Celebrity
‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Opens With $38.5M, Takes Down John Wick
NEW YORK — Riding strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews, the role-playing game adaptation “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” opened with $38.5 million in U.S. and Canadian theatres over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, displacing “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
The Paramount Pictures and eOne release drew a larger audience than many anticipated for a film based on a famous niche tabletop game. With a cast that includes Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, and Hugh Grant, “Game Night” directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley turned in a rollicking comic action-adventure that’s bringing in ticket buyers who aren’t familiar with “D&D.” Audiences gave “Honor Among Thieves,” which debuted with a raucous opening-night premiere at SXSW, an A- CinemaScore. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a good rating of 91%.
“We know how good our film is,” said Chris Aronson, Paramount’s distribution chief. “I know it’s been said before, but I believe the opening price of $38-39 million is just the beginning.” These kinds of exit surveys indicate playability.”
“Dungeons & Dragons” was also a huge gamble. The film cost $150 million to create and was co-produced and co-financed by Paramount and eOne, which Hasbro owns. With that kind of production cost, “Dungeons & Dragons” will be hoping for consistent sales through April and similar success overseas to kickstart a new franchise. It made its foreign debut with $33 million.
“Dungeons & Dragons” was also a huge gamble.
“The challenge with this film is convincing everyone that it’s for you,” Aronson said. “Jonathan and John are extremely gifted and excellent collaborators. We’ll be doing more with them. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a series.”
“John Wick: Chapter 4,” which debuted last weekend with a franchise-high $73.5 million, fell to second place with $28.2 million in its second weekend. Despite a significant drop, the assassin action picture starring Keanu Reeves has already grossed $122.8 million domestically and $245 million worldwide after adding another $35 million internationally over the weekend. Lionsgate has ambitious intentions for the franchise’s future growth.
Along with “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Creed III,” and “Scream VI,” “Dungeons & Dragons” joins a lengthy list of March releases that have outperformed box office expectations and performed well with audiences. “The Super Mario Bros. “Movie” is expected to resume next weekend.
“While it may not be the highest-grossing March in history, it is one of the best March months in the industry’s history, coming off three years of a pandemic-challenged marketplace,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for data company Comscore. “March isn’t summer, but it sure feels like it, with hit after hit.”
According to Franchise Entertainment Research’s David A. Gross, these films have helped drive the 2023 box office well ahead of last year’s pace, up 28.7%. Still, ticket purchases are 28.8% lower than the 2017-2019 average, indicating they need to return to pre-pandemic levels.
This year, “Dungeons & Dragons” will be followed by Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and a new “Transformers” film.
Games and toys are also proving to be reliable options for big-screen viewing. This year, “Dungeons & Dragons” will be followed by Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and a new “Transformers” film. “Super Mario Bros.” “The Movie” is anticipated to continue the upward trend of the previously derided video game adaptation.
There was little competition from fresh releases for “Dungeons & Dragons.” “His Only Son,” a Christian drama, made a $5.3 million debut. A.V. “A Thousand and One,” Rockwell’s Sundance Film Festival grand jury award winner about a mother (Teyana Taylor) who kidnaps her son from foster care, debuted with $1.8 million in 926 theatres for Focus Features.
Comscore estimates ticket purchases for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres. The final domestic data will be published on Monday.
SOURCE – (AP)
Celebrity
Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Sexual Harassment
In an 80-page complaint, Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her after she declined his approaches.Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman has denied Lively’s allegations, calling them “false, outrageous.
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, charging the actor-director of inappropriate behavior and defamation related to their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. What was once thought to be a public relations campaign to promote the picture turned out to be a complaint.
Lively accuses sexual harassment, including unwanted kissing and sexual comments, throughout the filming. She further claims that Baldoni tried to tarnish her reputation after she declined his approaches.
Baldoni and his production firm, Wayfarer Studios, deny any charges regarding Blake Lively’s nude images or accusations.
Lively’s complaint targets not only director Justin Baldoni, but also key officials in his production firm and people accused of spreading false information about her.
