail Nanjiani wrote on Twitter. "There’s a pandemic. Nothing is more important than health & lives. I can’t tell (people) to go to a movie theater until I feel safe going to one." Disney still plans to release animated Pixar movie 'Soul' in theaters on November 20.

Disney delays 'Black Widow' in new setback for cinemas

Disney+ has dropped the first trailer for 'WandaVision', the first look at the television spin-offs of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Disney+ drops first trailer for Avengers spin-off TV show 'WandaVision'

Walt Disney Co's live-action remake of "Mulan" opened on Thursday (September 17) to a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been leading calls to boycott the movie.

Disney's 'Mulan' gets cold reception in boycott-leading Hong Kong

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of "Mulan" opened on Thursday to a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been leading calls to boycott the movie. 
 
Based on a Chinese folk story, the film has provoked a backlash in the Chinese-ruled city and elsewhere over its star`s comments of support for Hong Kong police during protests last year and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-disneys-mulan-opens-weak-in-china-with-232-million-at-box-offices-327331" hreflang="en">Disney's 'Mulan' opens weak in China with $23.2 million at box offices</a> 
 
"I will not watch Mulan because of its cast and filming location," said 24-year-old clerk Cherry Lee as she passed by the Mong Kok Broadway Theatre screening the film. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and internet users in Taiwan and Thailand have been among those promoting hashtags "#BoycottMulan" and "#BanMulan" on Twitter, following this month`s launch of the film on Disney`s streaming platform.

Most Hong Kong cinemas had their first showing of Mulan on Thursday morning. At Mong Kok Broadway Theatre, in a popular protest area, Mulan sold one third of the tickets at its debut according to frontdesk staff, around 20% fewer than local movie "i`m livin` it" by Hing Fan Wong, which debuted at the same time. 
 
"I’ve known the story of Mulan since I was little," said retiree Chan, as he entered the cinema. He declined to give his first name to avoid getting involved in the controversy. At Festival Grand Cinema in another district, Christopher Nolan`s `Tenet`, which debuted in Hong Kong on Sept. 20, sold more tickets on Thursday morning than 'Mulan', staff said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/china-bars-media-coverage-of-disneys-mulan-after-xinjiang-backlash-sources-326579" hreflang="en">China bars media coverage of Disney's 'Mulan' after Xinjiang backlash: Sources</a> 
 
Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'Mulan' also had a cold reception in mainland China, where Chinese authorities had told major media outlets not to cover the film's release in the wake of the uproar. 
 
Internationally, the criticism has focused on the movie being partly filmed in Xinjiang, where China`s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments and rights groups. 
In Hong Kong, the star of the movie, mainland Chinese-born actress Liu Yifei, has angered democracy supporters after showing support for Hong Kong police in a social media post last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/disney-very-pleased-with-mulan-debut-ahead-of-china-opening-326414" hreflang="en">Disney 'very pleased' with 'Mulan' debut ahead of China opening</a> 
 
Retiree Kwok, 65, who declined to give his first name, said he liked the movie because it represented values such as "safeguarding the country and helping families" at a time when China was being "suppressed by the United States.''

"Lui Yifei represents Mulan well, she is very brave and willing to fight against evil," Kwok said.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of "Mulan" opened on Thursday to a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been leading calls to boycott the movie.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of "Mulan" opened on Thursday to a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been leading calls to boycott the movie. Based on a Chinese folk story, the film has provoked a backlash in the Chinese-ruled city and elsewhere over its star`s comments of support for Hong Kong police during protests last year and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region. Also read: Disney's 'Mulan' opens weak in China with $23.2 million at box offices "I will not watch Mulan because of its cast and filming location," said 24-year-old clerk Cherry Lee as she passed by the Mong Kok Broadway Theatre screening the film. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and internet users in Taiwan and Thailand have been among those promoting hashtags "#BoycottMulan" and "#BanMulan" on Twitter, following this month`s launch of the film on Disney`s streaming platform. Most Hong Kong cinemas had their first showing of Mulan on Thursday morning. At Mong Kok Broadway Theatre, in a popular protest area, Mulan sold one third of the tickets at its debut according to frontdesk staff, around 20% fewer than local movie "i`m livin` it" by Hing Fan Wong, which debuted at the same time. "I’ve known the story of Mulan since I was little," said retiree Chan, as he entered the cinema. He declined to give his first name to avoid getting involved in the controversy. At Festival Grand Cinema in another district, Christopher Nolan`s `Tenet`, which debuted in Hong Kong on Sept. 20, sold more tickets on Thursday morning than 'Mulan', staff said. Also read: China bars media coverage of Disney's 'Mulan' after Xinjiang backlash: Sources Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'Mulan' also had a cold reception in mainland China, where Chinese authorities had told major media outlets not to cover the film's release in the wake of the uproar. Internationally, the criticism has focused on the movie being partly filmed in Xinjiang, where China`s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments and rights groups. In Hong Kong, the star of the movie, mainland Chinese-born actress Liu Yifei, has angered democracy supporters after showing support for Hong Kong police in a social media post last year. Also read: Disney 'very pleased' with 'Mulan' debut ahead of China opening Retiree Kwok, 65, who declined to give his first name, said he liked the movie because it represented values such as "safeguarding the country and helping families" at a time when China was being "suppressed by the United States.'' "Lui Yifei represents Mulan well, she is very brave and willing to fight against evil," Kwok said.

Disney’s streaming channel took home its first Emmy prize on Wednesday for ‘The Mandalorian’.&nbsp;

The hit series won for its special effects while Greig Fraser won for best cinematography.

Disney+ had a total of 19 nominations, leading the pack of first-time streaming nominees. The majority of its nominations are for ‘The Mandalorian’, which also landed a nod for outstanding drama series. Other streaming channels that follow are Apple TV+ (18 nominations) and Quibi (10 nominations).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-the-mandalorian-and-the-child-continue-their-journey-in-season-2-trailer-327906" hreflang="en">Watch: The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey in season 2 trailer</a>

OTT platforms have been playing an important role at this year’s Emmys. Netflix leads amongst all with 160 nominations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/norman-lear-tops-own-record-as-oldest-emmys-winner-ever-327957" hreflang="en">Norman Lear tops own record as oldest Emmys winner ever</a>

Disney’s streaming channel took home its first Emmy prize on Wednesday for ‘The Mandalorian’. The hit series won for its special effects while Greig Fraser won for best cinematography.

Disney’s streaming channel took home its first Emmy prize on Wednesday for ‘The Mandalorian’. The hit series won for its special effects while Greig Fraser won for best cinematography. Disney+ had a total of 19 nominations, leading the pack of first-time streaming nominees. The majority of its nominations are for ‘The Mandalorian’, which also landed a nod for outstanding drama series. Other streaming channels that follow are Apple TV+ (18 nominations) and Quibi (10 nominations). Watch: The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey in season 2 trailer OTT platforms have been playing an important role at this year’s Emmys. Netflix leads amongst all with 160 nominations. Norman Lear tops own record as oldest Emmys winner ever

Disney's 'The Mandalorian' wins its first Emmys for its streaming channel

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market. 
 
The debut for 'Mulan' fell short of director Christopher Nolan`s 'Tenet,' which grossed $29.8 million in China a week earlier. Unlike 'Tenet,'&nbsp; 'Mulan' was tailored to draw big audiences in the country. 
 
But 'Mulan,' which cost $200 million to produce, was hit by political controversy and received mixed reviews in China. It had been set to debut in March until it was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited moviegoing worldwide. 
 
"That`s a disappointing debut," said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. "Disney made this film for Chinese audiences and they saw it pretty much fall flat." 
 
'Mulan' provoked a backlash on overseas social media, and calls for a boycott, over its star’s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China’s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticized by some governments and rights groups. 
 
Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. 
 
Total worldwide box office receipts for "Mulan" reached $37.6 million through Sunday for the seven territories where the film is playing.

Disney is trying to turn a profit on 'Mulan' through an unusual release strategy because the pandemic has left many theaters shuttered. 
 
The company made 'Mulan' available for online viewing in the United States and other countries where the Disney+ streaming service is available. 
 
In China and other countries where Disney+ does not operate, Disney is releasing 'Mulan' in cinemas. Disney has not provided sales figures from streaming.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market. The debut for 'Mulan' fell short of director Christopher Nolan`s 'Tenet,' which grossed $29.8 million in China a week earlier. Unlike 'Tenet,' 'Mulan' was tailored to draw big audiences in the country. But 'Mulan,' which cost $200 million to produce, was hit by political controversy and received mixed reviews in China. It had been set to debut in March until it was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited moviegoing worldwide. "That`s a disappointing debut," said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. "Disney made this film for Chinese audiences and they saw it pretty much fall flat." 'Mulan' provoked a backlash on overseas social media, and calls for a boycott, over its star’s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China’s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticized by some governments and rights groups. Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. Total worldwide box office receipts for "Mulan" reached $37.6 million through Sunday for the seven territories where the film is playing. Disney is trying to turn a profit on 'Mulan' through an unusual release strategy because the pandemic has left many theaters shuttered. The company made 'Mulan' available for online viewing in the United States and other countries where the Disney+ streaming service is available. In China and other countries where Disney+ does not operate, Disney is releasing 'Mulan' in cinemas. Disney has not provided sales figures from streaming.

Disney's 'Mulan' opens weak in China with $23.2 million at box offices

Walt Disney Co`s live-action war epic 'Mulan'&nbsp;opened to a lukewarm reception in China on Friday as it battled with mixed reviews, COVID-19 curbs on cinemas and a government ban on major media coverage amid international calls for a boycott. 
 
The film, based on a Chinese folk story, had taken in 46 million yuan ($6.73 million) at the box office by 8 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), according to online ticketing platform Maoyan - a slow start compared with other blockbusters. 
 
'Mulan'&nbsp;has provoked a backlash on overseas social media over its star`s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China`s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments and rights groups. 
 
Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters, further weighing on its chances of success. 
 
Starring big-name Chinese-born actors - Jet Li, Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Liu Yifei - 'Mulan'&nbsp;was tailored to appeal to audiences in China, the world`s second-largest movie market. 
 
But there was no major media build-up and no star-studded premier or red carpet launch. 
Online reviewers in China seemed more concerned about the plot than the politics. 
 
The film, which has already been released on Disney’s streaming service in many markets, was rated 4.7 out of 10 on China`s popular social media site Douban. 
 
Some posters pointed out historical inaccuracies, including the use of buildings that only appeared hundreds of years after the film`s setting. The movie`s "pre-sales started too late, and it got quite some extreme reviews before the premiere," said Liu Zhenfei, an analyst with Maoyan. 
 
"On top of the fact that it is impacted by piracy issues, because the storyline is Chinese, it faces higher expectations when shown in China," he said. The ticketing company predicted Mulan would likely take in less than 300 million yuan in ticket receipts during its entire run in China. 
 
By comparison, 'The Eight Hundred'.&nbsp;a patriotic movie about China`s fight against Imperial Japanese during World War Two, earned 141.3 million yuan on its first full day in August. People coming out of the first screenings of 'Mulan' said the politics had not put them off. 
 
"We should not make art political," said Shanghai cinema-goer Gao Wenxing, 23."As a Chinese person, I&nbsp; don`t think there is anything wrong with Liu Yifei`s action," she added, referring to the actress who plays the Mulan and angered many with her support for police in Hong Kong at a time when the city was embroiled in unrest. 
 
When asked in the past about the reaction to the film`s Xinjiang shooting, China`s foreign ministry has reiterated Beijing`s denial of the existence of re-education camps in the region, calling facilities there vocational and educational institutions and accusing anti-China forces of smearing its Xinjiang policy.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action war epic 'Mulan' opened to a lukewarm reception in China on Friday as it battled with mixed reviews, COVID-19 curbs on cinemas and a government ban on major media coverage amid international calls for a boycott.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action war epic 'Mulan' opened to a lukewarm reception in China on Friday as it battled with mixed reviews, COVID-19 curbs on cinemas and a government ban on major media coverage amid international calls for a boycott. The film, based on a Chinese folk story, had taken in 46 million yuan ($6.73 million) at the box office by 8 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), according to online ticketing platform Maoyan - a slow start compared with other blockbusters. 'Mulan' has provoked a backlash on overseas social media over its star`s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China`s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments and rights groups. Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters, further weighing on its chances of success. Starring big-name Chinese-born actors - Jet Li, Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Liu Yifei - 'Mulan' was tailored to appeal to audiences in China, the world`s second-largest movie market. But there was no major media build-up and no star-studded premier or red carpet launch. Online reviewers in China seemed more concerned about the plot than the politics. The film, which has already been released on Disney’s streaming service in many markets, was rated 4.7 out of 10 on China`s popular social media site Douban. Some posters pointed out historical inaccuracies, including the use of buildings that only appeared hundreds of years after the film`s setting. The movie`s "pre-sales started too late, and it got quite some extreme reviews before the premiere," said Liu Zhenfei, an analyst with Maoyan. "On top of the fact that it is impacted by piracy issues, because the storyline is Chinese, it faces higher expectations when shown in China," he said. The ticketing company predicted Mulan would likely take in less than 300 million yuan in ticket receipts during its entire run in China. By comparison, 'The Eight Hundred'. a patriotic movie about China`s fight against Imperial Japanese during World War Two, earned 141.3 million yuan on its first full day in August. People coming out of the first screenings of 'Mulan' said the politics had not put them off. "We should not make art political," said Shanghai cinema-goer Gao Wenxing, 23."As a Chinese person, I don`t think there is anything wrong with Liu Yifei`s action," she added, referring to the actress who plays the Mulan and angered many with her support for police in Hong Kong at a time when the city was embroiled in unrest. When asked in the past about the reaction to the film`s Xinjiang shooting, China`s foreign ministry has reiterated Beijing`s denial of the existence of re-education camps in the region, calling facilities there vocational and educational institutions and accusing anti-China forces of smearing its Xinjiang policy.

