Apple & Paramount Discuss Combining Streaming Services
Apple and Paramount are discussing potentially bundling their streaming platforms as a combined offering, according to a Friday report from The Wall Street Journal. The report states that the potential combined Paramount+ and Apple TV+ package would cost users less than subscribing to both platforms separately. This follows news from Wednesday that grocery delivery app Instacart said it had partnered with NBCUniversal’s Peacock to provide the streaming service at no extra cost to all of its Instacart+ subscribers in the US.
Anthony Edwards' Adidas Signature Shoe Gets Release Date
Adidas and Anthony Edwards have officially announced the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s debut signature sneaker — the AE 1 — will be released later this month. Three Stripes shared some of the AE 1’s features on Friday, which include a flexible knit upper, a unique split tongue design, and Adidas‘ classic BOOST cushioning system for added comfort. Edwards‘ AE branding on the tongue completes the look and adds a personal touch. The AE 1 arrives in three colorways, retails for $120, and will be available on Dec. 16 on adidas.com and select stores.
Rafael Nadal to Make His Return to Tennis in January 2024
The “King of Clay” is making his long-awaited return to the tennis court. Rafael Nadal confirmed Friday in a video posted to social media that he will return to playing, competing at the Brisbane International in Australia in January. The 14-time French Open champion has not played on tour since last January when he hurt his hip flexor during a loss in the second round of the Australian Open. In June, Nadal had arthroscopic surgery in Barcelona, keeping him out of competition for the remainder of the tennis season. The 37-year-old Nadal is currently No. 663 in the world after falling out of the top 10 for the first time in 17 years in March.
Beyoncé's 'Renaissance World Tour' Film Opens to $5.1M in Previews
The highly anticipated “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” made $5.1 million in previews on Thursday, which The Hollywood Reporter notes beat expectations. The film chronicling Beyoncé‘s preparation for the Renaissance World Tour is predicted to earn between $17 million and $20 million in its opening weekend across approximately 2,539 locations in the US. This would make it the biggest opening for the first weekend of December in 20 years since Tom Cruise’s “The Last Samurai” ($24.3 million), not adjusted for inflation.
Matthew Williams Leaves Givenchy to Focus on Building Own Brand
Givenchy creative director Matthew Williams is leaving the luxury brand after three years. According to Harper’s Bazaar, the change will be effective Jan. 1, 2024, and his last collection with the French fashion house will be for the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collection. As for what’s next, Williams plans to focus on developing his own brand, 1017 ALYX 9SM. “His collections, resolutely creative and contemporary, have sparked a new dynamic and found their audience,” Givenchy CEO Renaud de Lesquen said on Williams’ impact.