Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh announce second pregnancy in the cutest way, check it outDeepika Padukone confirmed her second pregnancy with husband Ranveer Singh via an Instagram post. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 10:54 AM IST By Rishabh Suri Share via Copy link Baby Dua Singh Padukone's sibling
Nudging towards the completion of your academic years, you wish time would slow down indefinitely. The looming uncertainty is overwhelming, and you feel unprepared. Seniors and guardians around you are uncertain, even cagey, as you look to them for guidance through this unfamiliar cycle
Olympic heptathlon champion Anna Hall marries NFL star Darius Slayton in fairytale wedding at historic Oheka CastleOlympian Anna Hall marries NFL star Darius Slayton at Oheka Castle in New York, marking a new chapter in their love story. Published on: Apr 19
Javed Sheikh, Pakistani actor known to Indian audiences for playing Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Om Shanti Om, is now facing backlash after clips from his latest show went viral. The actor, who played Om Kapoor’s father in the second half of the film and many other Bollywood movies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned an official address to the nation into a political speech “full of mudslinging and outright lies”, the Opposition said on Saturday. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that Modi must “stop lying to the nation” that the draft legislation defeated by the
'A nightmare' - The battle over Warner Bros is turning Hollywood upside down
'A nightmare' - The battle over Warner Bros is turning Hollywood upside down
Disaster, catastrophe and nightmare. That's how Hollywood's creative workers describe the fall of the once mighty Warner Bros, as Netflix and Paramount battle to buy the historic studio and tinsel town braces for more upheaval and job losses.
Warner's decline and impending sale – whether it's to Paramount Skydance as a whole, or to Netflix cut up in parts – is being mourned in Hollywood, where a historic production slump has already battered the entertainment industry. The loss of the studio, which has created iconic films ranging from Casablanca and Goodfellas to Batman and Harry Potter, likely means more job cuts and definitely means one less buyer of film and TV projects.
Interviews with dozens of actors, producers and camera crews by the BBC reveal an industry attempting to weigh the lesser of two evils: control by a tech giant blamed for killing movie theatres (Netflix) or billionaires seen as too cosy with President Trump (Paramount).
David Ellison is a right-wing billionaire Trumper," a camera assistant said of the Paramount Skydance CEO who is the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder and close Trump ally Larry Ellison. "Netflix is much more historically inclined to not micromanage production.
If Netflix gets the deal they want, they will buy Warner Bros' crown jewels – the 102-year-old studio, HBO, and its vast archive of films and TV shows – leaving Warners's legacy TV networks, like CNN, TNT Sports and Discovery, for another buyer.
Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance's $108bn(£81bn) hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros includes backing from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and a fund started by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
It has raised concerns about the possibility of censorship and government overreach.
President Trump added fuel to the fire when he said "it's imperative that CNN be sold".
The Warner Bros deal is the latest in a long line of major shake-ups in Hollywood since the pandemic.
Film and TV productions ground to a halt in 2023 during simultaneous actor and writer strikes. Seemingly everyone in Hollywood was working in 2022 as studios and streaming services went into creative overdrive after Covid shutdowns. But when the labour strikes ended, the production boom never returned.
The fallout has meant that many media companies have had to close doors - or merge. David Ellison's Skydance Media bought Paramount, another legendary Hollywood studio, earlier this summer, leading to thousands of job losses.
When Warner Bros put up a for-sale sign, Paramount launched an eager campaign to buy the company. But the studio ultimately announced a tentative deal with Netflix. A spurned Paramount then went direct to Warner Bros Discovery shareholders with a hostile takeover offer that they say is "superior" to the Netflix deal.
Whether they're rooting for Paramount or Netflix or another potential buyer, the one thing people in Hollywood seem to agree on is this story's villain - Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who earned $51.9m last year as Warner Bros lost more than $11bn and the company's stock fell nearly 7%.
"I watched Warner Bros struggle since David Zaslav became the CEO and ran it into the ground," says an actor who lost his home after his work dried up. He did not want to be identified because he still hopes to work for Netflix and Paramount.
More than one person compared Mr Zaslav to the fictional movie character Gordon Gekko who proclaims "greed is good" in the 1987 movie Wall Street.
Mr Zaslav took over in 2022 during another massive merger of Discovery, Inc., which he ran, with AT&T's WarnerMedia, creating Warner Bros Discovery. The consolidation saw several thousand jobs cut - and lavish pay packages for Mr Zaslav.
Zaslav is just Gordon Gekko – he came in, broke it and sold it all," says a producer who was working on the Warner Bros lot. "He said I will make all shareholders rich and who cares what the history of this place is.
Warner Bros objected to that characterisation.
"Under the leadership of David and the talented team at WBD over the past three and a half years, the studio has regained its leadership position with a unique slate of films led by original content, seen the relaunch of the DC Universe under a single unified leadership team with ten year plan and the streaming service has launched globally and become profitable for the first time ever," Warner's head of communications Robert Gibbs said in a statement to the BBC.
For many film workers, whoever buys Warner Bros has felt almost irrelevant. They have instead been focusing on how to reinvent themselves as the industry shrinks amid consolidation and the growing use of AI in entertainment.
"Every morning, no matter how much I tell myself to stay positive, I wake up feeling like I've failed in every direction," says an actor who is now homeless with his wife and two children, relying on the kindness of friends and food banks while he works odd jobs. He asked not to be identified out of fear it could impact future work.
"I would rather see Netflix purchase Warner Bros then foreign money," he says.
Others are not so sure. The tech giant has arguably been the industry's greatest disrupter since Warner Bros pioneered "the talkies" in 1927.
I think it's a disaster," says a film exhibitor who did not want to be identified because they work with Netflix. "This is a company openly, proudly saying theatres aren't necessary anymore. That's scary. It's a nightmare.
Many theatres in the US refuse to screen Netflix movies because of their streaming-first strategy.
"At least with Paramount, we know movies will make it to the big screen. They didn't kill movie theatres," said one producer who has worked for all three companies.
Netflix has sought to alleviate those fears, saying they expect "to maintain Warner Bros' current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films."
Many in Hollywood want to believe them.
John Evans, a sound technician who dabbles in acting, writing and producing, points to Netflix's loving restoration of The Egyptian Theatre along iconic Hollywood Boulevard as a sign of their good faith.
The Egyptian, a classic 1922 theatre, was the site of the world's first movie premiere – Robin Hood starring Douglas Fairbanks – and had fallen into disrepair before Netflix bought the property in 2020 and gave it a $70m makeover.
"I think it's a good sign," Mr Evans said, adding that streaming is how many film workers consume movies and TV like the rest of the world.
On the backlot at Warner Bros, tourists snap selfies in front of the Central Perk cafe set from Friends, and stroll by facades of buildings that stand-in for New York or Los Angeles. Inside the offices and writers' rooms, for those still working, it's business as usual.
I've gone through seven mergers," a producer working on the Warner Bros lot said while developing a new show, explaining it's sad to lose a studio because it means it will be even harder to get shows made and sold with one less customer. "But if you make good stuff, you make good stuff.
The producer spoke on the condition of anonymity on the day that Paramount Skydance announced their hostile takeover bid. They said they were too busy to worry about the sale because they were trying to get a show on air – and they wouldn't be surprised if another billionaire or trillionaire made another offer for the studio by the end of all this.
I joke about Elon walking in and doing this, but he could," they said of the Tesla and X owner. "When you have people worth a trillion dollars, there are no rules.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Pakistan battles another water catastrophe with solar-powered farming Rashid Khan prioritises white-ball cricket amid concerns over Test workload Irfan Pathan, Safa Baig at Arjun Tendulkar bash wear luxury watches worth Curacao, country with 1/10th population of Noida, qualifies for FIFA World Cup How much money cricket could lose without India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup US man, 36, dies by suicide after AI suggested ‘joining’ it in digital world The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations Manali nightmare Babar Azam’s Nightmare Return Ranthambore safari nightmare
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with young batter Ayush Mhatre sustaining a hamstring tear during their narrow 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the injury after the match
1 hours ago
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” - Mark Twain This is not a contrarian’s bumper sticker. It is a precise diagnostic tool from a man who spent his career watching crowds believe terrible things with complete confidence
1 hours ago
April 19 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on April 19, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link The combination of the Five of Pentacles and Nine of
1 hours ago
Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League Live Streaming: When, where and how to watch MCI vs ARS live on TV and onlineMCI vs ARS Live Streaming: Here are all the telecast and streaming details for the Premier League contest between Manchester City and Arsenal. Updated on: Apr 19
1 hours ago
Global economic outlook faces uncertainty as seven weeks of Middle East conflict impact growth and inflation. Business surveys from Australia to the US will reveal the extent of deterioration, with stagflation risks looming. Policymakers grapple with responses amid persistent global uncertainty
1 hours ago
West Bengal elections 2026: Political contests in West Bengal's Junglemahal are influenced by ethnic identity struggles. The Kudmi-Mahato community seeks Scheduled Tribe status, expressing disillusionment with the TMC government. Meanwhile, the Santal community prioritizes educational development
1 hours ago
Several top BJP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Hema Malini, and Bansuri Swaraj, led a massive crowd of protesters towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence after the Centre failed to push a Constitutional amendment legislation on women’s quota and two other bills
