Anthropic Sounds Alarm on AI Systems That Can Upgrade Themselves
Anthropic is warning that AI systems may soon be capable of improving themselves without human input, a breakthrough known as “recursive self-improvement.” The company says the technology could accelerate scientific progress but also increase the risk of humans losing control over advanced AI systems. Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark compared the industry’s rapid pace to “driving with only a gas pedal,” urging competitors to work together on safeguards and emergency “brake pedals” before AI development moves beyond human oversight.
Broadway Sets Record $1.91B Season as Celebrity Plays Drive Surge
Broadway just posted its highest-grossing season ever, generating nearly $1.91 billion in ticket sales as demand for live entertainment continues to outpace broader consumer pullbacks. Much of the growth is being driven by celebrity-led plays and recognizable IP, with producers leaning on stars and familiar franchises to justify premium ticket prices. Attendance for plays jumped sharply this season, while musicals saw declines.
‘Scary Movie’ Kicks Off Solid Weekend at Box Office, Indie Hits Still Lead
Paramount’s Scary Movie and Amazon MGM’s Masters of the Universe kicked off the weekend with strong preview numbers, earning $7.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively, ahead of projected openings in the $30–45 million range. But indie horror continues to dominate the conversation. Viral sensation Backrooms is tracking for another massive weekend after becoming A24’s highest-grossing domestic release ever, while Obsession is nearing $200 million globally on a reported $750,000 budget.
Netflix Acquires Jean-Michel Basquiat Documentary Ahead of Tribeca Premiere
Netflix has acquired Jean-Michel Basquiat, a new documentary premiering at Tribeca, made with the participation of the late artist’s family. The film explores Basquiat’s life beyond the mythology, featuring never-before-seen artwork, archival footage, and interviews with his sisters and close friends. The project also boasts an extensive executive producer roster, including NFL star Travis Kelce, with Netflix expanding its documentary slate.
‘The Odyssey’ Tops ‘Deadpool’, ‘Joker’ as Costliest R-Rated Film
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey has officially been rated R, making it the most expensive R-rated film ever produced with a reported $250 million budget. The film surpasses previous big-budget R-rated titles like Deadpool & Wolverine and Joker: Folie à Deux. Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway, the IMAX-shot film is already generating huge demand ahead of its July 17 release.
Travis Scott Brings Cactus Jack to Nike’s Iconic T90 Football Line
Travis Scott is teasing a new Cactus Jack x Nike T90 collection inspired by the brand’s iconic early-2000s Total 90 soccer line ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration is expected to blend football aesthetics with Scott’s signature streetwear style through jerseys, tracksuits, and footwear. The project signals Nike’s growing push to merge soccer culture with fashion as anticipation builds for the World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Lionel Messi Headlines MLS All-Star Game vs. Liga MX
Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min headline the first group of selections for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which will pit MLS stars against Liga MX on July 29 in Charlotte. The fan-, player-, and media-voted lineup also includes rising talents like 19-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo and Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who led all players in fan voting. MLS will announce 15 additional All-Stars later this month, including commissioner and coach selections.
Henry Cavill, Kevin Hart Team Up for Netflix Spy Comedy From McG
Henry Cavill and Kevin Hart are set to star together in a new untitled spy-action comedy for Netflix directed by McG. Based on a short story by Sean Lewis, the film follows two rival spies whose lives collide after meeting in a Lamaze class while their wives become close friends. The project brings together an extensive producing team, including Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort, and Hartbeat, as Netflix continues investing heavily in star-driven action comedies.
Bears Shift Stadium Plans Toward Indiana After Illinois Stalemate
The Chicago Bears are officially prioritizing Hammond, Indiana, as the leading site for a new stadium after the team’s board voted to advance plans outside Illinois. The move follows stalled legislation in Illinois tied to infrastructure and tax support for a potential Arlington Heights development. While the Bears say no final decision has been made, the vote signals growing momentum behind a major Indiana stadium project that could reshape the franchise’s long-term future and regional footprint.
Overtime, Fox One Tap Creator Teams for World Cup Challenge Series
Overtime and Fox One are launching “Race to Glory,” a World Cup–inspired creator competition tied to Fox’s broader FIFA coverage. The short-form series, hosted by Jolie Sharpe, pits teams led by creators Rakai and Tylil in soccer-themed challenges across U.S. host cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Philadelphia. The project will generate hundreds of social-first content pieces aimed at engaging younger audiences around the 2026 World Cup.
Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr. Reunite for ‘Cable Guy’-Inspired Hulu Comedy
Hulu has ordered a comedy pilot inspired by The Cable Guy, starring and executive produced by New Girl alums Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. The project reimagines the 1996 Jim Carrey film for the streaming era, centering on a lonely cable technician whose reconnection with an old friend spirals into obsession. Written by Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli, and Luan Thomas, the series explores modern male friendship in the age of streaming, algorithms, and digital isolation.
Image: Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images
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