Conan O’Brien Set to Host the 2025 Oscars
It’s official: Conan O’Brien will host the 97th Academy Awards, the Academy confirmed on Friday. This is the veteran entertainer’s first time hosting the awards ceremony. “His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best — honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a statement obtained by Deadline. The Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre at 7 p.m. EST.
Louis Vuitton Opens Stunning Flagship NYC Space
It may be a temporary space, but the new five-floor integrative shopping experience that is Louis Vuitton’s NYC outpost is a marvel. While its landmark flagship confirmed its closing for a multi-year renovation, the temporary spot is located just feet away. The new space marks the French brand’s largest in the States and includes the first Louis Vuitton chocolatier in the US. Each floor is designated with a different product, from leather goods to womenswear and menswear. For those craving a sweet treat, the fourth floor is where you’ll find the chocolate shop and the new Le Café Louis Vuitton.
Nike, Hasbro Team Up for LeBron James-inspired Monopoly Game
It’s a game fit for a King. Monopoly, in collaboration with Nike and Hasbro, unveiled a new game board honoring LeBron James ahead of Monopoly Day on Nov. 19. Per Hypebeast, iconic property pieces such as Boardwalk, Baltic Ave., and the railroads have been interchanged with James’ career milestones, including his four NBA championships, Akron’s I Promise School, and various highlights from his time playing in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles. In correspondence with the drop, Nike will release the LeBron 22 in the “Currency” and “Token” colorways, which go on sale on Nov. 15 and 19, respectively.
‘Friday Night Lights’ Reboot Reportedly in the Works
Variety confirmed Friday that a reboot of Friday Night Lights is in development at Universal Pictures. The original showrunner and executive producers are reportedly back on for the new project. Per the outlet, the story will take a fresh approach. While it will center on the world of high school football, it will feature new characters instead of building on the previous ensemble, which starred Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, and Jesse Plemons. Because it’s still in the early stages, no other news has been announced.
Unrivaled Announce Teresa Weatherspoon, Phil Handy, & More as Head Coaches
As the countdown to Unrivaled’s inaugural season continues, the new women’s professional basketball league released the names of its six head coaches who will take the help this winter in Miami. Headlined by ex-Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the other game managers are Phil Handy, Adam Harrington, Nola Henry, DJ Sackmann, and Andrew Wade. The announcement comes as the league prepares for the final selection process for the six clubs, which is set to take place on Nov. 20.
Sophie Turner to Star as Lara Croft in New ‘Tomb Raider’ Amazon Series
Sophie Turner has her sights set on a new role. The Hollywood Reporter reports that the Game of Thrones alum is in talks to play the role of Lara Croft in the forthcoming Tomb Raider show from Prime Video. Phoebe Waller-Bridge will write and executive produce the series as part of her overall deal with Amazon. Turner would join the ranks of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, who previously portrayed the popular character.
Liberty Media Announces Live Group Spinoff Plans
In an announcement earlier this week, Liberty Media said it plans to spin off most of its entertainment assets, with the exception of Formula 1, into a separately traded body called Liberty Live. The conglomerate confirmed that at the end of the year, CEO Greg Maffei will step down from his post, and chairman John Malone will serve as interim chief executive. The company also shared that cable giant Charter Communications would acquire Liberty Broadband in an all-stock agreement. The Liberty Media and Liberty Live split is expected to be complete by the second half of next year as long as all conditions are met.
‘Red One’ Takes in $3.7M During Previews
Variety reported Friday that Red One, the Christmas-themed flick starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Chris Evans, grossed $3.7 million in Thursday previews. Produced by Johnson’s Seven Bucks entertainment company, the film boasts a massive budget of $250 million. As it stands, the Amazon MGM movie is headed toward a $30-$35 million opening weekend. The film also stars J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, and Kiernan Shipka.