Disney's 'Mulan' battles mixed reviews and media muzzle at Chinese launch

Chinese authorities have told major media outlets not to cover Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', in an order issued after controversy erupted overseas over the film`s links with the Xinjiang region, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. 
 
Set to open in local theatres on Friday, Disney had high hopes for Mulan in China, but starving it of publicity in the country`s strictly censored media would be another blow to the $200 million production. 
 
Starring big-name Chinese-born actors - Jet Li, Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Liu Yifei - and based on a Chinese folk story, 'Mulan' was tailored to appeal to audiences in China, the world`s second-largest movie market. 
 
But mixed reviews online and capacity limits in theatres due to coronavirus prevention measures were likely to weigh on its box office performance, even before major media outlets received a notice telling them to refrain from covering the movie. 
 
Three sources told Reuters media outlets had received the notice, two of whom said it was sent by the Cyberspace Administration of China. A fourth source at a major Chinese newspaper said he received a text message with a similar order from a senior colleague. 
 
No reason was given in the notice, but the sources said they believed it was because of the overseas backlash over the film`s links to Xinjiang.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disneys-mulan-sparks-backlash-over-xinjiang-hong-kong-326101" hreflang="en">Disney's 'Mulan' sparks backlash over Xinjiang, Hong Kong</a> 
 
Neither the Cyberspace Administration or Disney immediately responded to requests for comment. 
Partly shot in Xinjiang, Mulan`s credits included thanks to the authorities there, which prompted calls overseas for a boycott of the movie. China`s clampdown on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang has been criticised by some governments, including the United States, and human rights groups. 
 
On Wednesday, the Global Times, a tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, criticised the backlash against the movie in an editorial in its English edition, describing it as "another manifestation of the extreme ideologies regarding China among US public opinion." 
 
Disney had worked to ensure Mulan tested well with Chinese audiences, and the company`s chief financial officer told investors on Wednesday that it was "very pleased" with the initial results of its release elsewhere. 
The movie was released on Disney`s streaming service in many markets, rather than in cinemas, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-very-pleased-with-mulan-debut-ahead-of-china-opening-326414" hreflang="en">Disney 'very pleased' with 'Mulan' debut ahead of China opening</a> 
 
Mulan is likely to be shown on more than 40% of China`s screens on Friday, according to data from Maoyan, a Tencent-backed ticketing platform. Chinese theatres are currently limiting capacity, typically at 50 percent. 
 
The film had sold 9.78 million yuan ($1.43 million) worth of tickets as of Thursday afternoon, accounting for 55% of all ticket sales sold across China for Friday`s shows. One analyst, who declined to be named because he said the situation is sensitive, predicted the film would earn a dismal 150 million yuan at mainland box offices, given early audience reviews. 
 
The film, which many have already seen online, has received a 4.7 score out of 10 on popular social media site Douban, where users leave reviews of films, books and music.

Chinese authorities have told major media outlets not to cover Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', in an order issued after controversy erupted overseas over the film`s links with the Xinjiang region, four people familiar with matter told Reuters.

Chinese authorities have told major media outlets not to cover Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', in an order issued after controversy erupted overseas over the film`s links with the Xinjiang region, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. Set to open in local theatres on Friday, Disney had high hopes for Mulan in China, but starving it of publicity in the country`s strictly censored media would be another blow to the $200 million production. Starring big-name Chinese-born actors - Jet Li, Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Liu Yifei - and based on a Chinese folk story, 'Mulan' was tailored to appeal to audiences in China, the world`s second-largest movie market. But mixed reviews online and capacity limits in theatres due to coronavirus prevention measures were likely to weigh on its box office performance, even before major media outlets received a notice telling them to refrain from covering the movie. Three sources told Reuters media outlets had received the notice, two of whom said it was sent by the Cyberspace Administration of China. A fourth source at a major Chinese newspaper said he received a text message with a similar order from a senior colleague. No reason was given in the notice, but the sources said they believed it was because of the overseas backlash over the film`s links to Xinjiang. Disney's 'Mulan' sparks backlash over Xinjiang, Hong Kong Neither the Cyberspace Administration or Disney immediately responded to requests for comment. Partly shot in Xinjiang, Mulan`s credits included thanks to the authorities there, which prompted calls overseas for a boycott of the movie. China`s clampdown on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang has been criticised by some governments, including the United States, and human rights groups. On Wednesday, the Global Times, a tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, criticised the backlash against the movie in an editorial in its English edition, describing it as "another manifestation of the extreme ideologies regarding China among US public opinion." Disney had worked to ensure Mulan tested well with Chinese audiences, and the company`s chief financial officer told investors on Wednesday that it was "very pleased" with the initial results of its release elsewhere. The movie was released on Disney`s streaming service in many markets, rather than in cinemas, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Disney 'very pleased' with 'Mulan' debut ahead of China opening Mulan is likely to be shown on more than 40% of China`s screens on Friday, according to data from Maoyan, a Tencent-backed ticketing platform. Chinese theatres are currently limiting capacity, typically at 50 percent. The film had sold 9.78 million yuan ($1.43 million) worth of tickets as of Thursday afternoon, accounting for 55% of all ticket sales sold across China for Friday`s shows. One analyst, who declined to be named because he said the situation is sensitive, predicted the film would earn a dismal 150 million yuan at mainland box offices, given early audience reviews. The film, which many have already seen online, has received a 4.7 score out of 10 on popular social media site Douban, where users leave reviews of films, books and music.

China bars media coverage of Disney's 'Mulan' after Xinjiang backlash: Sources

As a millennial, Disney has been a big part of my life growing up in the early 2000s. For any animation film junkie, the moment you ask their favourite animated film, 8 out of 10 times the answer is a Disney film. Does that mean no other studio has the fan-base that matches the supremacy of the studio giant? Maybe yes. However, there’s a studio far out in the east that has given Disney a run for its content since the 1980s. Studio Ghibli, established in 1985, is a prominent name in the Japanese Anime genre and is known for heart-warming films depicting the nuances of Japanese folklore and traditions. Though Buena Vista (Walt Disney Motion Pictures) holds the international distribution rights of Ghibli Studio films, the power of content is still in the hands of the latter with a serious ‘no cuts’ clause.

So what makes us talk about the Ghibli studios right now? Well, Disney has recently released the live-action version of one of its first South-Asian films, 'Mulan', and while we all love the 1998 animated version, the film, like much of its other Disney Renaissance counterparts, lacked the depth of the diversity. While the live-action film is yet to release in India, and efforts have been made in the times of inclusion, to make it as authentic to the culture it is representing, let’s take a step back and refocus our gaze to a studio which has been relentlessly producing authentic eastern stories, the kinds Disney can never make.

