AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:57 p.m. EDT

Greece awaits Nolan's 'The Odyssey' with anticipation despite casting controversy

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey” opens July 17 amid international anticipation and controversy over its casting. In Greece, where the 3,000-year-old epic is taught in every school, people are long accustomed to foreign actors playing their ancient heroes, and often argue that the poem has survived through its retelling and reinvention. Teachers, scholars and theatergoers told The Associated Press that each generation makes the story its own, while Greece’s culture minister dismissed calls to interfere with the production, which received about $7 million in state subsidies.

Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed join the World Cup closing ceremony's cast

NEW YORK (AP) — FIFA has announced a star-studded lineup for the closing ceremony of the World Cup. The event is set for 90 minutes before Sunday's final and will feature performers like Tom Cruise and streamer IShowSpeed. The ceremony aims to celebrate the journey of 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries. Other performers include Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. FIFA promises fans an active role. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff at 3 p.m.

Subpoenas issued to NY Times reporters seen as 'unprecedented' threat to press freedom

Media advocates have reacted with alarm to subpoenas issued to five New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns about the new Air Force One. The move is seen as a dangerous and brazen escalation in President Donald Trump's campaign against media outlets that run content that angers him. The subpoenas demand the reporters testify before a federal grand jury this week. The National Press Club and the Committee to Protect Journalists are among the groups calling the Republican Trump administration's subpoenas an assault on press freedom. The Justice Department says reporters are not the targets — but leakers of classified information are.

What to know: 70mm? IMAX? Dolby? Christopher Nolan breaks down his favorite big screen formats

Christopher Nolan has fulfilled his dream of shooting a feature film entirely on IMAX film with “The Odyssey.” This achievement follows years of innovation since “The Dark Knight,” when IMAX cameras were too noisy for dialogue scenes. After “Oppenheimer,” a new camera muffler called “the blimp” was developed, allowing this landmark project. The camera, named The Keighley, weighed 300 pounds and required frequent film reloading. Nolan aims to offer audiences a unique cinematic experience. He believes IMAX 70 mm film provides unparalleled sharpness and depth, immersing viewers in the film's world without needing 3D glasses.

Sam Neill, New Zealand actor who starred in 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, the elegant and versatile actor who moved from art films to blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and “The Hunt for Red October,” has died at 78. He said he had a rare type of lymphoma in 2023. His family said he was cancer-free when he died Monday but the statement didn't give a cause. The New Zealand actor was one of a host of actors and directors who achieved international fame after an explosion of Australian films that began in the late 1970s. In addition to “Jurassic Park” and two of its sequels, his films included the thriller at sea “Dead Calm,” the period romance “The Piano” and the sci-fi horror “Event Horizon.”

Anya Taylor-Joy is bloodied and battling in Apple TV’s crime thriller ‘Lucky’

NEW YORK (AP) — Anya Taylor-Joy stars in “Lucky,” a new Apple TV crime thriller set in the California desert. She plays a con artist on the run after being betrayed, pursued by the FBI and a crime boss over a missing $10 million. The series, based on Marissa Stapley's novel, premieres Wednesday. Taylor-Joy also makes her debut as an executive producer. The show features a female-centric soundtrack and co-stars Annette Bening as a mob leader. Created by Jonathan Tropper and Cassie Pappas, “Lucky” blends crime thriller elements with family drama, exploring themes of identity and survival.

12 states challenge Paramount's takeover of Warner, say merger would 'extinguish competition'

NEW YORK (AP) — Twelve states are suing to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argued in a lawsuit Monday that the $81 billion merger would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and lead to fewer choices for consumers across the U.S. The office of California’s attorney general is leading the coalition. It alleges that the proposed merger would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for movies and the television landscape. Paramount maintains that merging with Warner will be good for competition. The company says it will “vigorously defend” the transaction.

Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman and Cillian Murphy and more mourn the death of Sam Neill

Fans and fellow actors are mourning the passing of Sam Neill, who died after being diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neill gained fame for his role as Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park.” The New Zealand actor earned an Emmy nomination for “Merlin” and narrated “Wild New Zealand.” He also received three Golden Globe nods. Tributes poured in from colleagues like Richard E. Grant, Cillian Murphy and director Colin Trevorrow. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised Neill's impact on the film industry. Many remembered him as a kind and talented actor, leaving a lasting legacy.

Music Review: Gracie Abrams confronts crises on 'Daughter From Hell'

Crises loom across singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams’ third album, “Daughter from Hell.” The resulting 16 tracks are darker than her previous two records, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan in her review. But by employing a broader array of instruments and production styles, she argues that Abrams' album lives up to the bigger arenas she now fills. That's even if many of the songs feel like a return to her introspective form. Aaron Dessner, a collaborator on Abrams’ previous projects, cowrites and produces across the album, which also features writing from Audrey Hobert and Paul Mescal as well as backing vocals from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. The album is out Friday.