The highly anticipated game show “Beast Games,” hosted by YouTube sensation MrBeast (James Donaldson), has officially premiered on Prime Video. The first episode is now available for streaming, with new episodes releasing weekly.

The Premise of ‘Beast Games’

“Beast Games” promises to be one of the most thrilling competition series to date, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for what is touted as the largest cash prize in game show history. Over 10 episodes, participants face rigorous physical and mental challenges, competing for jaw-dropping prizes such as $5 million, a private island, and luxury cars like Lamborghinis. By the end of the second episode, which is also available for streaming, the pool of contestants has already been halved to 500.

The series draws comparisons to hit shows like Netflix’s “Squid Game,” NBC’s “Fear Factor,” and CBS’s “Survivor,” combining high-stakes challenges with intense competition.

How to Watch ‘Beast Games’

“Beast Games” is exclusively available on Prime Video. Here are the details:

• Episode Schedule: The first two episodes are available now, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at 12 p.m. EST until February 13.
• Episode Length: Each episode runs approximately 40 minutes.
• Subscription Required: An Amazon Prime membership is necessary to watch the show. Subscription options include:
  • Amazon Prime: $14.99/month or $139/year
  • Amazon Video-only: $8.99/month
  • Amazon Prime Student: $7.49/month or $69/year

Can You Watch ‘Beast Games’ on YouTube?

Despite MrBeast’s fame as a YouTube content creator, “Beast Games” is not available on YouTube. It is exclusively streaming on Prime Video.

Controversy Surrounding ‘Beast Games’

Even before its release, “Beast Games” faced backlash as several contestants filed a lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon, alleging workplace abuse. Claims include unsafe working conditions, denial of food and sleep, and harassment during production. The class-action lawsuit also accuses the production of misclassifying contestants as volunteers to secure tax benefits while filming in Las Vegas. Additional allegations include physical injuries, inadequate medical care, and a “culture of misogyny and sexism.”

A spokesperson for MrBeast addressed the situation, citing logistical challenges and extreme weather as factors complicating production. Both MrBeast and Amazon have yet to respond to the recent allegations.

Who is MrBeast?

James Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is a 26-year-old YouTube superstar renowned for his extravagant competitions and giveaways. Rising to fame in 2017 with a viral video of himself counting to 100,000, MrBeast has since amassed a record-breaking 337 million subscribers, making his channel the most-subscribed on YouTube.

His 2021 recreation of “Squid Game,” featuring 456 contestants competing for a $456,000 prize, remains his most-viewed video with over 678 million views. Now, with “Beast Games,” he’s expanding his influence into the realm of streaming television.

Final Thoughts

“Beast Games” is shaping up to be a must-watch series for fans of high-stakes competition and adrenaline-pumping challenges. With weekly episodes rolling out through mid-February, Prime Video subscribers have plenty to look forward to. However, the show’s legal controversies have added a layer of intrigue and scrutiny to its debut. Will “Beast Games” live up to the hype? Tune in to find out.

A new Vanity Fair report sheds light on Hollywood’s struggles to fulfill its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) promises made after 2020.

In 2020, amid the global reckoning following George Floyd’s murder, Hollywood studios pledged to amplify stories from underrepresented voices. Major companies invested in DEI programs and hired staff of color for roles ranging from writers to executives. But just a few years later, these efforts appear to be faltering.

According to Vanity Fair, two major factors are driving this reversal: financial challenges and political concerns.

Money Talks

Hollywood’s financial troubles are well-documented. The rise of streaming had already disrupted traditional revenue streams before 2020. Then came the pandemic, which halted productions, and most recently, the dual strikes by writers and actors. “Everyone has been suffering,” director and Emmy nominee Thembi Banks told Vanity Fair. “But there’s that old saying: ‘When white America has a cold, Black America has the flu.’”

These pressures have led to budget cuts, often at the expense of DEI initiatives. For example, Karen Horne, Warner Bros. Discovery’s North American VP for DEI, was laid off in 2023 during restructuring. Her departure signals the industry’s willingness to abandon long-term goals when money gets tight.

Political Pressures

Politics is another stumbling block. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end Affirmative Action has raised concerns about legal risks tied to DEI efforts. Consultant Kristen Marston, who worked on films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Little Mermaid, said some companies are avoiding anything that could be seen as a quota system. Even the word “equity” in job titles is causing unease, with fears it could become a legal liability.

Companies are also wary of public backlash. The rise of “anti-woke” sentiment has led some studios to scale back on DEI-related messaging to avoid controversy.

Structural Challenges

Beyond finances and politics, systemic issues persist. DEI consultants hired after 2020 often found their advice ignored. Hollywood remains a business driven by personal networks, and many decision-makers tend to connect with people who look like them. This cycle reinforces existing inequalities.

While Hollywood’s initial push for inclusivity was encouraging, the industry’s ability to sustain these efforts is now in question. For a deeper dive, check out the full report at Vanity Fair.

Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, has achieved remarkable success in Hollywood. Yet, even with two Emmy nominations and a flourishing career, the 27-year-old actress remains a target of public scrutiny—this time over her body. Recent paparazzi photos sparked cruel comments online, shedding light on the impossible beauty standards women face.

Earlier this week, candid photos of Sweeney outside her Florida home surfaced online. The images, showing her physique after intense training for her role as boxer Christy Martin, triggered harsh criticism. One social media user shared the photos with the caption, “All women are catfish. The question is, to what degree.” Others called her “frumpy,” “mid,” and “chunky.”

In response, Sweeney posted a video on Instagram juxtaposing these hateful comments with footage of her training for the role. She proudly showcased her preparation to portray Martin, a resilient athlete who survived domestic violence. This isn’t the first time Sweeney has addressed body-shaming. In 2021, she tearfully responded to being called “ugly” on Twitter, and earlier this year, her representatives spoke out against a producer’s disparaging remarks about her acting and looks.

A Double Standard for Women in the Spotlight

The backlash against Sweeney highlights a troubling double standard. Zeynab Mohamed, writing in her Substack Face Value, pointed out that women can’t win. “When [Sweeney] looks polished on Instagram, she’s accused of being fake. When caught candidly, she’s criticized for being too real,” Mohamed wrote. Male celebrities rarely face such scrutiny. As Mohamed noted, Chris Hemsworth’s unpolished moments don’t ignite the same vitriol.

Journalist Helen Coffey echoed this sentiment, observing how commenters relish seeing women fall short of perfection. “It really doesn’t matter what you look like,” she wrote, adding, “None of us will ever be good enough to appease men who hate women—because they want us to fail.”

Impossible Beauty Standards

Even women who align with traditional Western beauty ideals aren’t immune to criticism. Salon writer Nardos Hailey noted that figures like Margot Robbie have faced similar backlash, despite embodying the same narrow standards. Hailey argued that such attacks aim to control women’s bodies, rejecting any deviation from rigid expectations.

Hayley Maitland of Vogue suggested that praising Sweeney’s beauty as a defense against misogyny is misguided. “To embody a patriarchal fantasy is its own special hell,” Maitland wrote, explaining how women are simultaneously objectified and criticized for defying those objectifications.

The Role of Social Media

Writer Liz Plank explored the cultural forces behind such comments, linking them to social media algorithms and incel culture. Plank argued that these factors radicalize some men to view women as adversaries. “Instead of love and acceptance, they’re left tweeting about how Sydney Sweeney is ‘mid,’” she wrote. Plank concluded that this behavior reflects a broader societal failure to foster meaningful connections and empathy.

TikToker @ida_que highlighted how unrealistic social media portrayals fuel these toxic expectations. “We’ve forgotten what real people look like,” she said, pointing to the filtered, curated images that dominate online platforms. Another TikToker, Amelia Montooth, expressed concern that society is regressing to the fatphobic attitudes of the early 2000s, exacerbated by “tradwife” content and a renewed fixation on appearance.

A Call for Change

As Sweeney’s experience shows, beauty standards remain unattainable and disproportionately affect women. While Sweeney will likely continue to thrive, the attacks on her appearance underscore the persistent objectification women face. Until society shifts its focus from judging women’s bodies to valuing them as individuals, these harmful patterns will persist.

Sweeney’s response—a proud display of her hard work and resilience—serves as a reminder that no one should have to conform to arbitrary ideals. Instead of tearing women down, we should challenge the voices perpetuating these impossible expectations.

Greta Gerwig’s much-anticipated reboot of The Chronicles of Narnia is set to deliver a fresh and daring take on C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy series, bringing a vibe no one quite expected: rock and roll.

In an exclusive conversation with Deadline, producer Amy Pascal shared key insights about the project, revealing that filming is scheduled to kick off next July. Pascal teased Gerwig’s unique vision, describing it as “[a] very new take on Narnia. It’s all about rock and roll.” She went on to praise Gerwig’s creative genius, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like [her].”

The bold direction has sparked buzz among fans, many of whom were surprised by the “rock and roll” description. While details remain under wraps, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos previously hinted that the project would be “bigger and bolder than [audiences] thought.” Gerwig herself has described the adaptation as a blend of English folklore and fairy tales, hinting at a reinterpretation that could redefine the Narnian world for a modern audience.

Gerwig is set to direct at least two films in the saga, with the first expected to hit screens in late 2025. Given her stellar track record, expectations are sky-high. Her 2023 blockbuster Barbie shattered box office records and became a cultural phenomenon, while her earlier works, such as Little Women and Lady Bird, received widespread critical acclaim.