The ‘Spirited’ adventures

The essential soul of the Ghibli studios are it's magical creates, which unlike fairies, are rooted in the culture of the east. The spirits are the magical beings in the universe, derived from the ancient cultural belief of ‘everything is alive’. In ‘Princess Mononoke’, the main story revolves around the Forest Spirit. In Ghibli’s most successful film, ‘Spirited Away’, the entire magical journey takes place in the spirit land, the kinds we hear stories from our grandparents. In ‘Castle In The Air’, it’s again the magic of the stone that drives the entire storyline. The entire magic in the Ghibli Universe is rooted to the elements that make the Universe. They are not just writers’ figment of imagination, but imagination rooted into a culture’s history and beliefs. Now, Disney can make their Mushus, as a part of comic relief, but in Ghibli’s universe Mushu would be more than that - it’ll be an ancestral significance with not just magic but a guiding light to Mulan’s spirit.

<h5><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dba9e557-5e51-464c-83e1-6abebfd66d45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Princess%20Monoke.jpg" /> 
(A still from Princess Mononoke) </h5>

Magic in mundane

In ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, Mei and Satsuki’s mother is suffering from an illness, leaving the two young girls to support each other. It is during these dark times that they become friends with the magic within, and their surrounding, invoking the care of the great forest spirit. In ‘Kiki’s delivery Service’,&nbsp; a witch finds her calling in something as mundane as delivering goods to people. In ‘Whisper In The Heart’, the whole story revolves around a girl and her passion for writing a story and discovering her affection towards an ambitious boy. The emotions that are mostly addons, in grand and adventurous Disney films, become plot for an entire film in the Ghibli world. The care to nuances and emotions given to the characters in each and every film is commendable, making even the most mundane life magical without even a touch of pixie dust.

<h5><img alt="n" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d09ed8c-2168-46ca-b3c1-95313d597699" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/My%20Neighbour%20Totoro.jpg" /> 
(A still from My Neighbour Totoro) </h5>

Gut-wrenching other side

Not everything in this Universe is happy and cheerful. The Ghibli Universe doesn’t shy away from presenting harsh realities of characters. The best example is ‘Grave of Fireflies’, a film&nbsp; set during World War II and the effect it had on siblings, who become orphans and are left to fend for themselves. The innocence of Setsuka and the struggle of her older brother Seita, splits your heart into two and you are left wondering about these two characters for days to come. No Disney animation has been able to capture the girth of existence and the darkness of human apathy till now. Ghibli did it in 1988.

Not just PG-13 anime

Since the 2010s, notably since ‘The Princess and the Frog’, Disney has made a clear point in making films that are not just about magic. With films like ‘Up’, ‘Inside Out’, ‘Coco’, and even ‘Moana’, we’ve seen great diversity in the content, making it not just a fairytale meant for kids. However, it still has a long way to tread, to follow the footsteps of the Ghibli Universe. With films like, ‘Only Yesterday’, ‘From Up The Poppy Hill’ and ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’, Ghibli Universe has set a benchmark, too high to achieve. ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’, talks about spirituality , the essence of enlightenment and the price of that enlightenment. The story starts like any fairytale but takes a deeper turn when Kayuga reveals her actual motive of coming to Earth and giving up the land of enlightenment. This is a film you can’t watch with your seven-year-old, without the kid having some deeper questions. Similarly, ‘Only Yesterday’, is a series of a woman’s past experience, told in such a simplistic and true fashion, that even a 25-year-old, sitting in India could relate to them.

<h5><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec26fa82-049f-42a9-93fc-21adc44e38be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ponyo.jpg" /> 
(A still from Ponyo)&nbsp; </h5>

Japan has always been ahead of the curve with its anime genre, with classics like 'Naruto' and 'The Death Note', the Manga series has enjoyed a niche and deep fan following. However, the takers of Ghibli Universe don't have to be niche, as they are as simplistic as Disney films, yet as deep as the Japanese storytelling. Rooted in culture, with mass appeal, the Ghibli Universe is everything that Disney lacks in terms of far-eastern representation and inclusiveness. If you’ve been a hardcore Disney buff, you need to give Studio Ghibli a chance and let yourself experience a world of animation that goes beyond the reach and understanding of the west.

&nbsp;Also, an additional tip, watch them in original Japanese audio with subtitles, there are a lot of gestures and tone that the English dubbed version misses out on, just like the authentic magic of the east.

As a millennial, Disney has been a big part of my life growing up in the early 2000s. For any animation film junkie, the moment you ask their favourite animated film, 8 out of 10 times the answer is a Disney film.

As a millennial, Disney has been a big part of my life growing up in the early 2000s. For any animation film junkie, the moment you ask their favourite animated film, 8 out of 10 times the answer is a Disney film. Does that mean no other studio has the fan-base that matches the supremacy of the studio giant? Maybe yes. However, there’s a studio far out in the east that has given Disney a run for its content since the 1980s. Studio Ghibli, established in 1985, is a prominent name in the Japanese Anime genre and is known for heart-warming films depicting the nuances of Japanese folklore and traditions. Though Buena Vista (Walt Disney Motion Pictures) holds the international distribution rights of Ghibli Studio films, the power of content is still in the hands of the latter with a serious ‘no cuts’ clause. So what makes us talk about the Ghibli studios right now? Well, Disney has recently released the live-action version of one of its first South-Asian films, 'Mulan', and while we all love the 1998 animated version, the film, like much of its other Disney Renaissance counterparts, lacked the depth of the diversity. While the live-action film is yet to release in India, and efforts have been made in the times of inclusion, to make it as authentic to the culture it is representing, let’s take a step back and refocus our gaze to a studio which has been relentlessly producing authentic eastern stories, the kinds Disney can never make. The ‘Spirited’ adventures The essential soul of the Ghibli studios are it's magical creates, which unlike fairies, are rooted in the culture of the east. The spirits are the magical beings in the universe, derived from the ancient cultural belief of ‘everything is alive’. In ‘Princess Mononoke’, the main story revolves around the Forest Spirit. In Ghibli’s most successful film, ‘Spirited Away’, the entire magical journey takes place in the spirit land, the kinds we hear stories from our grandparents. In ‘Castle In The Air’, it’s again the magic of the stone that drives the entire storyline. The entire magic in the Ghibli Universe is rooted to the elements that make the Universe. They are not just writers’ figment of imagination, but imagination rooted into a culture’s history and beliefs. Now, Disney can make their Mushus, as a part of comic relief, but in Ghibli’s universe Mushu would be more than that - it’ll be an ancestral significance with not just magic but a guiding light to Mulan’s spirit. (A still from Princess Mononoke) Magic in mundane In ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, Mei and Satsuki’s mother is suffering from an illness, leaving the two young girls to support each other. It is during these dark times that they become friends with the magic within, and their surrounding, invoking the care of the great forest spirit. In ‘Kiki’s delivery Service’, a witch finds her calling in something as mundane as delivering goods to people. In ‘Whisper In The Heart’, the whole story revolves around a girl and her passion for writing a story and discovering her affection towards an ambitious boy. The emotions that are mostly addons, in grand and adventurous Disney films, become plot for an entire film in the Ghibli world. The care to nuances and emotions given to the characters in each and every film is commendable, making even the most mundane life magical without even a touch of pixie dust. (A still from My Neighbour Totoro) Gut-wrenching other side Not everything in this Universe is happy and cheerful. The Ghibli Universe doesn’t shy away from presenting harsh realities of characters. The best example is ‘Grave of Fireflies’, a film set during World War II and the effect it had on siblings, who become orphans and are left to fend for themselves. The innocence of Setsuka and the struggle of her older brother Seita, splits your heart into two and you are left wondering about these two characters for days to come. No Disney animation has been able to capture the girth of existence and the darkness of human apathy till now. Ghibli did it in 1988. Not just PG-13 anime Since the 2010s, notably since ‘The Princess and the Frog’, Disney has made a clear point in making films that are not just about magic. With films like ‘Up’, ‘Inside Out’, ‘Coco’, and even ‘Moana’, we’ve seen great diversity in the content, making it not just a fairytale meant for kids. However, it still has a long way to tread, to follow the footsteps of the Ghibli Universe. With films like, ‘Only Yesterday’, ‘From Up The Poppy Hill’ and ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’, Ghibli Universe has set a benchmark, too high to achieve. ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’, talks about spirituality , the essence of enlightenment and the price of that enlightenment. The story starts like any fairytale but takes a deeper turn when Kayuga reveals her actual motive of coming to Earth and giving up the land of enlightenment. This is a film you can’t watch with your seven-year-old, without the kid having some deeper questions. Similarly, ‘Only Yesterday’, is a series of a woman’s past experience, told in such a simplistic and true fashion, that even a 25-year-old, sitting in India could relate to them. (A still from Ponyo) Japan has always been ahead of the curve with its anime genre, with classics like 'Naruto' and 'The Death Note', the Manga series has enjoyed a niche and deep fan following. However, the takers of Ghibli Universe don't have to be niche, as they are as simplistic as Disney films, yet as deep as the Japanese storytelling. Rooted in culture, with mass appeal, the Ghibli Universe is everything that Disney lacks in terms of far-eastern representation and inclusiveness. If you’ve been a hardcore Disney buff, you need to give Studio Ghibli a chance and let yourself experience a world of animation that goes beyond the reach and understanding of the west. Also, an additional tip, watch them in original Japanese audio with subtitles, there are a lot of gestures and tone that the English dubbed version misses out on, just like the authentic magic of the east.

Studio Ghibli: The real magic from the east that Disney can never create

Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', which is set in China and meant to appeal to audiences there, has provoked a backlash on social media over its star`s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region. 
Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and internet users in Taiwan and Thailand are among those who promoted hashtags "#BoycottMulan" and "#BanMulan" on Twitter, following this month`s launch of the film on Disney`s streaming platform. 
 
It will also be shown in cinemas in China - an increasingly important market for Hollywood studios - from Sept 11. 
Criticism of the live-action remake of a 1998 animated version began last year when Mulan`s star, mainland Chinese-born actress Liu Yifei, expressed support on social media for police in Hong Kong, which was roiled at the time by anti-government unrest. 
 
Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment via her account on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site. 
 
Calls for people to boycott the film gathered pace this week over its links to the western region of Xinjiang, where China`s clampdown on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments, including the United States, and human rights groups. 
 
Several state organisations in Xinjiang appeared in the film`s credits, according to social media posts. 
 
"In the new #Mulan, @Disney thanks the public security bureau in Turpan, which has been involved in the internment camps in East Turkistan," the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress tweeted on Monday. 
 
Asked about the reaction to the film`s Xinjiang shooting, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian restated Beijing`s denial of the existence of re-education camps in the region, calling facilities there vocational and educational institutions and accusing anti-China forces of smearing its Xinjiang policy. 
 
Activist Wong accused Disney of "kowtowing" to China, citing Liu and another actor`s support for Hong Kong police and the movie`s credits mentioning state organisations in Xinjiang. 
 
"We urge people around the world to boycott the new Mulan movie," he told Reuters on Tuesday. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The movie, reported to have cost $200 million to produce, had been scheduled to reach theaters in March, but its release was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Last month, Disney said Mulan would skip most theaters and go directly to its Disney+ platform. 
 
However, it is set to premiere in Chinese cinemas from Friday, and the studio hopes it will do better than the animated version more than 20 years ago. 
 
That release was delayed after Disney`s relations with China soured over "Kundun," its 1997 movie based on the life of the exiled Dalai Lama, whom China has branded a dangerous separatist. 
 
In February, director Niki Caro told The Hollywood Reporter that Disney had tested the film with Chinese audiences, removing a kissing scene between Mulan and her love interest after feedback from its Chinese executives.

Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', which is set in China and meant to appeal to audiences there, has provoked a backlash on social media over its star`s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region.

Walt Disney Co`s release of 'Mulan', which is set in China and meant to appeal to audiences there, has provoked a backlash on social media over its star`s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region. Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and internet users in Taiwan and Thailand are among those who promoted hashtags "#BoycottMulan" and "#BanMulan" on Twitter, following this month`s launch of the film on Disney`s streaming platform. It will also be shown in cinemas in China - an increasingly important market for Hollywood studios - from Sept 11. Criticism of the live-action remake of a 1998 animated version began last year when Mulan`s star, mainland Chinese-born actress Liu Yifei, expressed support on social media for police in Hong Kong, which was roiled at the time by anti-government unrest. Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment via her account on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site. Calls for people to boycott the film gathered pace this week over its links to the western region of Xinjiang, where China`s clampdown on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticised by some governments, including the United States, and human rights groups. Several state organisations in Xinjiang appeared in the film`s credits, according to social media posts. "In the new #Mulan, @Disney thanks the public security bureau in Turpan, which has been involved in the internment camps in East Turkistan," the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress tweeted on Monday. Asked about the reaction to the film`s Xinjiang shooting, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian restated Beijing`s denial of the existence of re-education camps in the region, calling facilities there vocational and educational institutions and accusing anti-China forces of smearing its Xinjiang policy. Activist Wong accused Disney of "kowtowing" to China, citing Liu and another actor`s support for Hong Kong police and the movie`s credits mentioning state organisations in Xinjiang. "We urge people around the world to boycott the new Mulan movie," he told Reuters on Tuesday. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The movie, reported to have cost $200 million to produce, had been scheduled to reach theaters in March, but its release was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, Disney said Mulan would skip most theaters and go directly to its Disney+ platform. However, it is set to premiere in Chinese cinemas from Friday, and the studio hopes it will do better than the animated version more than 20 years ago. That release was delayed after Disney`s relations with China soured over "Kundun," its 1997 movie based on the life of the exiled Dalai Lama, whom China has branded a dangerous separatist. In February, director Niki Caro told The Hollywood Reporter that Disney had tested the film with Chinese audiences, removing a kissing scene between Mulan and her love interest after feedback from its Chinese executives.

