AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:08 p.m. EDT

Summer Movie Preview: Nolan, Spider-Man and 'Toy Story' light up the cinemas

Hollywood's summer movie season is packed with big names and franchises. Universal Pictures is releasing Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day.” Franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Minions,” “Star Wars,” and “Toy Story” are also set to draw crowds. This year, Disney kicks off the season with “The Devil Wears Prada 2" instead of a Marvel film. The industry is adapting to changes, with streaming and altered viewing habits impacting box office numbers. Despite challenges, directors like James Cameron remain optimistic about the future of theatrical releases. The summer movie season runs from May through August.

Man pleads guilty in the 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay of rap pioneers Run-DMC

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a quarter-century after rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC was shot to death, a man admitted in court Monday to a role in a killing that stymied investigators for decades. Jay Bryant pleaded guilty to a federal murder charge, telling a judge that he helped other people get into a recording studio so they could ambush the DJ, born Jason Mizell. The 52-year-old’s admission brings some closure — but also adds complexity — to a knotty case. Bryant didn’t name the other people with whom he acted. But a jury in 2024 convicted two other men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, yet a judge subsequently cleared Jordan. Washington has also challenged his conviction.

Trumps call for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel — again — after morbid joke about first lady

Both President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are calling on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel after the late-night comic joked last week that the first lady had “the glow of an expectant widow.” Kimmel made the joke while delivering a mock comic routine for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner — two nights before that event was cut short when a man tried to rush the ballroom where the Trumps and other leaders were. Melania Trump said Monday on social media that people like Kimmel “shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.” The president said Kimmel's words were “beyond the pale.”

‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nathan Chasing Horse has been sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault. A judge gave the “Dances With Wolves” actor his sentence on Monday in Las Vegas. He was found guilty in January of 13 charges in a yearslong sexual abuse case. Prosecutors say Chasing Horse used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls. He was acquitted on some charges. He denied all of the allegations. Chasing Horse, wearing his navy blue Clark County Detention Center uniform, stared straight ahead as victims read their statements.

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s bee-hived pop trio the Ronettes, dies

NEW YORK (AP) — Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the Ronettes, has died at 80. Her daughter and the Ronettes' official Instagram account confirmed that she died Sunday at home. Ross, alongside her cousins, sang hits like “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.” The Ronettes became a leading act in the girl-group era with help from Phil Spector. They toured with The Rolling Stones and befriended the Beatles. After the group disbanded, Ross pursued Christian music. She was married to Scott Ross until his death in 2023. Ross is survived by four children.

Melanie C says she's bringing joy to the club with 'Sweat,' an athletic album from the Spice Girl

NEW YORK (AP) — Melanie C, also know as Mel C or Sporty Spice from the game-changing ‘90s girl group the Spice Girls, will release a new album on Friday. Her ninth solo album is called “Sweat.” The title track and lead single is equal parts club banger and workout anthem, something for the DJ booth and a runner’s playlist. She told The Associated Press her recent foray into deejaying directly inspired the new record. It’s all about the joy of the dance floor and her trademark athleticism. She says she hopes the new release motivates her fans but also provides them with some catharsis.

Pedro Pascal is moved to tears on his second visit to CCXP Mexico pop culture convention

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Pedro Pascal has visited the CCXP Mexico pop culture convention to present his new film, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” He arrived with the character Grogu and director Jon Favreau, who shared the preview with 2,500 attendees. Favreau says they've been working in secret for years and are excited to share it with fans. Pascal expresses his excitement about being part of the Star Wars legacy and making the story's leap to the big screen. The film, set to be released in May 2026, stars Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. Favreau highlighted the film's in-depth treatment and evolution of characters.

Oprah Winfrey’s podcast lands at Amazon as part of multiyear deal

NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey's podcast is headed to Amazon. Her company, Harpo Entertainment, has signed a multiyear deal with Amazon-owned Wondery for exclusive distribution and advertising rights to "The Oprah Podcast." Starting this summer, the podcast will expand to two new episodes a week and Wondery will distribute the show's audio and video across Amazon platforms. The deal also includes rights to "The Oprah Winfrey Show" library, her book club, and "Favorite Things" franchises. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Winfrey launched the podcast in December 2024.

Movie Review: A flatulence-filled 'Animal Farm' for tots turns a masterpiece into cinematic manure

The new animated "Animal Farm" takes a radical departure from George Orwell's classic. Screenwriter Nicholas Stoller and director Andy Serkis have transformed the allegory into a bright, modern tale, complete with iPhones and sports cars, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy in his review. The film introduces new characters and muddies the focus from anti-totalitarianism to a critique of Big Corporatization. Despite an all-star voice cast, including Seth Rogen and Laverne Cox, the adaptation feels misguided, Kennedy says. It ends with a "Mission: Impossible"-style caper, straying far from Orwell's original message. The movie, rated PG, releases Friday.