#FIRSTLOOK: “A BIT OF LIGHT” BOARDED BY SALAUD MORISSET

Paris- and Berlin-based international sales company Salaud Morisset has boarded
worldwide sales rights to A Bit of Light, the new feature from Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari,
ahead of its world premiere in the Main Competition at this year’s Venice International Film
Festival.

The acquisition continues Salaud Morisset’s long-standing collaboration with Asgari,
following their work together on his acclaimed short films Tonight Is Not a Good Night for
Dying, Barbie, More Than Two Hours, The Baby, Delay and Witness.

Set in contemporary Iran, A Bit of Light follows a disillusioned doctor who loses faith in the
future after being arrested and having his medical practice shut down. Determined to end his
life, he spends one final day visiting his siblings and mother to prepare them for his
departure. Their compassion, care and companionship slowly reconcile him with reality.
Ali Asgari is one of the leading voices in contemporary Iranian cinema. Across his feature
films and shorts, his work explores the lives of individuals confronted with the social, political,
and institutional pressures of contemporary Iran, often revealing with humor how private acts
of resistance emerge within ordinary life. A Bit of Light marks Asgari’s sixth feature, following
Disappearance, which premiered in Venice; Until Tomorrow, presented at the Berlinale;
Terrestrial Verses, selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard; Higher Than Acidic Clouds,
presented at IDFA; and Divine Comedy, which screened in the Orizzonti section at Venice
last year. A Bit of Light marks his first film selected for Venice’s Main Competition.

Paul Jullien, Head of Sales at Salaud Morisset, said: “With A Bit of Light, Ali Asgari has
made a powerful political film that remains delicate, deeply human and filled with hope. It
confirms his position as one of the most vital voices in Iranian cinema today. The film’s
selection for Venice’s Main Competition underlines both its artistic strength and its
international potential, and we are proud to bring it to distributors around the world.”

Ali Asgari added ““A Bit of Light is not a film about sorrow, but about the invisible bonds that
make life worth holding on to. In Iran, where economic hardship, political uncertainty and the
threat of war have become part of everyday life, I have witnessed how people continue to
care for one another and create small moments of hope. Through ordinary gestures – a
familiar presence, a shared silence or the touch of a mother’s hand – the film explores how
our lives are intertwined, and how love can draw us back from despair.”

Milad Khosravi, producer, added: “A Bit of Light is exactly the kind of film we are committed
to producing: cinema that confronts urgent realities, carries meaningful social and political
context, and remains deeply human. At this dark moment for our region, and especially for
our country, amid war, repression and immense pressure, hope can feel like a bit of light
shining in the darkness, something like a gentle touch of a mother’s embrace in moments of
chaos, fear, and hopelessness. This film marks my fourth feature collaboration with Ali
Asgari and continues Seven Springs Pictures’ long-standing commitment to producing his
work. As lead producers, we were proud to bring the film to life alongside Sunny
Independent Pictures, Zoe Films, Good Measure Productions and Haurvatat Film.”

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “IT ENDS”

Elevation Pictures release IT ENDS August 28, 2026. Today we get a new Trailer.

Directed by: Alex Ullom
Starring: Mitchell Cole, Akira Jackson, Noah Toth, Phinehas Yoon
 

A group of recent grads head out on a late night drive for grub, hoping to enjoy one final hangout before their paths diverge. Instead, they accidentally turn onto a never-ending, two lane hellscape surrounded by untold horrors and cosmic forces beyond their understanding.

#FIRSTLOOK: “RESIDENT EVIL” NEW TRAILER

We get a brand-new Trailer for RESIDENT EVIL, coming soon to theatres!

Synopsis:
From the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger (Weapons, Barbarian) comes a thrilling — and terrifying — reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise. In an all-new story, Resident Evil follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself in an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos.

From TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and Davis Films, Resident Evil hits theatres September 18, 2026.

Directed by:
Zach Cregger

Written by:
Zach Cregger & Shay Hatten

Produced by:
Robert Kulzer
Zach Cregger
Roy Lee
Victor Hadida
Asad Qizilbash
Carter Swan

Executive Producers:
Oliver Berben
Richard Wright
Robert Bernacci

Cast:
Austin Abrams
Zach Cherry
Kali Reis
and Paul Walter Hauser

CREDITS NOT FINAL

#FIRSTLOOK: “EVEREST: THE OTHER SIDE” TO PREMIERE AT VENICE AND TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS

“Everest: The Other Side,” an intimate portrait of two people bound by love, ambition, and the pursuit of the impossible, from National Geographic Documentary Films and Oscar®-winning filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, will open exclusively in theatres and IMAX® worldwide October 30. The film, a thrilling cinematic experience chronicling one of the most dangerous climbs imaginable, will screen at both the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.

Elite ski mountaineers Jim Morrison and Hilaree Nelson fell deeply in love while reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Their drive sharpened into a shared dream: to climb and ski the direct North Face of Mount Everest – the most difficult and dangerous climb on the mountain and the most coveted ski line on Earth. Thousands have summited the mountain via Nepal’s southeast ridge, but only a handful have ever reached the top by this route – and no one has successfully skied down. Already known for their extraordinary feats in the mountains and no strangers to loss, Morrison and Nelson stake everything on this daunting challenge.

“Everest: The Other Side” is directed and produced by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, and produced by Shannon Dill, Anna Barnes, Bob Eisenhardt, Janet Yang. The executive producers are Carolyn Bernstein, Tim Horsburgh, Nina Fialkow, David Fialkow, Andrew Reiner, Elizabeth Reiner, Moudhy Al-Rashid, Sam Frohman, Kenneth A. Howery, Jason Bowden, Will Griffith, Bettina Kadoorie. The film is edited by Bob Eisenhardt, ACE, and Simona Ferrari. The directors of photography are Clair Popkin, Jimmy Chin, Christopher Murphy.

#FIRSTLOOK: “OASIS: DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER” PREMIERING AT VENICE

Disney+ presents a special theatrical engagement of a Hulu Original film, “Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger,” the highly anticipated documentary, which follows the legendary British band, Oasis. The film will receive its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The documentary from Magna Studios and Sony Music Vision created by the BAFTA and Oscar®-nominated writer, producer, and director Steven Knight (“Peaky Blinders,” “A Thousand Blows”) and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace (“Shut Up and Play the Hits,” “Meet Me in the Bathroom”), will open in select IMAX® and cinemas on September 11, before streaming exclusively on Hulu on Disney+ later this year.

“Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger” charts Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour, Oasis Live ‘25, one of the most anticipated rock ‘n’ roll comebacks of our time. The film is an unapologetically uplifting account of the biggest musical event of 2025, capturing the experience and emotions of the band and their fans across the world. The unique perspective includes rehearsal, backstage, and onstage access as well as the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. Alongside the band’s sold-out world tour, the film also explores the profound emotional impact of this phenomenal global cultural moment and what their music means to audiences and generations worldwide.

Featuring unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage, the film is a Magna Studios production, presented by Sony Music Vision in association with Sony Music Entertainment UK. The producers are Sam Bridger (“Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now,” “Meet Me in the Bathroom”) and Guy Heeley (“Locke,” “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man”). The executive producers include Kate Shepherd, Marisa Clifford, Davud Karbassioun, Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener, Thomas Benski, Isabel Davis, and Tim O’Shea, with Oscar®-winning sound mixers James Mather (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Belfast”) and Tarn Willers (“The Zone of Interest”), cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (“Belfast,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”), and editors George Cragg and Martina Zamolo leading the creative technical team.

#FIRSTLOOK: BRITBOX AUGUST 2026 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

Craving your next period drama? BritBox delivers with the premieres of The Hardacres S2 on August 5 and Vanity Fair (2018) on August 19. The Hardacres stars Claire Cooper (Coronation Street), Liam McMahon (The Bay) and Julie Graham (Shetland), while Vanity Fair features Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon), Tom Bateman (Murder on the Orient Express), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack) and Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton), bringing two richly layered stories of ambition, romance and scandal to the streamer.

Missed an episode? Now’s the perfect time to catch up. All 20 episodes of On the Box: The BritBox Podcast are now streaming wherever you get your podcasts, with hosts Edith Bowman and Michelle Collins sitting down with some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Hugh Bonneville, Ruth Jones, Brenda Blethyn, Sally Wainwright and Tom Ellis.

The hunt for hidden gems is back. Antiques Roadshow returns for its 49th season on BBC Select August 20, with experts uncovering extraordinary heirlooms, surprising histories and priceless finds – and for the first time, viewers in North America can tune in the same day as audiences in the UK.

For more information and to access additional press materials, please visit the new BritBox Media Room and sign up here. Screeners are available separately, upon request.

On the Box: The BritBox Podcast:

Hosted by award-winning British radio and television personality Edith Bowman and American comedian, presenter and proud Anglophile Michelle Collins, On the Box: The BritBox Podcast is created in partnership with BBC Studios Audio and delivers exclusive cast interviews, behind-the-scenes stories and sharp, lively takes on the best of British television. Season one streaming wherever listeners enjoy their podcasts.

STREAMING NOW: 1×20: David Morrissey ON Breaking World Records with Edith

Put the tissues away. It’s the last episode of season one. But we are finishing up the series with bonafide national treasure, David Morrissey! The star of Sherwood, The Walking Dead and so many other incredible shows joins Edith and Michelle to discuss all things about his brand new series, Gone. The trio also talk about David being real life neighbors with Alan Cumming, what it’s like working with Aimee Lou Wood and a small snippet into the upcoming Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics. And they also

STREAMING NOW: 1×19: Jane Tranter ON Having the Attitude of a Pit Pony

It’s an unmissable episode of On The Box as Edith and Michelle are joined by the executive producer behind The Other Bennet Sister, Jane Tranter. Jane shares all about getting the arduous journey of getting a show like “TOBS” off the ground, reviving Doctor Who for the BBC, how her ability to “speak HBO” helped sell Succession and Industry to American commissioners and how she fell into a brief foray of scripted reality when she first moved to LA.

STREAMING NOW: 1×18: Brenda Blethyn ON Singing Opera On a Boat with Anjelica Huston

This week, Edith and Michelle are in the presence of a British Television Royalty as they’re joined by the one-and-only Brenda Blethyn (Vera). Brenda drops by to talk about her role in the gripping new BritBox drama A Woman of Substance, how she forged out her acting career through success in amateur dramatics, answers a special guest question from by Edith’s dad (a certified Vera superfan), and explains why sometimes you might think your performance has moved the audience to tears, but they’re actually crying because they love your shoes.

STREAMING NOW: 1×17: Indira Varma ON Why Women Will Always Get Through It

Edith and Michelle are joined by the inimitable Indira Varma (The Night Manager, Obi-Wan Kenobi) to talk about her enthralling performance as Mrs. Gardiner in The Other Bennet Sister. Indira goes deep on the brilliance of working across from Ella Brucolleri, the surprise thrill of the success of Game of Thrones, stepping into Jack Lemmon’s shoes in the first all-female adaptation of Glengarry Glen Ross, and why she thinks Pedro Pascal’s charm originates in theatre.

STREAMING NOW: 1×16: Tom Ellis ON Famous From the Day He Was Born

This week, we have what Michelle describes as maybe our most ‘handsome guest’ yet, it’s star of Tell Me Lies, The Thursday Murder Club and Lucifer, Tom Ellis! In a very fun and wide ranging chat, Tom talks about going to the World Cup, being in New York for Knicks fever, whether he’s approached by big women after his role in Miranda, doing sex scenes in his wife’s TV show and we find out about Tom’s burning desire to be in The Sound of Music!

ICYMI:

STREAMING NOW: A Woman of Substance | BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, North America Premiere | 8 x 60’ | Released 2x on Premiere, Then Weekly

A Woman of Substance stars Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Little Voice) and Jessica Reynolds (House of Guinness, Outlander) as the two versions of the iconic character Emma Harte – a housemaid turned-mogul, daughter, mother, lover, fighter and a 20th century feminist icon who refused to know her ‘place’. The series finds Emma in 1911, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England, who goes on a dizzying journey to become the world’s richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she’s given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes. The season finale of A Woman of Substance premieres August 5.

July 23, 2026: Gone S1 | BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, North America Premiere | 6 x 60’ | Released 3x on Premiere, Then Weekly

Sarah Polly (Emma Appleton, The Witcher), a married music teacher from Bristol, has vanished. Minutes have turned into hours; hours into days. And yet her family have heard nothing. Her car keys are still in the dish by the front door, her mobile phone is still charging under the bed. It’s as if she’s simply walked out on her stable family home… Concerned, Sarah’s husband Michael Polly (David Morrissey, Sherwood) goes to the police. He speaks to Detective Annie Cassidy (Eve Myles, Coldwater). He is determined – insistent – that she finds out what has happened to his wife. Cassidy promises him she will. But something in her gut tells her he is responsible. The season finale of Gone premieres August 13.

BritBox August Listings:

August 1, 2026: Antiques Roadshow S46 | 21 x 60’ | Released All at Once

For more than four decades, Antiques Roadshow has been a British institution, with millions eagerly watching unforgettable valuations. The team visit locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, discovering remarkable treasures including unseen Rolling Stones photos, Star Wars memorabilia, Second World War spy gadgets, illustrations by Beatrix Potter and Winston Churchill’s cigar.

August 5, 2026: The Hardacres S2 | North America Premiere, BritBox Exclusive, BritBox Original | 6 x 60’ | Weekly Release

Season 2 charts the Hardacres as they settle into Hardacre Hall and turn their attention to reshaping the world around them… with all the ambition, friction, and fallout that entails.

August 10, 2026: I Literally Just Told You S4 | New to BritBox | 5 x 60’ | Released All At Once

Jimmy Carr hosts the game show where paying attention pays off, as players answer questions that have just been written, about things that have just happened during the show, in a bid to win £25,000

August 10, 2026: 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown S14 | New to BritBox | 13 x 45’ | Released All at Once

Hosted by Jimmy Carr, the panel show is the perfect mashup of topical hit 8 Out of 10 Cats and the cerebral words-and-number game Countdown as the anarchic comedians of the former take on the brainbox format of the latter.

August 10, 2026: Pointless Celebrities UK S8 | New to BritBox | 12 x 60’ | Released All at Once

Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman present a celebrity version of the general knowledge quiz in which contestants try to come up with the answers that nobody else could think of.

August 13, 2026: Prey S1 | New to BritBox | 3 x 50’ | Released All at Once

BAFTA nominated John Simm (Life on Mars) stars as Detective Constable Marcus Farrow in this fast-paced thriller. Farrow is a well-liked copper with an ex-wife and two kids. But when Farrow is found at the scene of a brutal crime, with all the evidence pointing towards him, his world collapses. Arrested and charged, it seems his fate is sealed. So when he gets the opportunity to escape, he seizes it with both hands. Now on the run, Farrow is not just trying to evade capture. He is determined to clear his name. With the clock ticking, will Farrow stay free long enough to find the truth?

August 19, 2026: Vanity Fair (2018) S1 | New to BritBox | 7 x 60’ | Released All at Once

This classic tale, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, follows Becky Sharp (Olivia Cooke, House of the Dragon) as she attempts to claw her way out of poverty and scale the heights of English society. Her story of “villainy, crime, merriment, lovemaking, jilting, laughing, cheating, fighting and dancing” takes her all the way to the court of King George IV, via the Battle of Waterloo, breaking hearts and losing fortunes as she goes.

August 25, 2026: The Good Ship Murder S3 | North America Release, BritBox Exclusive | 8 x 45’ | Released Weekly

Following his sacking from the ship, Jack (Shayne Ward, Coronation Street) is lying low – gigging in a dingy bar. A murder in a monastery drives Kate (Catherine Tyldesley, Emmerdale Farm) to seek Jack’s help and the pair finally reconnect romantically (with Jamil’s (Zak Douglas, G’wed) help), while Jack also gets his job back on the ship, replacing Eve Fontaine (Michelle Holmes, Casualty), who had temporarily replaced him.

BritBox 2026 Sneak Peek:

September 15, 2026: Agatha Christie’s Tommy & Tuppence | BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, North America Premiere | 6 x 60’

In the first contemporary English language Agatha Christie series adaptation, the detective duo of the impulsive Tuppence Cowley (Antonia Thomas, The Good Doctor) and loveable try hard Tommy Beresford (Josh Dylan, The Buccaneers) rise again. Mixing what made the screwball comedy and playful romance that made this crime solving couple beloved, with a cast representative of the energy of modern London, this series will please old fans – and new – alike.

BBC Select ICYMI:

STREAMING NOW: Rethinking King George III: In Ten Portraits | North America Premiere | 1 x 60’

Through ten iconic portraits, historians re-examine the legacy of King George III, providing a fuller picture of the monarch often remembered by history as a mad tyrant. From the American War of Independence to his struggles with mental illness, the story of George III’s life is retold in the paintings and images that defined his reign.

BBC Select Monthly Listings:

August 2, 2026: Europe on the Edge with Katya Adler S1 | Now, Available in Canada, Already Available in United States | 3 x 60’ | Released All At Once

Aggression, ambition and allies. Western Europe has long played a central role on the global stage, but how will it confront the challenges of a turbulent new era? In this documentary, Katya Adler travels around Europe, visiting factories, sporting events, military bases and ordinary people, to assess how the rapidly changing world is affecting their finances, society and hopes for the future.

August 6, 2026: Ancient Treasures with Bettany Hughes S5 | North America Premiere | 5 x 60’ | Released Weekly

Historian Bettany Hughes returns to explore more of humanity’s most captivating stories. From the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the desert landscapes of Uzbekistan, Bettany’s travels reveal how geography and history have shaped civilizations.

August 6, 2026: Mayhem! The Scandalous Lives of the Georgian Kings S1 | North America Premiere | 4 x 60’ | Released All at Once

Combining dramatic reconstruction with expert testimony from leading historians, this thrilling documentary will turn everything you thought you knew about the Georgian era on its head. It covers the tumultuous lives of George I who was catapulted onto the British throne, George II famed for his military exploits, George III who was mad or misunderstood, and George IV, the party king.

August 13, 2026: A Tale of Two Britains | Available in North America | 1 x 60’

1930s Britain was a period of dramatic change. Emerging from bleak economic depression, the country shifted into a time of rising prosperity with new innovations in technology and a consumption boom.

August 13, 2026: The Wonderful World of Blood | Available in North America | 1 x 50’

Michael Mosley takes an in-depth look at blood. He carries out six experiments on his own blood, from starving it of oxygen to injecting it with snake venom and even eating it.

August 13, 2026: The Tech Billionaire Takeover | United States Premiere | 1 x 60’ | Released All at Once

A new breed of tech billionaires are building their own countries, replacing democracy as we know it and targeting the global financial system. Matt Shea goes inside their world.

August 15, 2026: Inside the Rage Machine | Now Available in Canada, Already Available in United States | 1 x 50’

The inside story of how social media algorithms designed to connect us have been systematically tearing us apart. Insider testimony and whistleblower documents expose a machine built on outrage and division. Not as a side effect but as part of a business model. Radicalisation. Real world violence. Societies fractured. Consequences of a system built to shape how we think, feel and see the world.

August 20, 2026: Antiques Roadshow S49 | North America Premiere | 20 x 60’ | Released 2x on Premiere, Then Weekly

Amazing items, poignant stories, beautiful locations. Fiona Bruce and the experts uncover fascinating family and social history embodied in priceless, personal and peculiar items. The season premiere features unique access to Windsor Castle and personal items belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.

August 20, 2026: Battle of the Atlantic: The U-Boat War | Now Available in North America | 3 x 60’ | Released All at Once

In the summer of 1942, as Nazi submarines dominate a brutal naval war, Britain’s position grows increasingly fragile. Archive footage and new historical insights reveal how the Allies fought back and ultimately turned the tide.

August 20, 2026: Queen Victoria’s Men | Available in North America | 1 x 90’

The story of how Queen Victoria’s fiery passions would lead her into one of the great romances in history with Prince Albert; entangle her in scandalous relationships with her Prime Ministers; and set her on a collision course with her Royal court.

August 27, 2026: Expedition Volcano S1 | Available in North America | 2 x 55’ | Released All at Once

An extraordinary expedition to the planet’s most dangerous, spectacular and least known volcanoes tackles earth science’s biggest questions: What drives the Earth’s tectonic plates, and why do volcanoes erupt?

August 27, 2026: Where the Wild Men Are with Ben Fogle S7 | Available in North America | 12 x 60’ | Released All at Once

Ben meets more individuals and couples who inhabit inhospitable parts of the world such as Peru, Morocco, Panama and Sri Lanka.

August 27, 2026: Will Robots Take My Job? S01 | North America Premiere | 1 x 50’

Robots can already do many jobs more quickly than humans. In Silicon Valley, plans are underway for massive changes in the workplace – prompting fears that millions of people will be replaced by robots and AI.

About BritBox

BritBox is the leading streaming destination for the best of British television, offering an unmatched collection of expertly curated entertainment. From critically acclaimed dramas and mysteries to comedies, documentaries, and lifestyle programming, BritBox invites audiences to step out of their everyday and into a world of exceptional British storytelling. Launched in 2017 and now owned by BBC Studios, BritBox is available in the US, Canada, Australia, and the Nordics. For more, visit britbox.com, or find the BritBox app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

About BBC Select

BBC Select is an ad-free, streaming service offering documentaries across history, travel, culture, true crime and more to audiences in the U.S. and Canada on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV, The Roku Channel and BritBox Premier. BBC Select is owned and run by BBC Studios – creator, producer and distributor of unparalleled British content globally.

#FIRSTLOOK: “LAIRD” WITH KENNETH BRANAGH COMING TO PARAMOUNT+

Today, Paramount+ announced it has greenlit a new drama series titled Laird, with Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning actor, writer and director Kenneth Branagh (Mayday, Oppenheimer) set to star and executive produce.

Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens. Amidst family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh) remains determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing.

Created by Jez Butterworth (MobLand, The Agency), John-Henry Butterworth (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Agency) and Georgia Lee (The 100, Partner Track), Laird is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios. Branagh will executive produce alongside David C. Glasser, Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, Joe Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox. Two-time BAFTA®-winning filmmaker Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, Darkest Hour, Cyrano) is attached to direct the pilot.

“At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” said Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+. “There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with Kenneth Branagh leading the series, and an equally remarkable creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch”

“Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” said Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios. “With Kenneth Branagh starring and Joe Wright directing, this is a singular creative team, and we are thrilled to once again partner with 101 Studios to bring this series to Paramount+.”

“Working with Jez and John Henry has been such an incredible experience these last few years. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take another epic journey with them,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios.

The series will premiere globally exclusively on Paramount+.

Kenneth Branagh is represented by WME, Berwick & Kovacik and Gochman Law Group.

This announcement follows greenlights for additional prestige Paramount+ dramas including Fear Not starring Anne Hathaway, 9/12 starring Jeremy Strong and Discretion starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, as well as renewals for record-setting series like Dutton Ranch and The Madison.

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About Paramount+:

Paramount+ is the global flagship streaming home of premium original series and entertainment from some of the most enduring brands in television to subscribers around the world. Drawing on decades of beloved IP, Paramount+ also features a diverse offering of live sports, feature films, news and series from across the Paramount portfolio including CBS hits like Marshals and Tracker, all BET Original Series, the Avatar animated universe from Nickelodeon and more. It is a key pillar of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), whose portfolio spans Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and Skydance Animation, Games and Sports divisions. For more information, visit www.paramount.com.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 GT PREMIUM PACKAGE

We’ve driven our share of Mazda vehicles but nothing prepared us for how beyond the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package was. Spaciousness, comfort, and user-friendliness highlight this Compact Crossover SUV, which we had to privilege of driving in a flashy Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

At first glance, its elevatedness is apparent to the eye, not only with its bold front end, but also with its elegant Sport Tan/Black interior. It is powered by a 6AT AWD 2.5L I4, SKYACTIV-G 2.5, four-cylinder engine and it all begins with a push-button start. And let’s not forget its stunning 19″ black metallic alloy wheels. While this CX-5 is built for families as a cozy five-seater, it functions just as well for single drivers!

We had a very active week that included a quick scenic roadtrip, star sightings, concerts, fine and casual dining, and family time. We can’t wait to show you the CX-5 in action!

The CX-5 is a balance of utility class with a versatile floor area covered with sturdy mats, but also everything about this CX-5 exudes sophistication and pure class.

Running on a 58L fuel tank, it has a very solid Fuel Economy of 9.9 (City), 7.9 (Highway), and Combined 9.0 litres/100 km. With current gas prices, any help goes noticed.

Some highlights you get with the Premium Package include a super-sized 15.6″ full colour centre touchscreen display. Whether you’re navigating your daily route, its entertainment system (12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System), or its dual-zone Climate Control (including seat warmers/coolers), doing so has never been easier!

Connecting with your Smartphone is a breeze as with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We appreciated navigating Google Maps with its super-sized display, making everything super-clear. The CX-5 also comes with wireless charging under the arm rest versus its usual place by cupholders, which admittedly takes a bit of getting used to, however you do receive reminders that you’ve forgotten it. Overall, this SUV’s cockpit is designed specifically for user-friendliness because your focus should always be on driving, with minimal distractions.

Drives feels bright and open, illuminated by a big one-touch panoramic moonroof, making drives feel that much more relaxed and stress-free. It’s all in the details – small nice-to-haves like its ambient lighting add so much more to the experience.

Other noted features with the Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package include:

• Power rear liftgate (programmable height adjustable) with hands-free access
• Paddle Shifter
• 360° View Monitor
• Driver Personalization System
• Driver Monitoring (DM)
• Cruise and Traffic Support (CTS) with Lane Change Assist
• Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)

A litany of safety features included with the CX-5:

• Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Obstacle Detection
• Rear Crossing Traffic Braking (RCTB)
• Turning Across Path (TAP)
• Head-on collision mitigation
• Smart Brake Support Rear (SBS-R) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with: Vehicle Exit Warning and Turn warning

•Emergency Lane Keeping with:
• Road Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane keep-Assist
• Head-on traffic avoidance assist

• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• High Beam Control system (HBC)
• Rearview camera (w/dynamic guidelines and trailer hitch view)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Speed Limit Assist
• Distance & Speed Alert
• Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags
• 3-point seat belts for all seating positions (2 front; 3 rear)
• Front and rear seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters
• Integrated child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
• Child-safety rear door lockouts
• Front and rear Seat Belt Reminders
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Secondary Collision Reduction
• Engine immobilizer anti-theft system

Above this, the CX-5 gives you additional piece of mind including PRIVATE eCALL. In the event of an accident or impairment, an emergency call centre will be called to manage the situation, helping save lives. You enable this by pressing a manual SOS button in the car, and you get a one year trial. STOLEN VEHICLE ASSISTANCE also is now a standard feature in select Mazda vehicles. In the unfortunate event of theft, a call to a call centre will initiated, helping authorities track your vehicle, after the claim is validated. You can drive assured, knowing Mazda has done all they can to keep you and your passengers safe.

Our Test Drive in the 2026 CX-5 GT, Premium Package:

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Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package begins at $46,700 CAN.

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#FIRSTLOOK: JULIE ANDREWS DOCUMENTARY COMING TO DISNEY+ 2027

Legendary actress, singer and author Julie Andrews is set to take center stage once again in a new documentary on her life, from acclaimed director/producer R.J. Cutler (“Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry,” “Martha”). The documentary is coming to Disney+ globally in 2027, and an official title will be announced at a later date.

This definitive portrait offers an intimate and revealing look at Andrews’ extraordinary journey, from her early days in British vaudeville to her meteoric rise as a global superstar. Marked by resilience, heartbreak, reinvention and enduring grace, her story goes far beyond the spotlight.

Featuring rare, never-before-seen archival footage and candid new interviews, the film pulls back the curtain on the woman behind the legends of “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Princess Diaries,” exploring a life where immense talent opened the door, but courage and determination defined the legacy.

“Julie Andrews is not simply a beloved performer,” said Cutler. “She is a cultural touchstone, a figure woven into the fabric of how generations of people understand joy, resilience and grace. Most people don’t know the extraordinary challenges she’s had to overcome throughout her life, all of which we delve into in this film. To sit with Julie, to be allowed into her inner world, to watch her reflect on a life that has shaped so many other lives was an experience I will forever cherish. She gave us her full self, without armour, without pretense. And what we found was someone even more extraordinary than the icon. I am humbled by her talent, in awe of her strength and honoured by her trust.”

The original documentary is produced by This Machine (a part of Sony Pictures Television). Director R.J. Cutler also serves as producer alongside Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, Jane Cha Cutler and Jonathan Ruane. Mark Blatty serves as the executive producer.

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and outside the U.S., general entertainment brand Hulu. As the flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ serves as a connection point for audiences around the world with an unmatched collection of award-winning general entertainment and gold-standard family programming. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, it is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Subscriptions also include access to the Disney+ Perks loyalty program including special discounts, everyday savings, and early access to exclusive experiences that only Disney can offer. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

ABOUT THIS MACHINE

This Machine Filmworks (a part of Sony Pictures Television) was founded in 2020 and has quickly established itself as one of the premier producers of documentary film and television in the world. Headed by award-winning filmmaker and nonfiction pioneer R.J. Cutler, This Machine is a filmmaker-driven company that explores the times in which we live through premium nonfiction storytelling in all media.

Upcoming This Machine films include the Netflix untitled Olivia Newton-John feature documentary. Recent projects include the A24 Sofia Coppola feature documentary Marc by Sofia, the Netflix feature documentary BTS: The Return, the Amazon documentary series Esports World Cup: Level Up and the three-part Apple TV+ documentary event Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series, as well as the feature documentary Karol G: Tomorrow was Beautiful (Netflix), the Amazon feature doc Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop (Prime Video), the Emmy-nominated Martha (Netflix) and the Oscar-nominated Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+).

Other This Machine films and TV series include the PGA Award-nominated theatrical documentary The Disappearance of Shere Hite (IFC), the Emmy-winning documentary series Big Vape (Netflix), the HBO feature doc South to Black Power, the award-winning docuseries Murf the Surf (MGM), the celebrated history of women of color in the fashion industry, Supreme Models (Netflix) and the Ryan Coogler-produced feature documentary Anthem (Hulu). This Machine is also behind the Academy Award-shortlisted Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (Apple TV+), the multi-award winning BELUSHI (Showtime), and the cult-hit Dear… (Apple TV+).

This Machine’s team includes Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning producer and executive Elise Pearlstein, Cutler’s long-time producing partner Trevor Smith, EVP of Production Mark Blatty, producer and Head of International Production Jane Cha Cutler, and the development team of Sally Rosen Phillips, Alisa Cacho-Sousa, and Hala Cunningham.

This Machine’s team has decades of experience creating high-quality, critically-acclaimed, award-winning and globally popular nonfiction films and series, as well as scripted series, feature films, and podcasts.

ABOUT JULIE ANDREWS

While Julie Andrews is perhaps best known for her iconic portrayals of “Mary Poppins” in MARY POPPINS, “Maria” in THE SOUND OF MUSIC” and “Queen Clarisse” in the PRINCESS DIARIES films, she remains as busy as ever doing extensive voice-over work as “Lady Whistledown” in the Netflix series BRIDGERTON and reading the works of Jane Austen in the podcast series JANE AUSTEN STORIES. She is also a prolific author, writing over 35 books with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Their next book, SHY, will be released by Abrams on August 11.

Julie has been working in the entertainment industry since she was 12, touring Great Britain in vaudeville theaters first with her mother and step-father and then on her own. Known for her remarkable four-octave coloratura soprano voice, she came to America when she was cast in the Broadway musical THE BOYFRIEND, followed by the star-making role of “Eliza Doolittle” in MY FAIR LADY and then CAMELOT with Richard Burton. It was at this point that Hollywood came calling, specifically Walt Disney, who created the opportunity for her to star in her first film, MARY POPPINS, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress as well as a Golden Globe. She followed this with over 30 films throughout her illustrious career, including 10, S.O.B., and VICTOR/VICTORIA, as well as television series and specials and additional theatre work, including directing THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL, based on a book written by her and Walton Hamilton, at the Goodspeed Theatre and a new version of MY FAIR LADY at the Sydney Opera house.

#FIRSTLOOK: “CLAYFACE” OFFICIAL TRAILER

DC Studios’ “Clayface” is a horror thriller from director James Watkins, starring Tom Rhys Harries in the title role of the cult favourite villain from Gotham’s rogues gallery. Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release October 23, 2026.

Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self… but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiraling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.

The film also stars Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.
James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, story by Flanagan, based on characters from DC. The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn and Peter Safran, with Michael E. Uslan, Chantal Nong Vo, Lars P. Winther, Rafi Crohn and Paul Ritchie executive producing.

Watkins’ creative team includes director of photography Rob Hardy, production designer James Price, editor Jon Harris and costume designer Keith Madden. Music is by Volker Bertelmann.

DC Studios Presents a 6th & Idaho Production, a James Watkins Film, “Clayface.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and released only in theatres in North America on October 23, 2026, and internationally beginning 21 October 2026.