Heat 2: Jason Clarke in Talks for Michael Mann's Amazon MGM Thriller Jason Clarke is reportedly in early discussions to join the cast of Heat 2, the upcoming crime thriller directed by Michael Mann for Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists, according to multiple sources. The project, which is based on Mann’s and Meg Gardiner’s bestselling novel, has drawn interest from several high-profile actors, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, though no formal casting deals have been confirmed. Clarke’s potential role remains undisclosed, with representatives for both the actor and the studio declining to comment. Mann, known for his work on Heat (1995), is set to direct Heat 2 from his own script. The film will serve as both a prequel and sequel to the original, exploring Vincent Hanna’s (Al Pacino) early career in Chicago, Neil McCauley’s (Robert De Niro) criminal past, and the survival of Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) after the original film’s climactic bank robbery. The project is produced by Mann, Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Jerry Bruckheimer, and United Artists’ Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt. Eric Roth and Shane Salerno will executive produce, with Amazon MGM planning a theatrical release. The original Heat remains a landmark in crime cinema, following master thief Neil McCauley as he orchestrates one final heist while LAPD detective Vincent Hanna closes in. The film, released by Warner Bros. and New Regency, grossed over $187 million worldwide and is widely regarded as a cultural touchstone. Its influence persists through streaming and home entertainment, with its themes of obsession and moral ambiguity resonating with audiences. Mann’s adaptation aims to expand on the original’s legacy while introducing new narratives.#amazon_mgm_studios #jason_clarke #michael_mann #united_artists #public_enemies
Search for New James Bond Officially Kicks Off as Auditions Begin The casting process for the next James Bond has officially commenced, marking the start of a long-awaited search to replace Daniel Craig as the iconic 007. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed the initiative in a statement, signaling the end of a five-year gap since Craig’s final film, No Time To Die. The studio, which acquired the Bond franchise in 2023, has emphasized its commitment to honoring the legacy of the character while introducing fresh creative direction. The search for a new lead actor is being led by Nina Gold, a renowned casting director with a track record in high-profile franchises such as Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Mamma Mia!. Variety reported that auditions have been underway in recent weeks, with the studio maintaining a cautious approach to the process. “We’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” Amazon stated, though it declined to provide specific details during the casting phase. Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune, has been confirmed to helm the 26th Bond film, while Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, will pen the screenplay. Knight expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating his work on the script is “going fantastically” and that audiences will “really love it” when the film is released. The film will be co-produced by Amy Pascal, known for the Spider-Man series starring Tom Holland, and David Heyman, who oversaw all eight Harry Potter movies. Amazon MGM Studios’ head of film, Courtenay Valenti, addressed the anticipation surrounding the role at CinemaCon, acknowledging the significance of the task. “We’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect,” she said, emphasizing the responsibility of continuing the Bond legacy.#steven_knight #denis_villeneuve #amazon_mgm_studios #nina_gold #amy_pascal
Will Smith To Star In Action Movie 'Supermax', Amazon Takes WW Rights Will Smith has signed on to star in David Gordon Green’s action-thriller Supermax, a film centered on two FBI agents investigating a murder at the world’s most secure prison. The project, which marks Smith’s first non-franchise studio movie in recent years, has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for worldwide rights in a deal valued at approximately $70 million. The film will be released as a streaming title rather than a theatrical release. Production is set to begin mid-August, with additional casting currently underway. Smith’s FBI agent partner will be a female character, though details about the actor playing the role have not been disclosed. The film is written by David Weil and David J. Rosen, known for their work on the TV series Hunters and Invasion. The Picture Company’s Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman are producing, alongside Smith and Adam Fishbach through Smith’s Westbrook. CAA Media Finance brokered the deal. Amazon’s acquisition of the project was made ahead of its potential debut at the Cannes market, a move the studio described as a vote of confidence in both the film and Smith’s box office appeal. This decision aligns with the studio’s strategy to capitalize on Smith’s recent success, including the $200 million domestic gross of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which was released two years after his Oscar slap incident. Smith’s career average domestic box office for non-franchise films exceeds $120 million, positioning him as one of the most consistent leading men in the industry over the past three decades. David Gordon Green, known for his work on the Halloween franchise and the Amazon TV series Scarpetta, is directing Supermax. This will be his highest-budget film to date as a filmmaker.#amazon_mgm_studios #will_smith #david_gordon_green #supermax #caa_media_finance
The universe shall quake in my shadow — 'Masters of the Universe' looks like the summer's most metal movie The upcoming film adaptation of the classic toy line and cartoon series "Masters of the Universe" is set to debut in theaters on June 5, 2026, with a visual and auditory style that blends nostalgia with modern cinematic flair. Directed by Travis Knight, known for his work on "Bumblebee," the movie promises to deliver a fresh take on the 1980s franchise, featuring a star-studded cast and a storyline that reimagines the battle between He-Man and Skeletor. The film’s trailer, released alongside promotional material, showcases a blend of high-octane action, intricate world-building, and a synthwave-inspired soundtrack that has fans calling it the "most metal movie of the summer." The story follows Prince Adam, played by Nicholas Galitzine, a character described as a "Taylor Kitsch lookalike," who is transported to the planet Eternia to reclaim the throne of Castle Greyskull and save his world from the malevolent Skeletor, portrayed by Jared Leto. The film’s script is co-written by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham, with executive production oversight from Ynon Kreiz, Bill Bannerman, and David Bloomfield. The collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios aims to bring the iconic characters to life in a way that honors their original roots while appealing to contemporary audiences. The cast includes a mix of established actors and newcomers, with Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-at-Arms, Kristen Wiig as Roboto, and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn. The film also features Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor, Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena, Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw, and Sasheer Zamata as Suzie.#amazon_mgm_studios #jared_let #masters_of_the_universe #travis_knight #nicholas_galitzine
Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Surpasses $80M Domestic Debut, Sparks Debate Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in the sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, which opened to over $80 million domestically, marking Amazon MGM Studios' highest-grossing debut weekend. The film, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, adapts Andy Weir’s 2021 novel about a science teacher tasked with saving the sun from destruction by partnering with an alien named Rocky. The movie’s success has ignited widespread discussion, with audiences and critics debating its themes, humor, and scientific accuracy. The film’s release has sparked intense online discourse, with debates ranging from its political undertones to its portrayal of science and international cooperation. Jordan Levin, former CEO of WB and AwesomenessTV, noted that films inciting debate—especially those involving contentious topics like science’s role in solving global issues—tend to drive social media engagement. Levin highlighted how the movie’s exploration of fact-based science, a core element of Weir’s novel, has become a focal point of discussion in an era marked by skepticism toward scientific consensus. The film’s blend of humor and serious themes has also drawn mixed reactions. Levin mentioned that cinephiles are divided on whether Project Hail Mary qualifies as a sci-fi classic or if its comedic elements feel out of place. Meanwhile, others praise the film’s practical effects, including puppetry and physical sets, as a refreshing contrast to heavy reliance on CGI. This approach has resonated with fans who appreciate the tangible craftsmanship behind the alien character, Rocky. Industry insiders have observed the film’s broad appeal.#ryan_gosling #project_hail_mary #phil_lord #christopher_miller #amazon_mgm_studios
Project Hail Mary Surpasses $100M Domestic Box Office in Sixth Day Amazon MGM Studios’ Project Hail Mary continues its strong performance at the box office, surpassing $100 million domestically in its sixth day of release. The sci-fi dramedy, directed and produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is now Ryan Gosling’s fourth film to achieve this milestone, joining Barbie, La La Land, and Remember the Titans. The film is expected to maintain its premium formats and IMAX screenings as it competes with other major releases. The movie’s success mirrors that of Dune: Part Two, which opened in March 2024 with a $45 million gross. Project Hail Mary is currently projected to hold a similar domestic box office performance, though exact figures have not been disclosed. The film’s strong showing comes amid ongoing spring break periods, which typically drive higher attendance. Comscore data indicates that 16% of K-12 schools and 12% of colleges are closed this week, with these numbers expected to rise on Good Friday, April 3. On that day, 71% of K-12 schools and 34% of colleges will be closed, creating a potential boost for upcoming releases like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, scheduled for release by Illumination, Universal, and Nintendo. Another notable release this weekend is They Will Kill You, a genre film co-financed by New Line and Nocturna. Starring Zazie Beetz, the film follows a housekeeper in an NYC high-rise who uncovers a mysterious history of disappearances. Directed by Kirill Sokolov and produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the movie is set to open in 2,700 theaters domestically and 7,000 screens internationally, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. The film’s projected domestic gross is $10 million, with an additional $10 million expected abroad.#ryan_gosling #project_hail_mary #phil_lord #christopher_miller #amazon_mgm_studios
Project Hail Mary tops UK-Ireland box office with £4.6m; Dhurandhar: The Revenge breaks Indian film records in second place Sci-fi thriller Project Hail Mary led the UK-Ireland box office with a £4.6m opening weekend, marking a record debut for an Amazon MGM Studios-produced film. The film, distributed by Sony, earned £4.6m from 701 screens, averaging £6,601 per site. This surpassed the £2m opening of 2024’s Red One, becoming the highest-grossing Amazon MGM Studios title in the region. With a cumulative total of £7.4m, the film is on track to surpass Red One’s £8.2m to become the highest-grossing release from the studio in the territory by next weekend. Indian sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge secured the second spot, breaking records as the highest-grossing Indian film at the UK-Ireland box office. The film opened with £1.6m from Friday to Sunday, outperforming 2023’s Pathaan (£1.4m). With a £5,709 average per screen, it achieved £643,180 on Saturday, March 21, the largest single day for a Hindi-language film in the region. The film’s £2.1m total after four days makes it the fastest Indian film to reach £2m in the UK-Ireland market, with ambitions to surpass Pathaan’s £4.4m total. Directed by Aditya Dhar, The Revenge is the second and final installment of the Dhurandhar series, following an Indian intelligence agent’s quest to avenge the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. The first film opened to £306,678 in December 2024, ending with a £3m total, ranking third among the highest-grossing Indian films behind Pathaan and 2023’s Jawan (£3.3m). Other notable performances included Hoppers, which earned £1.2m on its third weekend for Disney, a 46% drop from its opening, bringing its total to £9.5m.#aditya_dhar #dhurandhar_the_revenge #sony #project_hail_mary #amazon_mgm_studios
Project Hail Mary: Ryan Gosling film becomes 2026's biggest box office debut Ryan Gosling's sci-fi space adventure Project Hail Mary has surpassed $140.9 million globally, securing its position as the highest-grossing debut of 2026. The film, which stars Gosling as a former science teacher tasked with saving humanity from extinction, has outperformed previous year-end releases like Scream 7 and Creed III, marking the fastest start for a production by Amazon MGM Studios. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie, the film follows a molecular biologist who accidentally becomes central to an intergalactic mission. The story is based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, which also inspired The Martian. In a statement, Amazon MGM’s distribution head Kevin Wilson praised the novel’s “powerful foundation” and highlighted Gosling’s “massive global appeal” as a key factor in the film’s success. Gosling, who also serves as a producer, emphasized the importance of blending humor with the film’s sci-fi elements. “I wanted to create an environment where these things could co-exist,” he said in an interview with BBC News. The $200 million-budgeted project is the third-largest non-sequel film to open above $50 million overseas since the pandemic, joining Oppenheimer and F1: The Movie. Amazon, which acquired MGM for $8.45 billion five years ago, now appears to have its first major commercial success. Critics have mixed reactions: BBC Culture’s Nicolas Barber called it “a mind-stretching sci-fi” that remains “zippily entertaining,” while Empire praised its “witty, wise and preposterously entertaining” tone.#ryan_gosling #project_hail_mary #phil_lord #christopher_miller #amazon_mgm_studios
Sarah Pidgeon is set to join Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film Honeymoon With Harry. Pidgeon, known for her role as Carolyn Bessette in Ryan Murphy’s FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, will portray a character in the project. Her previous film credits include Sony’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, David Siegel’s The Friend, and her Broadway performance as Diana in Stereophonic. The film, based on Bart Baker’s book, is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who previously collaborated on the dramedy Crazy, Stupid, Love and the Hulu series Paradise. Dan Fogelman wrote the script, and the project was acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, which has cast Costner and Gyllenhaal in leading roles. The story follows a man who finds himself on an unwanted journey with his fiancée’s overprotective father after a life-altering event disrupts their plans. The plot unfolds during an island honeymoon, where the two men clash before developing an unexpected bond. Gyllenhaal’s character is thrust into the situation after his fiancée dies two days before their wedding, forcing him to share a trip with Costner’s character, the fiancée’s father. The film’s producer credits include Fogelman, Mike Karz, and Jennifer Salke, marking Salke’s debut with Amazon MGM and her first project under her Sullivan Street Productions banner. Pidgeon is represented by Gersh and Anonymous Content. The film’s logline highlights its emotional dramedy elements, emphasizing the tension and eventual connection between the two male leads. The project has been in development for some time, with Amazon MGM securing the rights and finalizing the cast. Pidgeon’s involvement adds to the film’s star power, joining Costner and Gyllenhaal in a story that blends conflict and camaraderie.#amazon_mgm_studios #sarah_pidgeon #jake_gyllenhaal #kevin_costner #glenn_ficarra