This includes the film’s principal producer, Jamey Heath, Wayfarer co-owner Steve Sarowitz, and a number of others. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, angrily disputes Lively’s charges, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious,” according to Entertainment Weekly.
Baldoni created a toxic workplace
According to Freedman, the actress even neglected to appear on site and made disturbances throughout filming, resulting in the picture’s dismal performance, including “threatening not to show up to set, threatening not to promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release.”
The Gossip Girl star’s complaint claims that Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios “created a toxic workplace, ignored harassment complaints, and failed to protect the cast and crew.”
The dossier also claims that Baldoni recruited a public relations agency to create a revenge campaign before potential allegations were public.
According to the complaint copy received by People, Baldoni included sexually graphic and naked sequences, including those for an underage character, without Blake Lively’s agreement.
This contained a lengthy “virginity loss scene and an orgasm scene” that did not appear in the original work.
Blake Lively Nude
Baldoni allegedly asked intrusive questions regarding Lively’s intimate sexual encounters with her spouse, including questions about Blake Lively nude images, which she considered invasive and refused to address.
According to the lawsuit, while filming, Baldoni improvised physical intimacy with no previous discussion or choreography. This contained kissing sequences and a slow dance sequence.
According to People, one instance detailed in the complaint states that Baldoni “discreetly bit and sucked on Ms. Lively’s lower lip during a scene in which he improvised numerous kisses on each take.” He eventually “insisted” on shooting “over and over again.”
intrusive behaviours
Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath “repeatedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding her child.”
Baldoni and Heath put pressure on Lively to imitate full nudity during a birth scene, despite the fact that there was no prior agreement in the screenplay or contract.
Producer Jamey Heath allegedly showed Lively and her assistant a disturbing video of his wife giving birth without their consent.
Degrading remarks
Baldoni allegedly criticized Lively’s age and weight after giving birth, even phoning her trainer to encourage her to lose weight quickly.
He “often” described ladies in the office as “sexy”. To address the hostile work environment, a list of 30 protections was implemented.
Smear Campaign.
Prior to the film’s release, Baldoni allegedly orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively, afraid she might come out about her experiences.
Lively believes that her legal action would “pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics” and protect others who report mistreatment.
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Celebrity
MGK and Megan Fox Love Hate Relationship
MGK and Megan Fox have been in the news for years because of their turbulent relationship. Their four-year romance has been filled with drama, heartache, and passion. The attention is now more focused than ever after their recent breakup caused a stir.
Let’s examine this famous pair’s highs, lows, and potential future developments.
Allegations of a romance between MGK and Megan Fox began in 2020 when they met while filming the movie Midnight in the Switchgrass. What started as a short-lived romance quickly grew more intense, and the two often publicly displayed their love in bold ways.
When they announced their engagement in January 2022, MGK presented them with a unique two-stone ring “symbolic of their souls’ union.”
But this supposedly idyllic partnership wasn’t at all easy. Reports of heated fights, problems with trust, and emotional ups and downs started to surface behind closed doors. The couple’s tremendously passionate yet erratic relationship often made headlines during their time together.
MGK and Megan Fox Breakup
The Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 was a turning point. According to reports, Megan broke up with MGK after finding “upsetting material” on his phone.
This information led to sentiments of betrayal, which have been the main cause of their breakup. According to those close to her, the actress frequently felt disrespected and upset by MGK’s actions.
Megan is expecting the couple’s first child, which heightens the strain. According to sources, co-parenting negotiations are underway as the actress concentrates on her pregnancy. Despite the breakup, Megan is committed to providing a healthy environment for their pregnant child.
Meanwhile, MGK isn’t prepared to give up. Insiders claim that the 34-year-old artist is trying to regain Megan’s affection. He attempts to demonstrate his willingness to change with cryptic social media statements and public apologies.
According to a person close to the couple, MGK is extremely sorry for the problems that caused them to part ways. Megan, though, seems less likely to make amends. According to friends, she is tired of the drama and is concentrating on her own and her kids’ welfare.
