Entertainment News Recap | Tim’s Top 5 News Stories Of The Week, From Oct 26 To Nov 1

1. An Icon Lost. Sean Connery dies in his sleep at age 90.

The heartbreaking news dropped early Saturday that Sean Connery, the original 007 actor, passed away in his sleep surrounded by family in the Bahamas per a report from the BBC. His son, Jason Connery, said he had been ill for some time. “A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”

SOURCE: ForReel Movie News & Reviews

In my opinion, the news had me wishing 2020 would just end already. While Connery’s rise to fame is largely attributed to his iconic role as James Bond in 1962’s Dr No, my experience with Connery began when he was much older. As a millennial, I grew up with Sir Connery in films like Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (my personal favorite in the franchise thanks in large part to Connery), The Hunt for Red October and The Rock. He will be greatly missed.

2. No Time To Die will be a major financial loss for MGM

Speaking of the Bond franchise, Daniel Craig was poised to have his final installment as the titular character come out in March. The global COVID-19 crisis had other plans. The film has been pushed to 2021, but with numerous European countries locking down for a second time and major U.S. markets like New York City and Los Angeles having never reopened, that date may also be in jeopardy. The film is anchored by a $300+ million production budget. Prior to the move to 2021, MGM Chairman Kevin Ulrich attempted to sell the film to streaming giants Netflix and Apple. The two sides were never close as Ulrich reportedly wanted between $600-$850 million and the streaming services weren’t willing to go above $400 million.

SOURCE: Variety

In my opinion, MGM needs to cut it’s losses. It’s clear theaters aren’t reopening anytime soon in a way that would justify placing a blockbuster in theaters. Call up Netflix and see if you can get another $50 million and run with it.

3. Wonder Woman 1984 is still committed to a Christmas release date

In a recent interview with Variety, Ann Sarnoff, Warner Media Studios and Networks Group chair-CEO made it known that they plan to release WW84 in December, but will react to possible surges that may cause theaters to shutter in more markets. Notably, she stated, "It really is about how the U.S. continues to open, and whether there are any other surges," Sarnoff said. "We’ve got a little bit of time to figure that out."

SOURCE: Screen Rant

In my opinion, WW84 is not going to release in December unless they move toNe a streaming service or straight to VOD. Like I stated above, take your film to a streaming service or VOD and move on - the lockdowns don’t appear to be ending anytime soon.

4. Netflix is raising their subscription costs for standard and premium customers

Netflix is raising their standard price by $1 and premium price by $2 for U.S. customers. Last year the streaming giant raised their subscription prices in Canada as they set prices for different countries independently. As a result, the standard plan will be $14 and the premium $18.

SOURCE: CBR

In my opinion, Netflix has been providing quality content and has been in the fray to pick up blockbusters like No Time To Die. We should expect to pay more, and an extra dollar isn’t enough to scare me away.

5. The UK is shutting down theaters in response to COVID spike

Boris Johnson, the U.K. Prime Minister, has ordered a second national lockdown starting Nov. 5th shuttering all theaters in the country. It is estimated that 100,000 Brits are being infected by COVID-19 daily. Productions can continue but only with strict coronavirus guidelines. Johnson attempted to reassure residents saying, “I am optimistic that this will feel very different and better by the spring.”

SOURCE: Variety

In my opinion, this is uncharted territory. However, as has been the theme for much of this weeks’ recap, we shouldn’t expect theaters to be open and neither should studios. It’s time to move on to streaming or VOD.