AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:04 p.m. EDT

Who should be the next James Bond? A few out-of-the-box ideas

NEW YORK (AP) — When a new James Bond is announced, it will be the first time in more than two decades that a new 007 is minted. So we should cast a wide net, and have some fun with it. There are a few presumed favorites, but let’s shake them up like a martini. Here are some out-of-the-box candidates, ranked from least plausible to kind of legitimate. What about Steve Buscemi? Or Hugh Laurie? AP Film Writer Jake Coyle has some ideas — mostly bad ones — on who should inherit one of the movies' most iconic roles.

'Long live the movies': Paramount's David Ellison makes big promises to theater owners at CinemaCon

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison promises to release 30 movies a year between Paramount and Warner Bros. He commits to a 45-day exclusive theatrical window starting Thursday. Ellison made these announcements at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, emphasizing his dedication to cinema. Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at $111 billion, has sparked discussions in Hollywood. The deal awaits shareholder approval and regulatory review. Paramount aims to compete with larger rivals, especially in streaming, by merging content libraries. Some critics worry about potential job cuts and reduced access to diverse content.

Movie Review: 'Lee Cronin’s The Mummy' offers a teenage-girl mummy and a messy, overlong gorefest

“Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” attempts to revive the classic monster with a twist, but it falls flat, AP critic Mark Kennedy says. The film reimagines The Mummy as a teenage girl possessed by a demon, blending horror clichés with a disjointed plot. It jumps between Cairo and New Mexico, starting slow and ending in a chaotic bloodfest. Cronin, known for “Evil Dead Rise,” includes some unique elements, like an Arabic-speaking lead, but his indulgences, like inter-family cannibalism, feel unedited. The detective subplot adds intrigue but gets lost, Kennedy says. Ultimately, the R-rated movie lacks the terror it aims for, earning just half a star.

Box office powerhouse Disney to show theater owners what’s next

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Walt Disney Co. is closing out CinemaCon on Thursday in Las Vegas. The company dominated the box office in 2025 with nearly $2.5 billion in domestic ticket sales. Hits like “Lilo & Stitch,” “Zootopia 2,” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash” led the way. This year, Disney has already boosted the box office with Pixar's “Hoppers,” earning over $355 million globally. Upcoming releases include “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Toy Story 5,” and “Avengers: Doomsday.” Disney's impact on the exhibition industry is significant, making up over 27.5% of the annual domestic box office last year.

Man plans to plead guilty in killing of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay. 2 other men went to trial

Court records show one of three men charged in the killing of Jam Master Jay plans to plead guilty. If the plan holds, it would be the first admission anyone has made in court to any role in the Run-DMC star’s 2002 death. A court docket entry Thursday indicates that Jay Bryant intends to change his not guilty plea. No court date was immediately set for a change of plea, and the records don't say anything about the charge or conduct to which he might admit. Prosecutors declined to comment. A message was sent to Bryant’s attorney. Co-defendants Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were convicted by a jury, but Jordan was later cleared by a judge.

Anitta, like you've never heard her before. The Brazilian superstar talks new album, 'SNL' and God

NEW YORK (AP) — Anitta’s upcoming album “Equilibrium” showcases her roots with a vibrant mix of Brazilian funk, samba, bossa nova and more. “Equilibrium” is a departure from her previous album, “Funk Generation,” and includes diverse sounds and cultural influences. She calls it her “most Brazilian album.” It features collaborations with Brazilian artists and Shakira. Anitta sings in multiple languages, but Portuguese takes the lead in “Equilibrium.” She aims to celebrate diversity and unity, delivering deep messages in a pop package. The Associated Press spent time with the Brazilian superstar Anitta as she prepared to make her “Saturday Night Live” debut last week.

Movie Review: Bob Odenkirk's sheriff is new to town in the gory thriller 'Normal'

“Normal” stars Bob Odenkirk and is a goofy, gory good time, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. While it shares a lot of DNA with Odenkirk’s two “Nobody” movies, “Normal” is the best and most convincing showcase for Odenkirk as a butt-kicking action hero yet. It’s a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards. Odenkirk plays an interim sheriff in a small Minnesota town named Normal. But when a bank heist gets underway, Midwestern manners fall away and mayhem begins.

Christopher Nolan brings ‘The Odyssey’ to CinemaCon; Steven Spielberg previews 'Disclosure Day'

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Christopher Nolan has given theater owners a thrilling glimpse of “The Odyssey” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. His adaptation of Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It arrives in theaters on July 17. Nolan introduced an extended clip showing the Trojan Horse and the infiltration of Troy. The film is the first shot entirely on IMAX film, thanks to new cameras. It features a massive ensemble cast, including Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. Nolan says the film is almost done and focuses on family and homecoming.

What to know about the Live Nation verdict and how it could affect concertgoers

Music lovers who have long complained about Ticketmaster fees for concert tickets are surely reveling in a jury verdict that found its parent company Live Nation has been running a harmful monopoly over big venues. But they will have to wait to see if the verdict leads to changes that make concerts more affordable. The lawsuit led by more than 30 states accused Live Nation of smothering competition. A federal jury in Manhattan found that Ticketmaster had overcharged customers $1.72 per ticket in 22 states, which a judge could order the company to pay back. That could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars.