DC Studios' 'Clayface' Unveils Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen in R-Rated Body Horror Origin Story Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Universe is set to expand with a new and unconventional entry as the studio prepares to release Clayface, an R-rated body horror film that reimagines the classic Batman villain in a darker, more disturbing light. The project, described as an origin story for the character, marks a significant departure from previous portrayals of Matt Hagen, the man behind the Clayface persona. Tom Rhys Harries, a rising star in British cinema, has been cast as Hagen, bringing a fresh perspective to the character’s tragic and grotesque transformation. The film, which is part of James Gunn’s broader DC Studios initiative, aims to explore the violent and psychological depths of Hagen’s backstory. Unlike earlier adaptations, which leaned into either the comedic or tragic aspects of the character, Clayface doubles down on the body horror elements, offering a visceral and unsettling take on the mythos. This approach aligns with the studio’s vision of creating a diverse range of stories within the DC Universe, as emphasized by Peter Safran, co-head of DC Studios. Safran noted that the project reflects the studio’s commitment to storytelling that isn’t limited to mainstream, family-friendly blockbusters. The film’s development has been marked by a focus on its unique visual and narrative elements. At CinemaCon, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled exclusive footage that showcased the film’s disturbing visuals, including Harries’ character suffering severe facial disfigurement and his body transforming into clay as he gains his powers. The trailer also included a stomach-turning glimpse of Hagen’s face morphing into an inhuman form, emphasizing the film’s commitment to its body horror aesthetic.#warner_bros_discovery #dc_studios #tom_rhys_harries #matthew_hagen #clayface
CNN builds in-house agent infrastructure as it prepares for AI-driven media trading CNN is advancing its plans to develop an agentic infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to transition into AI-driven media trading by the first quarter of 2027. The news network, which operates under Warner Bros. Discovery, aims to finalize the scoping of agentic protocols by the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to Faisal Karmali, vice president of digital business operations at CNN International Commercial. The timeline includes testing one or two properties in the third quarter to evaluate how large language models (LLMs) interpret agentic systems, followed by an analysis of buyer behavior and budget allocation for agent-to-agent trading experiments in the fourth quarter. Karmali emphasized that the goal is to have a fully operational trading model and a new revenue stream by early 2027, with the fourth quarter focused on preparing for budget testing to ensure the system is “tried and tested” before full-scale implementation. The timeline remains flexible, as Karmali noted that agentic protocols and the broader industry landscape are still evolving. CNN’s approach combines in-house development of agentic infrastructure with partnerships involving third-party technology and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms (DSPs). While specific partner names were not disclosed, Karmali highlighted that the U.S.-based team is leading the infrastructure development, which could be adapted internationally with relative ease. The company is also collaborating with the IAB Tech Lab and its agentic roadmap framework to ensure its protocols align with industry standards and deliver consistent outcomes for buyers. CNN has been evaluating all available protocols, including AdCP, to build a robust agentic system.#cnn #warner_bros_discovery #faisal_karmali #iab_tech_lab #adcp
CNN readies AI agents to buy and sell ads CNN is developing an in-house system that will allow AI agents to autonomously buy and sell advertisements, according to a report by Digiday. The initiative, set to begin testing later this year, aims to launch full-scale operations by early 2027. The project involves integrating CNN’s internal agentic infrastructure with third-party technologies and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms. The rollout will proceed in stages, starting with defining how these AI agents communicate, followed by testing how CNN’s ad inventory is interpreted by large language models (LLMs), and concluding with early-stage experiments involving advertisers. The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward agentic buying processes, as companies like Google and The Trade Desk have introduced similar tools. These systems aim to streamline ad purchasing by reducing transaction fees and accelerating deal-making through automation. CNN’s decision may also be influenced by the need to demonstrate growth in its ad business ahead of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, being acquired by Paramount. As CNN will soon operate alongside rival CBS within the same media conglomerate, the network may seek to strengthen its monetization strategy and compete for ad revenue in a consolidated news media environment. The potential success of agent-to-agent ad buying could significantly reshape the media buying landscape. By automating campaign execution, the process could lower costs and improve efficiency, while also shifting the industry toward a more data-driven approach. This transition may require marketers to rethink their strategies, emphasizing first-party data, robust measurement frameworks, and creative differentiation to remain competitive in an increasingly automated market.#paramount #cnn #the_trade_desk #warner_bros_discovery #digiday
HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot Sparks Speculation Over Young Lord Voldemort’s Actor The long-awaited Harry Potter reboot, which adapts the first book of the series, is currently in production, with its first season focusing on Harry’s initial year at Hogwarts. The show, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, follows the Boy Who Lived as he navigates the wizarding world, forms friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and uncovers mysteries within the castle. Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed the main cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione, with the trio selected after a casting call that reportedly drew over 30,000 children. The adult cast features John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, among others. The reboot has also raised questions about the casting of Lord Voldemort’s younger self, Tom Riddle. While Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as the adult Voldemort, the studio has yet to name the actor who will portray the teenage version of the character. Rumors have circulated about potential candidates, including Marvel actors Paul Bettany and Tilda Swinton, as well as Tom Hiddleston, who previously played Loki. However, HBO boss Casey Bloys has stated that the casting for Voldemort remains unconfirmed, advising fans to approach rumors with skepticism. Despite this, speculation has intensified, with some fans believing the actor has already been chosen. One of the most prominent theories centers on Owen Cooper, a 16-year-old British actor known for his role as Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence.#hbo #warner_bros_discovery #dominic_mclaughlin #alastair_stout #arabella_stanton
Roku's Streaming Service Introducing Disney Content Roku has announced new licensing agreements with The Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. Discovery, expanding its ad-free streaming platform Howdy with a broader selection of films. The partnership marks a significant step in Howdy’s content strategy, which aims to provide users with a diverse range of entertainment options. According to Cord Cutters News, Howdy’s library is set to grow substantially, featuring a rotating lineup of Disney films each month. In addition to Disney content, the platform will also offer Sony Pictures movies and all Warner Bros. Discovery releases from 2025 to 2026. This expansion positions Howdy as a more comprehensive streaming option, though it is designed to complement rather than directly compete with premium services like Disney+ or HBO Max. The platform emphasizes affordability and uninterrupted viewing, catering to users seeking a cost-effective alternative to higher-tier subscriptions. By integrating content from multiple studios, Howdy aims to provide a one-stop solution for movie enthusiasts without the need for multiple streaming accounts. The announcement has sparked interest among fans, with many expressing excitement about the prospect of accessing Disney classics and new releases on Howdy. While the platform does not currently offer exclusive content, its focus on curated, ad-free experiences could appeal to a broad audience. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Howdy’s partnerships with major studios signal a shift toward more integrated and accessible entertainment options. Whether this approach will resonate with consumers remains to be seen, but the expansion underscores Roku’s commitment to enhancing its service in a competitive market.#warner_bros_discovery #roku #howdy #sony_pictures #the_walt_disney_company
CBS News begins new major round of layoffs: ‘This is really hard and really tough’ CBS News announced it is laying off dozens of employees and ending its nearly 100-year-old radio service, CBS News Radio, as part of a strategic restructuring. The decision was communicated in a memo to staff from editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski, who informed employees by the end of the day whether their positions were affected. The cuts are expected to impact approximately 6% of the roughly 1,100-person staff, though earlier estimates had suggested a higher percentage. The radio service will cease operations on May 22, 2026, with the CBS News Radio team and about 700 affiliated stations notified of the closure. Weiss and Cibrowski acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that the layoffs were not a reflection of employees’ performance but a response to evolving media trends and economic challenges. They described the changes as necessary to adapt to a shifting industry, noting that new audiences are emerging in different regions and that the network must invest in growth to remain competitive. “New audiences are burgeoning in new places, and we are pressing forward with ambitious plans to grow and invest so that we can be there for them,” they wrote. “That means some parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.” The announcement followed an earlier round of layoffs in late October, which had been described as a “blood bath” by some staff. Weiss was more directly involved in planning the latest cuts, which come amid ongoing restructuring efforts. The network has also faced departures of key staff, including justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who left earlier this month.#paramount #cbs_news #tom_cibrowski #bary_weiss #warner_bros_discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery’s First Post-Merger Premiere Sparks Laughter with Comedy Rooster Warner Bros. Discovery’s first major premiere since its $111 billion merger with Paramount was a comedy, marking a significant moment for the merged entertainment giant. The show, Rooster, co-created by Bill Lawrence—known for hits like Ted Lasso and Scrubs—debuted on HBO, becoming one of the network’s first half-hour series in years. The premiere, held on Sunday, drew a packed audience and generated widespread enthusiasm, particularly for its ensemble cast and sharp humor. The screening, held at a New York venue, was met with explosive laughter, with Steve Carell and the supporting cast delivering standout performances. Attendees were particularly moved by the show’s opening credits, which featured HBO’s iconic “static angel” sequence, prompting a hearty ovation. Lawrence, who opened the event with lighthearted remarks, acknowledged the challenges of the industry’s current climate while expressing gratitude for the team’s dedication. “It’s not a normal feeling for me,” he said, adding, “I’m feeling joyful… at a time when it’s kind of hard to feel joyful.” Lawrence’s comments subtly referenced the ongoing upheaval in Hollywood, including the merger’s impact on the industry. He praised the cast and crew, emphasizing the collective effort behind the project. “I’m proud of everyone in here and everyone couldn’t make it that worked on the show,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. The after-party at The Pool reflected the broader mood within Warner Bros. Discovery as executives navigate the complexities of the merger. One senior executive, speaking candidly, noted the uncertainty of the situation: “I just keep showing up. When my phone stops working, that’s how you’ll know.#bill_lawrence #steve_carell #hbo #warner_bros_discovery #the_pool
