AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 6:29 p.m. EDT

Tom Cruise’s love for ‘Amores Perros’ led him to ‘Digger’

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Tom Cruise has launched an early promotional tour — and preview of a potential Hollywood awards campaign — for his next film. The 64-year-old star says he still remembers being amazed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s debut film “Amores Perros.” Now, 25 years later, they are collaborating on the dark comedy “Digger,” set for release Oct. 2. Cruise stars alongside John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, and Jesse Plemons. Iñárritu first approached Cruise with the script, reading it line by line. The film follows an eccentric oil baron named Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise in heavy prosthetic makeup.

A look inside Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ by the numbers

Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” is an epic film, hitting theaters Friday. The Associated Press looks at the film, by the numbers. It runs 172 minutes, slightly shorter than “Oppenheimer.” The movie was shot on IMAX film, using 2.1 million feet of film. Filming took 91 days across six months and six countries, including Greece and Italy. The movie marks the third time that both Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon have worked with Nolan. The production involved 5,300 costumes and 2,000 extras for the siege of Troy. Composer Ludwig Göransson used unique instruments for the score, including 35 rented bronze gongs.

Pat Oliphant, fearless Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist, dies at 90

PHOENIX (AP) — Pat Oliphant, one of the most influential political cartoonists, has died at 90. His son, Grant Oliphant, said he died at his home in New Mexico from age-related issues. Oliphant was known for his caricatures of U.S. and world leaders, with his work appearing in over 500 publications during the 1980s. He tackled controversial subjects and was praised for merging political observation with humor. Born in Australia, Oliphant won a Pulitzer Prize in 1967. He retired due to glaucoma but continued painting in Santa Fe, where his family said he enjoyed a vibrant social life.

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.