A$AP Rocky Tapped to Play Lead in Spike Lee’s Upcoming Movie
A$AP Rocky has been cast as the lead in the upcoming Spike Lee-directed film Highest 2 Lowest, Lee confirmed to Deadline. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller, Lee’s rendition also stars Denzel Washington and Ice Spice. Highest 2 Lowest marks A$AP Rocky’s fourth acting performance, previously appearing in Dope and crime drama Monster alongside John David Washington, Denzel’s son.
Dreamville Confirms 2025 Will Be Final Music Festival
It’s the end of an era: The 2025 Dreamville Music Festival will be the final installment of the event. “What a ride it’s been… We can’t thank y’all enough for all the memories we’ve shared,” organizers shared on Instagram. While the lineup for next year’s conclusion hasn’t been revealed yet, 2024’s festival featured performances by founder J. Cole, SZA, 50 Cent, and Nicki Minaj, in addition to appearances by Lil Yachty, Schoolboy Q, Sexyy Red, Rae Sremmurd, Key Glock, and others. Pre-sale tickets officially went on sale Wednesday at dreamvillefest.com.
FIFA Awards 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia; Portugal, Morocco, Spain to Co-Host in 2030
FIFA has officially awarded the 2034 World Cup hosting responsibilities to Saudi Arabia, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Wednesday following a virtual congress. FIFA also named Portugal, Morocco, and Spain co-hosts for the 2030 tournament, with three centenary celebration matches set to take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Both World Cups had only a single bid.
Tom Brady Sells Watches, Football Memorabilia for $9M at Auction
Belongings owned by ex-NFL quarterback Tom Brady sold for a total of $9 million at auction on Tuesday night. Titled The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady, artifacts purchased included Brady’s Super Bowl LI play card wristband, his 2000 NFL Combine shirt, and multiple luxury watches. The now-Fox NFL announcer’s rare yellow gold Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special” from 1969 sold for $1.14 million, making it the top-selling piece in the auction, per Bloomberg.
Austin Butler Gets Patrick Bateman Role in New ‘American Psycho’ Film
Austin Butler has booked his next leading role, with Variety exclusively reporting that the Oscar nominee has been tapped to play Patrick Bateman in director Luca Guadagnino’s new adaption of American Psycho. Based on the 1991 book by Bret Easton Ellis, Christian Bale played the investment banker/serial killer in the original 2000 film and then more recently portrayed by Matt Smith in a stage musical. Butler won a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award for playing Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic, and this year, has been seen in both Dune: Part Two and The Bikeriders.
New York Red Bulls, Sports Illustrated Ink Stadium Naming Rights Deal
In a historic, 13-year deal, the New York Red Bulls and Sports Illustrated Tickets have agreed to a partnership that will see the 25,000-seat venue, previously known as Red Bull Arena, renamed to Sports Illustrated Stadium. Sports Illustrated Tickets will also take over as the official ticketing partner of the club beginning in 2026. “Through this global partnership and iconic venue, we aim to showcase our vast portfolio of media, live event ticketing, hospitality, and fan experiences as we continue to partner with leagues, teams, artists, and venues around the world,” said David Lane, CEO of Sports Illustrated Tickets.
Infowars Sale to The Onion Blocked by Bankruptcy Judge
A US bankruptcy judge has blocked the sale of conspiracy theory platform Infowars to satirical news site The Onion. Although The Onion was named the winning bidder in a Nov. 14 auction for Infowars’ assets and agreed to pay $1.75 million in cash and other incentives, NPR says the acquisition was rejected due to concerns with the auction process. The judge also argued that US bankruptcy trustee Christopher Murray “left a lot of money on the table” by failing to entertain competing bidders.
Creative Director John Galliano is Leaving Maison Margiela After a Decade
Creative Director of Maison Margiela John Galliano shared that he is leaving his post after a decade in charge, saying his “heart overflows with joyous gratitude, and my soul smiles” in a statement posted to Instagram. The veteran designer did not divulge what his next move is, and Margiela did not share who will succeed Galliano. Per Vogue, sales at the French fashion house increased by 24% in 2022 and 23% in 2023. Galliano has been awarded British Designer of the Year four times – 1987, 1994, 1995, and 1997, sharing the most recent honor with the late Alexander McQueen.