Bad Bunny Secures First Lead Film Role in Residente-Directed ‘Porto Rico’
Renรฉ โResidenteโ Pรฉrez Joglar, the 34-time Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning rapper, is making his feature directorial debut with Porto Rico, a love letter to his native Puerto Rico. The film is described as an epic Caribbean western and historical drama, starring fellow Puerto Rican Benito โBad Bunnyโ Martรญnez Ocasio in his first leading film role, alongside Viggo Mortensen, Edward Norton, and Javier Bardem. Executive produced by multi-Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iรฑรกrritu (The Revenant), the screenplay was co-written by Residente and Oscar-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris, originally inspired by Puerto Rican revolutionary Josรฉ Maldonado Romรกn, aka รguila Blanca. While the exact plot details are unconfirmed, the project promises to combine historical anecdotes with cinematic drama.
Taylor Swift Extends Reign as No. 1 Global Artist; Tyler, the Creator Among New Entries
Taylor Swift has been named the biggest-selling global artist of 2025 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), marking her sixth overall and fourth consecutive year at No. 1. She previously held the top spot in 2014, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, with BTS last breaking her streak in 2020 and 2021. New entries include Tyler, the Creator at No. 12, following his 2024 albums Chromakopia and Donโt Tap The Glass, and Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple debuting at No. 13. Returning artists on the chart include Lady Gaga (No. 10), Ed Sheeran (No. 18), SZA (No. 19), and Justin Bieber (No. 20).
Halle Berry, Holly Jeter Partner With Stephen Curryโs Unanimous Media
Halle Berry and Holly Jeterโs banner, HalleHolly, has struck a first-look unscripted deal with Stephen Curry and Erick Peytonโs Unanimous Media, with a focus on women-led projects and authentic, purpose-driven storytelling. The collab aims to amplify inclusive narratives both on-screen and behind the camera, with Sharla Sumpter-Bridgett, Chief Content Officer at Unanimous Media, collaborating closely with Berry and Jeter. The companies said they vow to show their combined audiences different perspectives in addition to inspiring, uplifting, and creating lasting impact through character-driven content.
WNBA Returns to Kansas City for Lynx-DโTigress Preseason Game
The Minnesota Lynx will face the Nigerian womenโs national basketball team, the DโTigress, in a WNBA preseason game on April 27 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The game marks the first WNBA contest in KC since 2005, with tickets going on sale Friday at 10 a.m. The Lynx finished the 2025 season with the leagueโs best record at 34-10, while the DโTigress are ranked No. 8 globally and became the first African basketball team to reach the Olympic quarterfinals in 2024.
NFL Selects San Francisco 49ers for 2026 Mexico City Game
The San Francisco 49ers will participate in the 2026 NFL Mexico City game, the league confirmed Wednesday. The game will be played at the Estadio Banorte, continuing a multi-year pledge to play in Mexico City through 2028. The 49ersโ opponent, game date, and other details will be announced with the full 2026 NFL schedule this spring. The league boasts 40 million pro football fans in Mexico, the largest outside of the U.S., and has held five previous games at Estadio Banorte.
Cameron Boozer, Lauren Betts, College Alumni Added to ‘NBA 2K26’
For the first time in over 16 years, active college basketball players are returning to a major video game with NBA 2K26, as 2K Sports announced Wednesday 16 college additions for MyTeam and MyCareer modes. The pack, part of โSeason 5,โ features current and former menโs and womenโs players from schools including Duke, UCLA, UConn, Texas, and Michigan State. Active players include Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Lauren Betts (UCLA), while alumni additions feature stars like Kevin Durant (Texas), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Draymond Green (Michigan State), and Breanna Stewart (UConn). This comes afterย EA Sportsย previously teased a standalone college basketball game but later canceled it, leading schools to opt to join NBA 2K instead.
Google Brings AI-Generated Music to Gemini
Google shared that it is adding a music generation feature to the Gemini app, powered by DeepMindโs Lyria 3 model, which is currently in beta. Users can describe a song they want, and the app will generate a 30-second track with lyrics and cover art, even matching the mood of any uploaded photos or videos. The Lyria 3 software is also being integrated into YouTubeโs Dream Track feature, which is now expanding from U.S.-only availability to a global rollout. While the tool cannot directly mimic specific artists, it can generate music in a similar style or mood when a musicianโs name is included in the prompt.
Seahawks Begin Sale Process Following Super Bowl Win
Just 10 days since winning Super Bowl LX, the estate of Paul G. Allen confirmed it has begun formally selling the Seattle Seahawks, following Allenโs directive to donate proceeds from his sports assets to philanthropic efforts. The estate is also closing a sale of the Portland Trail Blazers to a group led by billionaire Tom Dundon, who owns the NHLโs Carolina Hurricanes, while retaining a minority stake in Seattle Sounders FC. Allen purchased the Seahawks from Ken Behring in 1997 for around $200 million and remained controlling owner until his death in October 2018 at age 65.
Hudson Williams Lands First Post-‘Heated Rivalry’ Role
Hudson Williams is stepping into his first role since Heated Rivalry with Yaga, a new half-hour drama for Canadian streamer Crave. The show, starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, and Clark Backo, is based on Kat Sandlerโs play, with Sandler also serving as showrunner and writer. Set in a coastal town, Yaga follows private investigator Rapp (Reid) as he probes the disappearance of Henry Park (Williams).ย
Writers Guild of America West Staff Strike Against Union
The staff of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) went on strike Tuesday, accusing union leadership of breaking labor laws, affecting roughly 100 of its 150 staffers. The workers authorized the strike last month after negotiations stalled. The action comes just a month before the WGA is set to begin contract talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), though union leadership says bargaining will continue with minimal disruption. In the meantime, the WGA West headquarters is closed to the public and members, and screenings at the Writers Guild Theater are suspended.
Peso Pluma Named Adidas’ Latest Global Ambassadorย
Adidas has partnered with Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma, making him the latest Three Stripes global ambassador. In a statement, the brand praised him for embodying authenticity, energy, and cultural pride, adding that he represents the next generation of global artists rooted in heritage. Peso Pluma expressed mutual excitement about representing Mexico and its music, saying the partnership fulfills a childhood dream and is meant to honor his culture and people.
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