Rebecca Rubin

In this engaging discussion, Rebecca Rubin, Variety's box office chief and senior film and media reporter, shares her insights on the impressive box office success of 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' highlighting Warner Bros.' winning strategies. She delves into how franchise loyalty and the allure of horror films are driving record numbers. The conversation also touches on the Creative Arts Emmys, where standout talent like Giancarlo Esposito offered heartfelt reflections on the current state of showbiz, showcasing the vibrant landscape of entertainment today.

Rebecca Rubin, a Variety journalist specializing in box office trends, reveals how Universal's bold decision to split 'Wicked' into two parts led to a record-breaking $150 million debut. Meanwhile, Jennifer Maas, a reporter focused on HBO and streaming, discusses the upbeat mood at HBO amid ongoing acquisition talks and shares insights on their exciting 2026 programming slate. They also explore HBO's innovative strategies for engaging audiences across platforms, like the new Harry Potter series and upcoming originals.

Rebecca Rubin, Variety's box office guru, dives into the $40 million opening of "Predator: Badlands," highlighting its impressive performance and Disney's strategy. Meanwhile, Jordan Moreau shares insights from his profile of Edgar Wright, exploring his nuanced adaptation of "The Running Man" and how contemporary themes like AI are woven into the narrative. Wright's insights on ensemble casting and behind-the-scenes anecdotes add a personal touch, making this discussion a captivating blend of box office trends and creative filmmaking.

Rebecca Rubin, Senior film and media reporter at Variety, dives into the dismal box office turnout of Halloween weekend 2025. She explains how the combination of no major releases and competing events like the World Series led to staggering declines in theater attendance. October is highlighted as the worst month since 1997 for grosses, with several big-budget films missing the mark. The conversation also touches on Mark Walter's rise as a major force in L.A. sports, owning the Lakers and Dodgers, and a glamorous LACMA Gala featuring Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber.

Rebecca Rubin, Senior Film and Media Reporter at Variety, dives into the success of 'Black Phone 2' and its role in horror's record-breaking box office, reaching $1.2 billion in 2025. She discusses Blumhouse's strong track record in profitable horror franchises and analyzes the genre's significant contribution to year-to-date earnings. Additionally, Todd Spangler provides insights into Q3 earnings predictions for major players like Netflix and Disney, highlighting shifts in subscriber focus and the evolving landscape of streaming services.