Indy deserved better
And two cult comedy series canceled
What to know
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny eyeing $65M domestic opening… Which is respectable in this feast-or-famine box office moment, until you remember that it cost $295M to make and even more to market. It’s only projected to make $7.5M in Thursday previews. The movie could make $150 million worldwide this weekend, but with middling reviews and an oncoming logjam of blockbusters (M:I 7, Barbie, Oppenheimer) turning a profit will be tough. Add this to the pile of Disney’s failures this summer. Rest in peace to the Indiana Jones franchise. I cannot speak to the quality of the 5th movie yet (I’m seeing it tonight), but it’s safe to say that it deserved a better fate than what befell it in the 21st century. Oh and speaking of failures, DreamWorks’ animated Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken might only make $9M this weekend on a $70M budget. 😕
SAG and the studios consider deadline extension… The actors’ contract is up Friday June 30, aka tomorrow — but now Deadline is reporting that both parties might agree to keep talks going until July 7 at least. This could be viewed as a good sign, or it might just be because of the holiday weekend. It’s worthy noting that extensions like this are pretty routine for SAG. On the other hand, that big letter signed by hundreds of top actors threatening a strike has apparently “complicated” the negotiations. Hold onto your butts. 🪧
Hayao Miyazaki is “worried” that his final movie isn’t getting any marketing… At first blush it seemed the non-marketing plan was his decision — and what a baller one it was. But now he’s saying, “I wonder if it'll be okay without publicity. I am beginning to worry […] I'm concerned, that's all.” I think it will be fine and still think Studio Ghibli’s non-marketing decision is very cool, but on the other hand why can’t studios just do what the director wants? 👻
The Other Two canceled at Max after 3 seasons amid HR complaints… Double bummer here. One, that the show is canceled. It’s an under-appreciated comedy worth checking out. And two, that co-creator Chris Kelly allegedly mistreated staff members and might have been enabled by his creative partner Sarah Schneider. Note, WB HR cleared the duo of wrongdoing and the complaints reportedly did not factor into the show being canceled. But still. 👎
Reservation Dogs to end with season 3… Speaking of beloved cult comedies getting axed after three seasons, this one is ending too. On the one hand it’s sad to see a truly special show end, on the other hand it’s kind of a miracle Reservation Dogs exists at all. So I’m going with “smile because it happened” on this one. Do watch it on Hulu if you missed it. 🔚
Boy Meets World stars say Ben Savage ghosted them 3 years ago… This is so weird. My guess is he wants distance from his acting career as he runs for Congress. Meanwhile, the BMW rewatch podcast has been fantastic as it explores ‘90s child stardom and Hollywood power dynamics. The recent episode interviewing Bonnie Morgan, the original Topanga who was fired before filming, was particularly eye opening. 🌎
Donald Glover is returning for the Community movie, Chevy Chase is not… That’s probably for the best. Honestly, I’m a bit shocked Glover is returning, but I love him for it and hope he can recreate the magic with Danny Pudi. 📚
Scarlett Johansson took SAG minimum of $4,000 a week on Asteroid City… This is how much actors love Wes Anderson, but I’m kind of surprised that a filmmaker at his level wouldn’t have more budget to pay his lead. 👽
Asteroid City is coming to VOD July 11… That’s really soon! Especially considering it was Wes Anderson’s best theatrical opening ever — but at least now viewers have more flexibility. ☄️
Leslye Headland to direct The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo feature at Netflix… How are they going to fit 7 husbands into one movie??? 📗
The Idol actress says a season 2 is being discussed… It would be the ultimate HBO move to say “eff everyone” and renew it. 🤔
Good Burger sequel orders a side of Lil Rel Howry and Jillian Bell… Good Burger making good decisions. 🍔
Clint Eastwood, 93, has started filming his “final” film Juror #2… Did I miss Juror #1? 🎥
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What’s new
Hijack — June 28 | Apple TV+ thriller series | 🍅 91%
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny — June 30 | Adventure film in theaters | 🍅 66%
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken — June 30 | Animated film in theaters | 🍅 68%
Returning: The Witcher s3, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan s4, Is It Cake s2
What to watch
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!