Disney's 'Mulan' sparks backlash over Xinjiang, Hong Kong

Actor John Boyega has criticized Disney for its treatment of non white characters in the recent 'Star Wars' films. 
In an interview published in GQ magazine, Boyega has opened up about how Disney faded non-white characters in the background in the 'Star Wars' films. Boyega said while they were all marketed as important characters of the franchise, they were ultimately "pushed to the side".

In an interview published by GQ magazine on Wednesday, Boyega expressed bitterness over how his role as black stormtrooper Finn faded in the later episodes of the trilogy which concluded with 'The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019.

"What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are, and then have them pushed to the side. It's not good. I'll say it straight up," Boyega said. 
 
The actor revealed that it was just not him who got sidelined, but other non-white actors like Naomi Ackie, Kelly Marie Tran and Oscar Isaac had suffered similar fates while Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley's characters got more prominence in the lead roles as Kylo Ren and Rey. 
 
"They gave all the nuance to Adam Driver, all the nuance to Daisy Ridley. Let's be honest. Daisy knows this. Adam knows this. Everybody knows. I'm not exposing anything," Boyega said. 
 
Boyega, who is of Nigerian origin, became a viral sensation in June when he gave an emotion-packed speech at an anti-racism demonstration in London following the death of George Floyd at the hands of American police in Minneapolis.

"I'm the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race," Boyega said of Star Wars. "Let's just leave it like that.

"It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you."

(With inputs from AFP)

Actor John Boyega has criticized Disney for its treatment of non white characters in the recent 'Star Wars' films. In an interview published in GQ magazine, Boyega has opened up about how Disney faded non-white characters in the background in the 'Star Wars' films.

Actor John Boyega has criticized Disney for its treatment of non white characters in the recent 'Star Wars' films. In an interview published in GQ magazine, Boyega has opened up about how Disney faded non-white characters in the background in the 'Star Wars' films. Boyega said while they were all marketed as important characters of the franchise, they were ultimately "pushed to the side". In an interview published by GQ magazine on Wednesday, Boyega expressed bitterness over how his role as black stormtrooper Finn faded in the later episodes of the trilogy which concluded with 'The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019. "What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are, and then have them pushed to the side. It's not good. I'll say it straight up," Boyega said. The actor revealed that it was just not him who got sidelined, but other non-white actors like Naomi Ackie, Kelly Marie Tran and Oscar Isaac had suffered similar fates while Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley's characters got more prominence in the lead roles as Kylo Ren and Rey. "They gave all the nuance to Adam Driver, all the nuance to Daisy Ridley. Let's be honest. Daisy knows this. Adam knows this. Everybody knows. I'm not exposing anything," Boyega said. Boyega, who is of Nigerian origin, became a viral sensation in June when he gave an emotion-packed speech at an anti-racism demonstration in London following the death of George Floyd at the hands of American police in Minneapolis. "I'm the only cast member who had their own unique experience of that franchise based on their race," Boyega said of Star Wars. "Let's just leave it like that. "It makes you angry with a process like that. It makes you much more militant; it changes you." (With inputs from AFP)

John Boyega slams Disney for its treatment of non-white characters in 'Star Wars' films

After a lot of to and fro, Disney’s big ticket film ‘Mulan’ has finally locked release dates in China.&nbsp;

As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the film <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-Disneys-Mulan-gets-clearance-for-a-theatrical-release-in-China-319796">will open in China </a>on September 11. In early August, it was revealed that the film will release on Disney’s streaming channel on September 4 in the US and other select markets for a premium price of $29.99.

This makes China the most lucrative and biggest market for the Disney film. It was originally expected to hit Chinese theaters with the US on March 27, but was subsequently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disneys-mulan-release-date-postponed-again-will-now-hit-theatres-in-august-308952">delayed three times.</a>

‘Mulan’ has been made on a budget of $200 million and is said to be the most expensive Disney's recent live-action remakes.&nbsp;

The film stars Liu Yifei as Mulan, a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to spare her elderly father from mandatory military service. The film also stars veteran actors like&nbsp;Jet Li, Gong Li and Donnie Yen, along with Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ron Yuan, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Cheng Pei-Pei, Nelson Lee and Chum Ehelepola.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-No-Time-To-Die-new-poster-out-trailer-to-release-on-this-date-324645" hreflang="en">'No Time To Die' new poster out; trailer to release on this date</a>

After a lot of to and fro, Disney’s big ticket film ‘Mulan’ has finally locked release dates in China. As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the film will open in China on September 11.

After a lot of to and fro, Disney’s big ticket film ‘Mulan’ has finally locked release dates in China. As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the film will open in China on September 11. In early August, it was revealed that the film will release on Disney’s streaming channel on September 4 in the US and other select markets for a premium price of $29.99. This makes China the most lucrative and biggest market for the Disney film. It was originally expected to hit Chinese theaters with the US on March 27, but was subsequently delayed three times. ‘Mulan’ has been made on a budget of $200 million and is said to be the most expensive Disney's recent live-action remakes. The film stars Liu Yifei as Mulan, a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to spare her elderly father from mandatory military service. The film also stars veteran actors like Jet Li, Gong Li and Donnie Yen, along with Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ron Yuan, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Cheng Pei-Pei, Nelson Lee and Chum Ehelepola. 'No Time To Die' new poster out; trailer to release on this date

Confirmed! This is when Disney's 'Mulan' will release in China

A new 'Star Wars'&nbsp;holiday special produced with Legos will debut on Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) Disney+ streaming service in November, the company said on Thursday.

The special will feature Rey and other characters from the most recent 'Star Wars'&nbsp;movie trilogy. It will take place on Chewbacca’s home planet of Kashyyyk and focus on Life Day, an important holiday in the galaxy far, far away.

Life Day was first introduced in a 1978 “Star Wars” holiday variety special that was widely panned by TV audiences.

In the new special, the heroine Rey sets out on an adventure with the droid BB-8 and is “hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history,” Disney said in a statement.

The special will debut Nov. 17 on Disney+, a $7-a-month subscription streaming service.

A new 'Star Wars' holiday special produced with Legos will debut on Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) Disney+ streaming service in November, the company said on Thursday.

A new 'Star Wars' holiday special produced with Legos will debut on Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) Disney+ streaming service in November, the company said on Thursday. The special will feature Rey and other characters from the most recent 'Star Wars' movie trilogy. It will take place on Chewbacca’s home planet of Kashyyyk and focus on Life Day, an important holiday in the galaxy far, far away. Life Day was first introduced in a 1978 “Star Wars” holiday variety special that was widely panned by TV audiences. In the new special, the heroine Rey sets out on an adventure with the droid BB-8 and is “hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history,” Disney said in a statement. The special will debut Nov. 17 on Disney+, a $7-a-month subscription streaming service.

Disney to stream a new 'Star Wars' holiday special with Legos

Walt Disney World actors, who argued that the Florida theme park`s proposed coronavirus safeguards were inadequate to protect them, have resolved a dispute over COVID-19 testing, a union statement said on Wednesday. 
 
The Actors` Equity Association had called on Walt Disney Co to provide regular coronavirus testing for its members, who cannot wear protective masks while performing as other park employees do. 
 
