The Town with Matthew Belloni

In this engaging discussion, Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll and anime veteran, explores the explosive growth of anime in Hollywood and beyond. He highlights how global streaming services are transforming content accessibility and attracting a diverse audience, especially Gen Z. Rahul delves into what makes anime storytelling so relatable and how it serves as a tool for emotional connection. He also emphasizes the importance of authenticity in anime production, pointing out the unique charm that Japanese creators bring to the table.

Anjali Sud, the CEO of Tubi, shares insights on the streaming platform’s journey to profitability and its strategy to attract original creators. She explains Tubi's approach to ad-supported streaming, emphasizing targeted content for fandoms rather than broad hits. The conversation also touches on the platform’s selective choice in live sports and the competition they face from giants like YouTube. Later, Matt updates listeners on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, discussing its box office potential and the controversies surrounding it.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter and media journalist, joins to delve into the intriguing standoff between YouTube and Disney. They discuss how this dispute differs from past issues, focusing on Google’s leverage over cable operators. Lucas explains the critical role of live sports, particularly ESPN, in negotiations. They consider if Disney might prolong the fight to boost subscriptions for its apps and analyze Warner Bros. Discovery's earnings amid sale speculation, highlighting strategic dynamics in media today.

Craig Horlbeck, a producer on the show, joins Matt to dive into intriguing topics. They discuss the controversial rejection of a Steven Soderbergh-penned 'Star Wars' script, exploring Disney's missed opportunity. The duo examines who should acquire Warner Bros., weighing the benefits of Netflix versus Paramount. They also ponder Netflix's potential theatrical deals and the uncertain future of MTV's 'The Challenge' under new ownership. Tune in for an engaging mix of industry insights and playful banter!

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins Matt Belloni to draft the most promising movie franchises for 2025. They debate the enduring power of Spider-Man and the appeal of animation with Despicable Me. Shaw makes a case for the longevity of James Bond, while Matt highlights the franchise potential of Minecraft and Super Mario Bros. The duo also explores the global growth of anime with Demon Slayer and discusses the future of franchises like Harry Potter and Yellowstone. It's a lively discussion on what could dominate the box office!

Join Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent journalist and co-host of CNBC's 'Squawk Box,' as he unveils the intricate ties between tech, finance, and Hollywood. Explore the speculative edges of the AI bubble and its potential fallout on creative jobs. Sorkin shares insights on whether the Ellisons are building a tech-driven media empire and debates the emerging role of Middle Eastern investors in film. Plus, hear predictions about the future of horror films in the streaming era!

Teddy Schwarzman, founder and CEO of Black Bear Pictures, dives into the adventurous world of independent film distribution. He shares insights on launching Black Bear's U.S. distribution arm and the unique risks tied to theatrical releases for smaller films. Discussing the importance of director-driven projects, Teddy explains their strategies for broad audience appeal. He also reflects on the unpredictability of breakout films and how Black Bear approaches financing, balancing star power with creative quality in a competitive landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dissect Taylor Sheridan's move from Paramount to NBCU. They weigh whether this decision is a savvy play or a desperate measure for NBCUniversal and Peacock. Shaw shares insights into the tensions at Paramount and what Sheridan's prolific output means for his new platform. They also discuss the future of talent deals and the potential ramifications for NBCU's strategy amidst ongoing industry changes. Finally, predictions are made about Jon Stewart's future on 'The Daily Show'.

Stephen Follows, a film data analyst, joins to dissect the curious phenomenon of standing ovations at festivals. He reveals that such applause has surged since 2000, fueled by social media and performative clapping. The duo examines whether ovation lengths are measurable or meaningful, finding little correlation with box office success. Follows also discusses how audience composition influences reactions and predicts that the ovation trend may fizzle out soon. They wrap up by touching on the Golden Globes' podcast awards and the ethics of promotion.

Peter Supino, a senior media analyst at Wolfe Research, joins to dissect the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery. He dives into the rejected Paramount bid, sorting through the financial implications and bidder dynamics. The conversation explores whether to sell the entire company or split it into units. Supino highlights Paramount Skydance as a likely buyer and discusses Comcast's limitations. They also consider if Netflix, Apple, or Amazon might enter the fray, while analyzing the board's influence on these decisions.