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy Global appeal for Indian content is already evident, with around 25 percent of viewership coming from outside the country, according to Clemens. Shows rooted in local culture are gaining international fans, demonstrating that specificity paired with universal themes can transcend borders. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly resonating with global audiences. Clemens, who recently joined to lead international originals, emphasized India’s creative versatility. She noted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. Her focus is on authentic stories told well, which she believes have universal appeal. The push into new genres is also underway, with the introduction of a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. This marks a strategic move into uncharted territory while reinforcing existing fan favorites. India is also serving as a testing ground for innovative approaches, such as tiered pricing, mobile-only plans, and language diversity. These strategies, refined in the Indian market, are now being exported globally. Franchise building remains a key priority, with hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur, and Panchayat enjoying multi-season success. The focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring intellectual property, with newer titles already securing second seasons. The platform’s new lineup spans multiple languages, signaling a broader reach. Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu content are central to this expansion, aiming to meet audiences wherever they consume media, whether on streaming platforms or in cinemas. A fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios marks a deeper foray into big-screen projects.#amazon_mgm_studios #hrx_films #clemens #kalyug_warriors #the_revolutionaries
Amazon MGM Studios' 'Mercy' Set for Disc Release April 7 Amazon MGM Studios and Alliance Home Entertainment have announced the release of the sci-fi thriller Mercy on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD disc on April 7. The film follows Detective Chris Raven, portrayed by Chris Pratt, who faces a murder trial before an advanced A.I. Judge played by Rebecca Ferguson. With only 90 minutes to prove his innocence and avoid execution, Raven must confront both the judge and a pervasive surveillance state that has documented every aspect of his life. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy is set in a near-future world dominated by interconnected screens and invasive cameras. The story explores Raven’s struggle against a system that has already recorded his actions, blurring the lines between justice and control. The film grossed $54.3 million globally, reflecting its appeal despite its niche genre. The release of Mercy coincides with broader developments at Amazon MGM Studios, including the completion of its $8.5 billion merger with MGM Studios, finalized after the Federal Trade Commission’s deadline to block the deal passed. This merger grants Amazon significant creative and operational control over MGM’s film library, including the iconic James Bond franchise. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, has been granted oversight of MGM Studios, marking a pivotal shift in the combined entity’s strategy. The partnership with IP co-owners Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, worth a reported $1 billion, further solidifies Amazon’s stake in the Bond franchise. These moves underscore the growing influence of Amazon in the entertainment industry, reshaping how films are produced, distributed, and marketed.#chris_pratt #rebecca_ferguson #amazon_mgm_studios #alliance_home_entertainment #timur_bekmambetov
Cameron Diaz’s return to acting continues as she films her latest project in New York City Cameron Diaz was spotted filming her latest movie in New York City on March 13, 2026, marking another step in her comeback after a decade-long hiatus from the industry. The 53-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in films like Charlie’s Angels and Shrek, is currently working on an untitled rom-com directed and co-written by Stephen Merchant. The project, which is set to debut on Amazon MGM Studios, follows a workaholic Brit employed at an upscale New York hotel who strikes a deal with a struggling stand-up comedian for health insurance. The fake marriage between the characters evolves into an unexpected romance, a storyline that has drawn comparisons to Merchant’s own experiences with comedy and relationships. Diaz’s return to acting began in 2025 with her role in the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action, where she starred alongside Jamie Foxx. The film, released in January 2025, marked her first major project since her 2014 performance as Miss Hannigan in Annie. Diaz celebrated her casting in Back in Action with a social media post in June 2022, expressing excitement about rejoining the industry. She later reflected on the decision to return, stating during a 2025 interview that she felt grateful to have the opportunity to act again after a decade away. “It is a privilege to make films, and we are all so lucky to do what we do,” she said, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made during her hiatus. In addition to Back in Action, Diaz is set to star in the upcoming Netflix action-comedy Bad Day, directed by Jake Szymanski. The film, scheduled for release in 2025, features Diaz as a single mother navigating a chaotic day while trying to fulfill a promise to her daughter.#cameron_diaz #stephen_merchant #amazon_mgm_studios #jamie_foxx #benji_madden
