On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks Universal Pictures’ risky decision to break “Wicked” in two parts, and how it paid off with a record haul. And Jennifer Maas gives us an update on the mood at HBO as the parent company slides into sale mode yet again.

<p>On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Rebecca Rubin unpacks Universal Pictures&rsquo; risky decision to break &ldquo;Wicked&rdquo; in two parts, and how it <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/wicked-for-good-box-office-opening-weekend-record-1236590025/">paid off with a record haul.</a> And Jennifer Maas gives us an update on <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/hbo-casey-bloys-warner-bros-sale-harry-potter-timeline-1236586785/">the mood at HBO </a>as the parent company slides into sale mode yet again.</p>

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

<p>Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.</p>

Variety's Strictly Business

Daily Variety – Box Office: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Soars to Fourth-Highest Opening of 2025; HBO Preps for Busy 2026 Amid WBD M&A Drama 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3d76000a-3f1d-496f-a84f-b39f012679c2/transcript

Advertisement