Fans of both Gerwig and The Chronicles of Narnia will undoubtedly be eager to see how she infuses her signature storytelling style into this ambitious project. Will Narnia’s magic and whimsy pair seamlessly with a rock-and-roll edge? With Gerwig at the helm, anything feels possible.

Spike Lee has officially announced that A$AP Rocky will take on “the main role” in Highest 2 Lowest, his highly anticipated film described as a “reinterpretation” of Akira Kurosawa’s classic High and Low.

Initial reports suggested that Rocky would portray a character named Yung Felon, but details about how his role influences the plot remain under wraps. Speaking to Deadline, Lee confirmed the rapper’s pivotal involvement in the project. Additionally, he revealed that rising star Ice Spice will also appear in the film, though specifics about her role have yet to be disclosed.

The film reimagines Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller, High and Low, but with a modern twist. In the original, Toshiro Mifune plays a shoemaker who becomes embroiled in an extortion plot when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped. In Lee’s reinterpretation, Denzel Washington takes the lead as a powerful music mogul renowned for his impeccable ear and influential record label. This marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington, a partnership the director affectionately refers to as his “dynamic duo.”

Kurosawa’s High and Low was itself inspired by Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom and is celebrated as one of the most iconic crime dramas in cinematic history. Lee’s modern adaptation, however, promises a fresh narrative lens while maintaining the emotional depth and moral complexity of its source material.

Highest 2 Lowest will be distributed theatrically by A24 before making its global debut on Apple TV+. The combination of Spike Lee’s visionary direction, Denzel Washington’s legendary presence, and A$AP Rocky’s lead role is already generating buzz, setting expectations sky-high for this reimagined classic.

Austin Butler is stepping into the chilling shoes of Patrick Bateman in an upcoming remake of American Psycho. Renowned filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is set to reimagine Bret Easton Ellis’s iconic novel for Lionsgate, bringing his distinctive cinematic flair to the infamous tale.

The project will feature a script penned by Scott Z. Burns and promises to deliver a fresh interpretation of the novel rather than a direct remake of the cult-classic 2000 film that starred Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, and Reese Witherspoon. Earlier speculation had linked Jacob Elordi to the lead role, but Butler has officially taken on the part of the enigmatic Wall Street yuppie and serial killer.

The original film, set in the 1980s, earned critical acclaim for its sharp satire of consumerism and its haunting portrayal of Bateman’s descent into madness. Guadagnino, celebrated for films like Call Me by Your Name, Challengers, and Bones and All, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the story. Fans anticipate that his version may lean into a more sensual and provocative tone, a hallmark of his filmmaking style.

Production is expected to begin after Guadagnino wraps up work on After the Hunt, his forthcoming film starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield.

As excitement builds around this highly anticipated project, stay tuned for updates on casting, production, and release details.

Tom Holland is stepping into the world of film production with the launch of his new company, Billy17. Collaborating with his brother Harry Holland and creative partner Will South, the trio has already secured a production deal with Sony Pictures. Their first project under this partnership promises to be an original film, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter in Holland’s career.

Billy17 is currently developing a movie titled Burnt, with Academy Award-winning writer Rodney Rothman attached to script the project. While specific plot details remain under wraps, there’s speculation that Holland himself will take on a starring role. Additionally, the team at Billy17 is gearing up to produce an adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling novel, The Rosie Project, in collaboration with Sony Pictures. Another major venture includes The Winner, a novel by Teddy Wayne, which Holland is also set to star in, with Amy Pascal joining as a co-producer.

In an official statement, Tom Holland expressed his enthusiasm for this new journey. “I’ve had an incredibly happy and successful relationship with Sony Pictures for almost a decade, so they felt like the perfect partner to launch our production company with,” Holland said. “It’s been an ambition of mine to take this step for some time now, and we’re incredibly excited to bring entertaining and rewatchable movies to the big screen. This is the hope for us, and it starts with Burnt, an idea that has been sitting in our heads for a few years. Having Rodney attached to pen our most ambitious project is incredible. We’re diving into the deep end here, and we’re extremely excited for what comes next.”

Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO, Tom Rothman, also shared his excitement for the partnership. “Tom, Harry, and Will are bursting with cool ideas and have the zeal to follow through on them,” Rothman said. “Sony is lucky as hell to be extending our already immensely successful relationship with Tom, and our ongoing work on the franchises we have together, to a new era which will take advantage of the trio’s producing skills, in wonderful addition to Tom’s extraordinary acting abilities. We are pushing hard on these new projects, with doubtless more to come.”

With Billy17 now officially in the spotlight, Tom Holland and his team are poised to bring their creative vision to life, delivering stories that captivate audiences while expanding Holland’s impact beyond the screen. The future looks bright for this dynamic new production company.

Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, is set to direct, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the script.

