Hollywood's Problems Intersect With California Politics Like Never Before as Showbiz Rallies Around a Federal Production Tax Incentive

What’s Next for Paramount-Warner Bros. as State AGs Sue; Columbia University’s Eric Talley on Why the Case May Lead to Merger Concessions

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus explains the legal rationale behind the lawsuit filed July 13 by 12 state attorneys general to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. takeover. [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-blasts-state-ags-lawsuit-warner-bros-deal-1236809840/] And Columbia University Law School professor Eric Talley breaks down the power the AGs have to wield [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-blasts-state-ags-lawsuit-warner-bros-deal-1236809840/] and why they will use the pressure of litigation to demand concessions from Paramount. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why ‘Moana’ Marks a Disney Misstep; ‘Young Washington’ Director Jon Erwin on Making Indie Films Work at the Multiplexes

On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our weekly Box Office segment, Variety‘s Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with Disney’s “Moana” live-action remake. [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/moana-box-office-opening-weekend-weakest-disney-live-action-remake-1236808979/] And Jon Erwin [https://variety.com/t/jon-erwin/], the filmmaker behind “Young Washington,” explains how his Wonder Project banner [https://variety.com/2026/film/news/young-washington-director-jon-erwin-ai-1236801002/] is making indie theatrical films work as a business. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

James Corden Reunites ‘Late Late Show’ Team for Fox’s ‘After Hours’ World Cup Show

Three years after he signed off CBS’ “The Late Late Show,” James Corden is having the time of his life hosting the World Cup after show for Fox, “After Hours With James Corden.” [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/james-corden-world-cup-fox-after-hours-ben-winston-late-1236806207/] On today's episode, the multihyphenate discusses the joy of indulging in his lifelong love of football and why the call from Fox Sports was the one hosting gig that he’s been offered in recent years that he couldn’t turn down. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What’s Driving Microsoft’s Massive Overhaul of Xbox?

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas details Microsoft’s massive overhaul of its Xbox unit with 3,200 layoffs [https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/xbox-layoffs-3200-4-studios-sold-1236802326/] and a realignment of operations coming under newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Box Office: ‘Minions and Monsters’ Delivers Tepid Debut in a Muted July 4th Weekend; Why Comcast’s Sky is Buying ITV

Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down a muted July 4th holiday weekend at the box office with a tepid U.S. opening for Universal and Illumination’s “Minions and Monsters” [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/minions-and-monsters-box-office-franchise-worst-start-supergirl-brutal-drop-1236801905/]but a solid turnout for indie Angel Studios’ “Young Washington.” And Variety's K.J. Yossman explains why Comcast's Sky has struck a deal to buy U.K. broadcaster ITV [https://variety.com/2026/biz/global/itv-sky-takeover-carolyn-mccall-regulators-1236802239/] for $2.1 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.