Travis Scott Takes Cactus Jack to Hollywood With New Paramount First-Look Deal
Travis Scott is expanding Cactus Jack’s Hollywood ambitions with a new first-look deal at Paramount, he told Variety. The partnership will give Scott room to develop projects across film, television, theater, and immersive entertainment, with the rapper looking to take on roles spanning producing, directing, composing, and sound design. While no projects have been announced, Scott says that he’s particularly interested in dark, suspense-driven thrillers and discovering new talent. The deal follows his appearance in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Amazon Is Bringing Video Games Directly to Prime Video
Amazon is bringing video games directly into Prime Video, adding a new “Games” tab alongside movies, TV, live programming and sports. Starting with Fire TV devices, users will be able to access titles including Hogwarts Legacy, EA Sports FC 26, and Clue through Amazon Luna. The move is designed to make gaming more discoverable and expand Prime Video into a broader entertainment platform, with Amazon targeting casual players through familiar IP and accessible experiences.
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Helps Drive IMAX’s Q2 Growth
IMAX is cashing in on Hollywood’s premium-screen boom. The company reported second-quarter revenue of $102.8 million, up 12% year over year, while net income climbed 30% to $15.9 million. The Odyssey is helping drive momentum, with the IMAX-shot epic delivering a record $52 million global opening weekend for the format. As studios and exhibitors increasingly lean into premium theatrical experiences, IMAX installed 38 new theater systems during the quarter.
Raiders Sign No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to $57.3M Rookie Deal
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially locked in their quarterback of the future. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has agreed to a four-year, $57.3 million rookie contract, clearing the way for the former Indiana star to fully transition to the NFL. While veteran Kirk Cousins could open the season as the starter, Mendoza represents the franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback after the Raiders selected him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peacock Hits Profitability as Subscribers Reach 48M
Peacock has turned a major corner, posting its first-ever profitable quarter nearly six years after launching. The NBCUniversal streamer generated $189 million in EBITDA in Q2 as its subscriber base reached 48 million, helped by the NBA Playoffs, the FIFA World Cup, and Love Island. The milestone comes as Comcast prepares to spin off its entertainment businesses from its cable division, setting up Peacock and NBCUniversal for a new chapter as a standalone media company.
Robert Pattinson’s ‘Primetime’, Oasis Reunion Doc Headline Venice Film Festival Lineup
The 83rd Venice Film Festival is bringing a star-studded lineup to this year’s festivities, with Robert Pattinson’s A24 thriller Primetime, Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, and Danny Boyle’s Rupert Murdoch drama Ink among the major competition titles. The festival will also host the world premiere of an Oasis reunion documentary, with Liam and Noel Gallagher expected to attend. Other highlights include new films from Werner Herzog, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Lee Chang-dong.
World Cup Ad Revenue Nearly Triples to $1.19B in U.S.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated a record $1.19 billion in U.S. advertising revenue for Fox Sports and Telemundo/Peacock, nearly triple the total from the 2022 tournament. Traditional television accounted for the vast majority of spending, but streaming saw the biggest growth, with digital ad revenue jumping 839% to $166.2 million. Fox and Telemundo also benefited from massive audience gains as the expanded 48-team tournament played out across North America.
WWE Is Getting Its Own 24/7 SiriusXM Radio Channel
WWE is getting its own home on SiriusXM. Launching July 27, WWE Radio will offer live audio coverage of major premium events, including SummerSlam and WrestleMania, alongside select Raw episodes, WWE podcasts, and existing SiriusXM wrestling shows. The 24/7 channel expands the wrestling company’s audio footprint and gives fans another way to follow live matches, storylines, and original programming beyond WWE’s traditional television and streaming platforms.
Mets’ Citi Field Business Holds Up Despite Disastrous Season
The Mets’ disastrous first half hasn’t yet hit the team’s Citi Field revenue. Queens Ballpark Company has generated $149 million through June, roughly flat with last year, while operating income rose to $92.5 million. Ticket revenue held steady and premium seating revenue jumped 20%, but concessions fell 10% while parking also dropped 21% as attendance declined. With New York sitting near the bottom of the NL standings despite MLB’s highest payroll, the financial impact could grow in the second half.
Google Hit With $1B EU Fine Over Search, Play Store Practices
The European Union has fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) for allegedly using its dominance in search and the Google Play app store to favor its own services and limit competition. The penalty marks Brussels’ latest major antitrust action against Big Tech and comes as the EU continues enforcing its Digital Markets Act. Google has rejected the findings, arguing the regulations force it to remove features and protections that benefit European consumers.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star François Arnaud Lands Under Armour Deal
François Arnaud is taking his Heated Rivalry momentum into a new global partnership with Under Armour. The actor has been named a global brand ambassador and will lead the athletic brand’s new “For When It’s Hot” campaign promoting its HeatGear line. The collaboration builds on Arnaud’s growing profile following his breakout role in the popular HBO show, with Under Armour positioning the actor as a fit for its focus on authenticity, confidence, and constant improvement.
A24 Explores Anthony Bourdain’s Pre-Fame Years in New Book
A24 is revisiting Anthony Bourdain’s formative years in 1970s Provincetown with a new book — Happier, Stupider Times: Anthony Bourdain’s Provincetown Years. The hardcover explores the chef’s early days as a dishwasher and the artists, cooks, and nightlife that shaped him long before Kitchen Confidential and his television career. Featuring rare photos, maps, menus, artwork, and recipes, the book also serves as a companion to Matt Johnson’s upcoming A24 film, Tony, with the studio hosting free advance screenings of the piece for hospitality workers in 25 cities.
Mamdani Taps Former FTC Chair Lina Khan to Lead NYC’s Economic Development
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tapped former FTC Chair Lina Khan to lead the board of the city’s Economic Development Corporation, bringing one of the country’s most prominent antitrust voices into a key economic role. Khan, who pursued cases against Amazon and other Big Tech companies, will work alongside newly appointed EDC CEO Anthony Shorris. The move reflects Mamdani’s economic agenda as the city continues navigating post-pandemic recovery and business concerns.
Xbox Is Testing a New Ad-Supported Gaming Model
Xbox is testing a new way to make cloud gaming free for players who already own games. Select Xbox Insiders can stream titles from their personal libraries without a Game Pass subscription, with up to two minutes of ads before gameplay and one-hour session limits. The test is available across supported consoles, TVs, PCs, mobile devices and VR headsets. Xbox says the ad-supported model could lower the cost of access if eventually expanded more broadly.
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