The Town with Matthew Belloni Marvel’s Decline, Hollywood Vs. AI, and the Most Under-Covered Stories of 2025 So Far
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Jun 23, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins to unveil the most under-covered stories of 2025. The duo explores Marvel's disappointing box office results amidst superhero fatigue and the rising trend of family-friendly films. They also dive into the complexities of AI in Hollywood, including a significant lawsuit against Midjourney. The conversation highlights Jack Black's unique appeal as a star and examines the industry's response to shifting audience preferences and competitive dynamics.
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Disney vs AI Lawsuit Significance
- The Disney and Universal lawsuit against Midjourney is the defining copyright battle of 2025.
- It highlights the industry's fight to prevent AI from using copyrighted materials to create derivative works.
Ignored TikTok Ban
- The TikTok ban passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court is being ignored by the president.
- This flouting of law reflects political hesitancy and creates an under-discussed story about enforcement and policy.
Marvel's Box Office Decline
- Marvel Studios' recent movies grossing only around $400 million marks a significant decline.
- This weaker box office performance impacts Disney's budgeting and threatens the theater industry's sustainability.