1 hours ago
When workers in Noida took to the streets earlier this week, they did more than just focus attention on the unsustainably low wages that many Indian workers are paid. The spontaneous demonstrations across the Uttar Pradesh city also provided the opportunity for the country’s elite to blare out
1 hours ago
Pakistan deploys 10,000 police as US-Iran talks speculation grows; no official date yetPakistan re-launched its diplomatic efforts to facilitate another round of talks in Islamabad for a final agreement to end the war between Washington and Tehran Updated on: Apr 19
1 hours ago
Kolkata Knight Riders, struggling with one point from six matches under Ajinkya Rahane, face a strong Rajasthan Royals led by Riyan Parag. The Royals have shown consistent performances, aiming to extend their winning streak. This encounter at Eden Gardens, historically a high-scoring venue
1 hours ago
In modern times, cancer treatment is not only about sustaining life but also about ensuring its quality. Advances in medical technology have introduced less invasive methods, more precise procedures, and treatment approaches that are increasingly sensitive to patients’ comfort
1 hours ago
Kannur Dental College denies caste angle in BDS student death, cites loan app issueKannur Dental College denies caste angle in BDS student death, cites loan app issue Published on: Apr 19, 2026 11:32 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kannur , The management of Kannur Dental College
1 hours ago
A plane bound for New York was forced to divert on Saturday due to a bomb scare. According to flight radar data, the United Airlines flight UAL2092 from Chicago was diverted to Pittsburgh after it sent an alert declaring “‘possible bomb" as the reason for its diversion
1 hours ago
A gunman wielding an automatic weapon killed six people and barricaded himself inside a supermarket with hostages in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday (April 18, 2026), before he was shot and killed by police, authorities said. At least 14 people were wounded and taken to hospital
1 hours ago
In a letter to Malka Jan in 1886, the poet Dagh Dehlvi had many things to say about Na’ala e Malka (Malka’s Lament), her composition in the masnavi form. “The attribute of your community is ink, and your principle, freedom,” Dehlvi wrote. “You have amazing talent and your writing is as
1 hours ago
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring injury and added that his absence will be a huge loss for the side. Ayush Mhatre, who scored 30 runs from 13 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026
1 hours ago
From New York’s East Village to the wider world, Chef Vikas Khanna has turned Bungalow into more than a restaurant: a place that carries memory, identity, and storytelling in every plate. Fresh off being named in TIME’s 2026 TIME100 , where he appears under the Innovators category
1 hours ago
The has told it will not help with efforts to investigate tech billionaire 's social media platform X, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing a letter from the DOJ's Office of International Affairs, dated Friday.Paris prosecutors in February raided X's French offices and ordered
1 hours ago
‘It gave me freedom’: Hyderabad woman defends 9 to 5 job amid ‘quit your job’ trendA Hyderabad woman said her 9 to 5 job gave her freedom, stability and dignity. Published on: Apr 19, 2026 11:30 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A woman from Hyderabad has struck a chord
1 hours ago
Trump’s new approach to picking judges: A tighter circle and a personal touchDonald Trump prioritises loyalists and strong conservative voices in second-term picks, signalling a sharper ideological shift. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 10:57 AM IST WSJ Share via Copy link Jeffrey Kuhlman was treated
1 hours ago
Value mutual funds are equity mutual fund schemes that invest in stocks considered undervalued compared with their intrinsic worth. These funds aim to buy quality companies at reasonable prices and benefit when the market eventually recognises their true value
1 hours ago
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) participated in the 39th Convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), where he said the university, which has over 14 lakh learners, including 56% women and 58% from rural and disadvantaged communities
1 hours ago
Winning is so deeply embedded in our psyche that history is generally considered a chronicle of power; a list of who crushed whom and descriptions of rivalries amongst the strong. The destruction of Troy in 1193 BCE, Alexander’s defeat of Raja Purushothaman in 326 BCE
1 hours ago
‘I got fired from my job’: Bengaluru woman says her life revolved around stress, deadlinesA Bengaluru woman shared how losing her job exposed burnout and a life consumed entirely by work stress. Updated on: Apr 19, 2026 10:41 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A Bengaluru woman
1 hours ago
The UP government has issued a public notice to shops in Greater Noida for allotting them significant platforms in the residential areas of the city. Eligible candidates may start to apply from April 20 to May 4. Following verification, spaces will be allocated to individuals through a draw of lots
1 hours ago
PM Modi in his address to the nation criticised the Opposition, particularly the Congress party, for allegedly spreading misinformation about the delimitation process and opposing women’s reservation in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on Saturday
1 hours ago
Category-Wise Expected Cut-Off For JEE Mains 2026: To estimate this year’s expected cut-off marks, candidates can refer to the category-wise cut-off marks of 2025 and 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Paper 1 (BE/BTech) results soon
1 hours ago