Disney said on Wednesday it would provide space just outside Walt Disney World in Orlando for a testing site run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The site will be open to Disney employees, known as cast members, and the public. 
 
"Our actions support all cast and our community at large," Disney said in a statement. Walt Disney World reopened on July 11 with several safety measures including limited attendance, social distancing in lines and on rides and mask requirements for guests and staff. 
 
Actors` Equity, which represents roughly 750 stage performers at the park in shows such as the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, said the measures did not go far enough and called for regular testing. Disney opened the park without the performers. 
 
"We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed," Actors` Equity Association President Kate Shindle said. 
 
The union said it had signed a memo of understanding with Disney and was waiting to hear how many workers the company would recall during its limited operations. In June, before the testing dispute, Disney had called back about 220 actors and singers, the union said. 
 
Disney said it offered testing space "to help with community testing" and that "any suggestion that this has been done as a result of any one union is unfounded."

Walt Disney World actors, who argued that the Florida theme park`s proposed coronavirus safeguards were inadequate to protect them, have resolved a dispute over COVID-19 testing, a union statement said on Wednesday.

Walt Disney World actors, who argued that the Florida theme park`s proposed coronavirus safeguards were inadequate to protect them, have resolved a dispute over COVID-19 testing, a union statement said on Wednesday. The Actors` Equity Association had called on Walt Disney Co to provide regular coronavirus testing for its members, who cannot wear protective masks while performing as other park employees do. Disney said on Wednesday it would provide space just outside Walt Disney World in Orlando for a testing site run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The site will be open to Disney employees, known as cast members, and the public. "Our actions support all cast and our community at large," Disney said in a statement. Walt Disney World reopened on July 11 with several safety measures including limited attendance, social distancing in lines and on rides and mask requirements for guests and staff. Actors` Equity, which represents roughly 750 stage performers at the park in shows such as the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, said the measures did not go far enough and called for regular testing. Disney opened the park without the performers. "We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed," Actors` Equity Association President Kate Shindle said. The union said it had signed a memo of understanding with Disney and was waiting to hear how many workers the company would recall during its limited operations. In June, before the testing dispute, Disney had called back about 220 actors and singers, the union said. Disney said it offered testing space "to help with community testing" and that "any suggestion that this has been done as a result of any one union is unfounded."

Disney World actors ready to work after COVID testing dispute resolved

The nepotism debate has hit a nerve now as a section of social media users have started a new hashtag trend to uninstall OTT platform, Disney+Hotstar that will release the film <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alia-bhatt-father-mahesh-trolled-for-sadak-2-poster-309811">‘Sadak 2’ </a>featuring Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Pooja Bhatt in Mahesh Bhatt directorial. Currently under scrutiny in the case of Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, Mahesh Bhatt and family have faced a lot of flak for promoting nepotism.&nbsp;

On Monday, the hashtag #UninstallHotstar trended on Twitter while many netizens urged people to boycott the Bhatt family's project.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alia-bhatts-sister-shaheen-receives-rape-threats-online-to-take-legal-action-313058">Alia Bhatt's sister Shaheen receives rape threats online, to take legal action</a>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We cant support Any OTT platform who release Bollywood mafia's Movies... No to nepotic Movies.. 
my messege to all OTT apps... <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyplusHSVIP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DisneyplusHSVIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrimeVideo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrimeVideo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UninstallHotstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UninstallHotstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottSadak2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottSadak2</a> <a href="https://t.co/gcYnVEZxNk">pic.twitter.com/gcYnVEZxNk</a>
— Priyanka (@Priyankas2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/Priyankas2020/status/1292828993687654407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Nepometer projected 98% person of cast and crew (producers, directors) members of movie #Sadak by Mahesh Bhatt are the products of Nepotism. Nepometer is an initiative by SSR's Brother in law. #BoycottSadak2 #UninstallHotstar," tweeted a user.

"They are not getting any platform to launch any movie or shows. So, they choose hotstar to launch it. We are also ready to teach them a lesson. In their own eyes they are superstar now times has been changed. #UninstallHotstar," wrote another user.

"1 common Individual alone has no power. The people in position of power, think we could be controlled and manipulated by them. But when all the common people unite for a cause. No one can stop them. Let us show that now #JusticeforSSR #uninstallhotstar #BoycottAliaBhatt," wrote another user.

Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt and many others have turned off comments section on their social media accounts citing “hate”.

‘Sadak 2’ will release on Disney+ Hotstar on August 28.

The nepotism debate has hit a nerve now as a section of social media users have started a new hashtag trend to uninstall OTT platform, Disney+Hotstar that will release the film ‘Sadak 2’ featuring Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Pooja Bhatt in Mahesh Bhatt directorial.

The nepotism debate has hit a nerve now as a section of social media users have started a new hashtag trend to uninstall OTT platform, Disney+Hotstar that will release the film ‘Sadak 2’ featuring Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Pooja Bhatt in Mahesh Bhatt directorial. Currently under scrutiny in the case of Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, Mahesh Bhatt and family have faced a lot of flak for promoting nepotism. On Monday, the hashtag #UninstallHotstar trended on Twitter while many netizens urged people to boycott the Bhatt family's project. Alia Bhatt's sister Shaheen receives rape threats online, to take legal action We cant support Any OTT platform who release Bollywood mafia's Movies... No to nepotic Movies.. my messege to all OTT apps... @DisneyplusHSVIP @netflix @PrimeVideo #UninstallHotstar #BoycottSadak2 pic.twitter.com/gcYnVEZxNk — Priyanka (@Priyankas2020) August 10, 2020 × "Nepometer projected 98% person of cast and crew (producers, directors) members of movie #Sadak by Mahesh Bhatt are the products of Nepotism. Nepometer is an initiative by SSR's Brother in law. #BoycottSadak2 #UninstallHotstar," tweeted a user. "They are not getting any platform to launch any movie or shows. So, they choose hotstar to launch it. We are also ready to teach them a lesson. In their own eyes they are superstar now times has been changed. #UninstallHotstar," wrote another user. "1 common Individual alone has no power. The people in position of power, think we could be controlled and manipulated by them. But when all the common people unite for a cause. No one can stop them. Let us show that now #JusticeforSSR #uninstallhotstar #BoycottAliaBhatt," wrote another user. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt and many others have turned off comments section on their social media accounts citing “hate”. ‘Sadak 2’ will release on Disney+ Hotstar on August 28.

Nepotism debate rages as users trend uninstall OTT app releasing Alia Bhatt's 'Sadak 2'

Disney is now rebranding its TV studios to remove the Fox name from 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 TV Studios in an effort to give it a new identity.&nbsp;

This comes nearly after a year and a half when Disney acquired the properties. Now, they will be called 20th Television and Touchstone Television respectively.&nbsp;

Also, ABC Studios and its subsidiary ABC Signature Studios will now be clubbed and called ABC Signature.&nbsp;

The new change will have rebranding effective immediately -- new logos, motion end cards that viewers will see onscreen. This work is expected to get done by year end.