Disney is officially bringing Tangled to life as its latest animated classic to receive the live-action treatment. The project will be helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Gracey, who gained widespread recognition for directing The Greatest Showman. Writing duties will fall to Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose previous works include Netflix’s edgy dark comedy Do Revenge, Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder, and the reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer.

The live-action adaptation will reimagine Disney’s 2010 animated hit, itself inspired by the Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel. The original Tangled told the enchanting story of a princess with magical, impossibly long hair who escapes her isolated tower with the help of a charming outlaw, Flynn Rider. Featuring the voice talents of Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, the film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $592 million globally. It also earned an Oscar nomination for its memorable songs, including “When Will My Life Begin.”

Following the animated film’s success, Disney expanded the Tangled universe with the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After and the 2017 television series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.

This announcement continues Disney’s trend of revisiting beloved animated classics through live-action adaptations. Hits like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, and The Little Mermaid have already received the treatment, with more on the horizon. Upcoming projects include Snow White starring Rachel Zegler, Lilo & Stitch, and Moana.

While details about casting and release dates for Tangled remain under wraps, fans are already buzzing with excitement to see Rapunzel’s hair-raising adventure unfold in a whole new way.

Peacock is officially developing a reboot of Friday Night Lights, the beloved football drama that captured hearts in the 2000s.

The upcoming series, currently in development at NBCUniversal, introduces a fresh storyline. According to the official synopsis, the reboot centers on “a ragtag high school football team and their damaged, interim coach” as they embark on an unlikely journey to win the Texas High School State Championship. This inspiring effort takes place in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, transforming the team into a beacon of hope for their struggling community.

Fans of the original series will be pleased to know that Jason Katims, who served as showrunner and executive producer of the first Friday Night Lights, is returning to helm the reboot. Joining him are Peter Berg, the original series’ director and executive producer, and Brian Grazer, another key producer from the original run.

The original Friday Night Lights premiered in 2006 and aired for five critically acclaimed seasons. The show was inspired by H.G. Bissinger’s 1990 book of the same name, which was first adapted into a 2004 film starring Billy Bob Thornton. The TV series starred Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor, whose leadership of a high school football team in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, offered a compelling mix of sports drama and heartfelt storytelling. Chandler was joined by an ensemble cast that included Connie Britton, Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, Zach Gilford, Jesse Plemons, Michael B. Jordan, and Jurnee Smollett.

Over its run, the series earned 14 Emmy nominations, with Chandler taking home the award for Best Actor in a Drama in 2011 and Katims winning for Best Writing that same year.

While it’s still unclear if any original cast members will return for the reboot, fans can expect the same spirit of resilience, teamwork, and small-town heart that made the original a classic. Stay tuned for more updates as this highly anticipated project develops.

Hot Ones is taking the leap into independence. Buzzfeed has confirmed the sale of its First We Feast studio, the powerhouse behind the wildly popular Hot Ones celebrity interview series, for $82.5 million USD. The deal sees First We Feast returning to its roots under the leadership of founder Chris Schonberger and host Sean Evans, with backing from a consortium of investors.

The investor group includes Mythical Entertainment—run by YouTube icons Rhett and Link—along with podcast company Crooked Media and Soros Fund Management. According to reports, additional partners will be revealed in the future. The acquisition also provides Buzzfeed a much-needed financial lifeline, allowing the media company to significantly reduce its debt load. Proceeds from this sale, combined with other operational funding, will cut Buzzfeed’s $124 million USD debt by $88.8 million USD, leaving the company with more cash than liabilities.

For fans of Hot Ones, this marks the beginning of an exciting new era. Hosted by Sean Evans, the show has become a pop-culture phenomenon, praised for its unique format of interviewing celebrities while they tackle progressively spicier chicken wings. Big names such as Sydney Sweeney, Billie Eilish, Paul Mescal, and Rosé have braved the heat, earning the series a dedicated following.

This sale also represents Buzzfeed’s continued restructuring following its acquisition of Complex Networks three years ago. While the $300 million USD deal initially helped Buzzfeed go public, declining investor confidence in digital media led to a significant drop in stock value. Earlier this year, Buzzfeed offloaded Complex for $108.6 million USD and shut down its news division in 2023.

Chris Schonberger, reflecting on the milestone, stated:

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter in First We Feast’s history. Being part of this incredible journey has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Our proven expertise in developing compelling formats, iconic IP, and best-in-class interviews makes us uniquely positioned to build on the brand’s momentum and supercharge our growth.”

With fresh investments, First We Feast plans to explore new platforms, expand into live events, and acquire talent. Its independence officially begins on December 19 with the launch of the Annual Hot Ones Holiday Extravaganza. Fans can also look forward to Season 26, set to premiere on January 23, 2025, featuring new celebrity guests and surprises to commemorate the show’s 10th anniversary.

The move positions First We Feast as a standalone entertainment powerhouse, ready to push boundaries in digital and live content while continuing to deliver the heat.