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.

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.

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.

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

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

'Apt.' co-writer Theron Thomas discusses the ins and outs of being one of the music industry's most consistently successful songwriters. He reminisces on his early days making music in his native St. Thomas, and he traces his career trajectory to the present day.

'Apt.' co-writer Theron Thomas discusses the ins and outs of being one of the music industry's most consistently successful songwriters. He reminisces on his early days making music in his native St. Thomas, and he traces his career trajectory to the present day.

'Apt.' Co-Writer Theron Thomas on the Competitive Business of Songwriting

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f720967f-4215-4b3c-8142-b3aa0086fb44/transcript

On today’s episode, we hear from Brooke Zaugg, executive director of Faith & Media Initiative, on the coalition’s work to influence portrayals of spirituality and people of faith in media and pop culture. And Variety’s Marc Malkin talks with Richard Gere about his new documentary on the Dalai Lama, “Wisdom of Happiness.”

On today&rsquo;s episode, we hear from Brooke Zaugg, executive director of Faith &amp; Media Initiative, on the coalition&rsquo;s work to influence portrayals of <a href="https://variety.com/lists/faith-media-impact-report-2025/">spirituality and people of faith in media and pop culture.</a> And Variety&rsquo;s Marc Malkin talks with <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/richard-gere-dalai-lama-documentary-20-year-oscar-ban-trump-1236597598/">Richard Gere about his new documentary on the Dalai Lama, &ldquo;Wisdom of Happiness.&rdquo;</a>

Daily Variety – Exploring How Spirituality and People of Faith are Portrayed in Pop Culture; Richard Gere on his Dalai Lama Doc ‘Wisdom of Happiness’

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5ae597e4-94b1-43e9-8896-b3a9011b3f19/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jem Aswad details our annual Hitmakers issue, featuring cover star Sabrina Carpenter. He details the year-long effort that goes into assembling the survey of the year’s top 25 tunes. And Todd Spangler gives us an update on the state of bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Jem Aswad details our annual<a href="https://variety.com/2025/music/features/sabrina-carpenter-mans-best-friend-backlash-taylor-swift-1236596950/"> Hitmakers issue, featuring cover star Sabrina Carpenter.</a> He details the year-long effort that goes into assembling the survey of the year&rsquo;s top 25 tunes. And Todd Spangler gives us an update on the <a href="https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/paramount-skydance-bid-warner-bros-discovery-arab-wealth-funds-1236597217/">state of bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery.</a>

Daily Variety -- The Hitmakers Parade: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and More; Will Warner Bros. Discovery Try for Round 3 of Bids?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0a0f328d-c5c7-4615-8266-b3a801162ba3/transcript

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

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