Talking about the move in a statement, Disney TV Studios president Craig Hunegs said, "Our new studio names and logos mark a new day for ABC Signature, 20th Television and Touchstone Television while honoring their rich histories and the creative power of the Walt Disney Co. Dana [Walden] and I could not be more pleased with the first year of our three studios together as part of Disney Television Studios and we believe that with our powerhouse talent roster and exceptional studio teams, the best is yet to come.”

Disney is now rebranding its TV studios to remove the Fox name from 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 TV Studios in an effort to give it a new identity. This comes nearly after a year and a half when Disney acquired the properties.

Disney is now rebranding its TV studios to remove the Fox name from 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 TV Studios in an effort to give it a new identity. This comes nearly after a year and a half when Disney acquired the properties. Now, they will be called 20th Television and Touchstone Television respectively. Also, ABC Studios and its subsidiary ABC Signature Studios will now be clubbed and called ABC Signature. The new change will have rebranding effective immediately -- new logos, motion end cards that viewers will see onscreen. This work is expected to get done by year end. Talking about the move in a statement, Disney TV Studios president Craig Hunegs said, "Our new studio names and logos mark a new day for ABC Signature, 20th Television and Touchstone Television while honoring their rich histories and the creative power of the Walt Disney Co. Dana [Walden] and I could not be more pleased with the first year of our three studios together as part of Disney Television Studios and we believe that with our powerhouse talent roster and exceptional studio teams, the best is yet to come.”

Disney drops 'Fox' from 20th Century Fox Television as part of rebranding exercise

Disney's big-ticket live-action film 'Mulan' may have skipped the release in UK and US but the film will be hitting theatres across China soon. On Monday, Disney announced that the film be getting a theatrical release in China 'soon'. 
 
According to a report in Variety, the entertainment company announced the forthcoming premiere in a faux-poetic language in a manner to mimic the original `Mulan` which is the traditional character of the ballad. "When the magnolia blossom opens, it lives up to its reputation and arrives as promised. (`Mulan`s) import is confirmed and it will soon burst into bloom in theaters; looking forward to meeting you," Variety quoted Disney as announcing on its official social media account Weibo. 
 
The announcement comes a week after Disney announced that the film will skip theatrical release and head for a direct digital release on Disney+. The film is a remake of 1998 animated classic. 
 
The announcement further said the film will release in select territories where cinemas have been opened up following coronavirus lockdown. 
 
`Mulan` becomes the second Hollywood film after Christopher Nolan`s `Tenet` to release in China. The release of the live-action film has been postponed four times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Disney's big-ticket live-action film 'Mulan' may have skipped the release in UK and US but the film will be hitting theatres across China soon. On Monday, Disney announced that the film be getting a theatrical release in China 'soon'.

Disney's big-ticket live-action film 'Mulan' may have skipped the release in UK and US but the film will be hitting theatres across China soon. On Monday, Disney announced that the film be getting a theatrical release in China 'soon'. According to a report in Variety, the entertainment company announced the forthcoming premiere in a faux-poetic language in a manner to mimic the original `Mulan` which is the traditional character of the ballad. "When the magnolia blossom opens, it lives up to its reputation and arrives as promised. (`Mulan`s) import is confirmed and it will soon burst into bloom in theaters; looking forward to meeting you," Variety quoted Disney as announcing on its official social media account Weibo. The announcement comes a week after Disney announced that the film will skip theatrical release and head for a direct digital release on Disney+. The film is a remake of 1998 animated classic. The announcement further said the film will release in select territories where cinemas have been opened up following coronavirus lockdown. `Mulan` becomes the second Hollywood film after Christopher Nolan`s `Tenet` to release in China. The release of the live-action film has been postponed four times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Disney's 'Mulan' gets clearance for a theatrical release in China

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning.

The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-planning-to-buy-tiktoks-global-business-reports-318751">Also read:&nbsp;Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports</a>

The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the&nbsp;270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan.

Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa.

Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT.

The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax.

The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers. The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning. The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies. Also read: Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the 270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan. Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa. Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT. The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax. The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports

Actor Tom Hanks is in early negotiations with Disney to take on the role of Geppetto in the studio's upcoming live-action remake of 'Pinocchio'. 
 
Robert Zemeckis, who previously worked with Hanks on critically-acclaimed features such as 'Forrest Gump', 'Cast Away' and 'Polar Express', will helm the project. 
 
According to Deadline, Hanks has reached out to Zemeckis to let him know he wants to do the film after the veteran star read the script. 
 
Chris Weitz has written the script with Zemeckis. The writer will also produce the film with Andrew Miano through their company Depth of Field. 
 
Disney's original film, which released in 1940, was based on the 1883 Italian children's novel 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi. 
 
The animated feature centres on a wood-carver named Geppetto who carves a wooden puppet brought to life by a fairy and told him that he will become a real boy if he proves himself to be "brave, truthful, and unselfish". 
 
The project is the latest in a long line of Disney's live-action remakes of its animated movies such as "Aladdin", "Beauty and the Beast" and 'The Lion King'. 
 
Hanks, 64, is currently working on Warner Bros' 'Elvis Presley' biopic, which had to halt production after he and his wife, Rita Wilson, contracted coronavirus. 
 
They have since recovered and the studio is hoping to start production again in the fall in Australia. 
 
Hanks recently starred as commander in the World War II combat drama "Greyhound", which premiered on Apple TV Plus in July.

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Actor Tom Hanks is in early negotiations with Disney to take on the role of Geppetto in the studio's upcoming live-action remake of 'Pinocchio'. Robert Zemeckis, who previously worked with Hanks on critically-acclaimed features such as 'Forrest Gump', 'Cast Away' and 'Polar Express', will helm the project.

Actor Tom Hanks is in early negotiations with Disney to take on the role of Geppetto in the studio's upcoming live-action remake of 'Pinocchio'. Robert Zemeckis, who previously worked with Hanks on critically-acclaimed features such as 'Forrest Gump', 'Cast Away' and 'Polar Express', will helm the project. According to Deadline, Hanks has reached out to Zemeckis to let him know he wants to do the film after the veteran star read the script. Chris Weitz has written the script with Zemeckis. The writer will also produce the film with Andrew Miano through their company Depth of Field. Disney's original film, which released in 1940, was based on the 1883 Italian children's novel 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi. The animated feature centres on a wood-carver named Geppetto who carves a wooden puppet brought to life by a fairy and told him that he will become a real boy if he proves himself to be "brave, truthful, and unselfish". The project is the latest in a long line of Disney's live-action remakes of its animated movies such as "Aladdin", "Beauty and the Beast" and 'The Lion King'. Hanks, 64, is currently working on Warner Bros' 'Elvis Presley' biopic, which had to halt production after he and his wife, Rita Wilson, contracted coronavirus. They have since recovered and the studio is hoping to start production again in the fall in Australia. Hanks recently starred as commander in the World War II combat drama "Greyhound", which premiered on Apple TV Plus in July.

Tom Hanks in talks to play Geppetto in Disney's 'Pinocchio'

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