Is the separation, however, truly irreversible? Although some say it’s final, others counter that their relationship’s sporadic nature offers room for future reunion.
MGK’s ex-girlfriend
The split’s more strange side story revolves around MGK’s ex-girlfriend Amia Miley’s previous accusations. On a recent podcast, she made startling allegations regarding MGK’s intimate behaviour during their past relationship. Even though it has nothing to do with his recent split from Megan, the article has raised more questions about MGK’s private life.
The musician hasn’t been doing well lately in terms of public opinion. Numerous admirers have characterized his acts as immature and untrustworthy, and they have voiced dismay. On the other hand, Megan has received a ton of support and recognition for her fortitude during this trying period.
Despite the heartache, Megan isn’t dealing with this alone. According to reports, she has received support from her ex-husband, Brian Austin Green, and his fiancée, Sharna Burgess. Sharna, Megan’s soon-to-be stepmother, has been consoling throughout the breakup.
For Megan, this odd bond has turned into a benefit. It demonstrates her capacity to preserve wholesome relationships for the benefit of her children. Megan is devoted to her son’s happiness, having three sons: Noah, Bodhi, and Journey.
It isn’t easy to foresee what will happen to Megan and MGK. Reconciliations have occurred when no one expected them to, and their connection has always been erratic. But according to many close to Megan, this time feels different.
MGK is having a difficult time
Megan appears to be concentrating on her pregnancy and mental health at the moment, and MGK is having a difficult time winning back her trust. One thing is certain: MGK and Megan Fox will continue to be tabloid favourites for the foreseeable future, regardless of whether they can reconcile or go their separate ways.
MGK and Megan Fox’s relationship reminds us that love can occasionally have a price, no matter how intense. Their experience also reminds us of a partnership’s value of open communication, respect, and trust.
It’s simple for spectators and fans to become enmeshed in the drama. Fundamentally, however, this is a very human tale of two individuals attempting to do what is best for themselves and their families while overcoming personal obstacles.
MGK and Megan Fox still haven’t written the next chapter. How this story ends—through co-parenting, reconciliation, or a complete break—will only become clear with time.
Celebrity
Megan Fox Says She’s Done with Machine Gun Kelly
Pregnant Megan Fox, despite her pregnancy with Machine Gun Kelly’s child, claims she will never live with the singer again. She stated that she would like things to remain platonic between the two.
Megan announced her pregnancy on November 12, only days before the couple divorced over Thanksgiving. She already has three children, Noah, 11, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7, with her ex-husband Brian Austin Green.
Megan Fox and Kelly have a long history of on-and-off dating, and suspicion immediately circulated that their current breakup was temporary.
However, a source close to Fox said that she is ready to break the cycle as she prepares to give birth to her next child.
According to a source for Us Weekly, Megan Fox is currently focusing on herself and her family. “She’s been working a lot this year, so she’s looking forward to spending time with her kids.”
Showing that she is serious about ending her chapter with Machine Gun Kelly, the insider revealed that the two “haven’t been in contact this last week,” further demonstrating that “things are not looking great between them right now.”
“She hopes that with them taking time apart right now, they will be able to have a healthy co-parenting relationship,” the insider said of Fox’s “table environment” for her baby.
Despite their no-contact condition, the source stated that Fox was “trying to focus on being positive” and looked forward to co-parenting with her ex. “No matter how she feels about MGK, she has a lot of love for him and is excited that they are going to become parents,” they told me.
“MGK is really letting Megan lead the way right now and is giving her space.”
Megan, who has stated that she believes she helped shape the rapper-turned-rocker into the person he is, has been relying on her ex-husband’s fiancée, Sharna Burgess, as she navigates the difficult breakup.
‘Sharna understands how tough it is to be pregnant and has been supporting Megan,’ a source told DailyMail.com last week.
‘She truly cares and feels for her. Breakups are terrible enough on their own, but being pregnant makes them worse.
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