The Town with Matthew Belloni

Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed Canadian director behind iconic films like Dune and Arrival, chats about his cinematic journey. He shares insights on balancing artistic vision with commercial demands in filmmaking. With a love for the original Star Wars, he discusses the allure of possibly directing one himself. Villeneuve dives into the challenges of adapting Dune, revealing how he navigated its complexity while aiming to preserve its essence, and reflects on the evolution of storytelling in both film and animation.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into Hollywood, joins for a lively discussion on drafting young movie stars under 35. They debate rising talents like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and emerging actors such as Dominic Sessa. The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics of stardom, contrasting young stars’ prospects in film with the opportunities in TV. With humor and critical analysis, they explore what it takes to become the next box office sensation amid shifting industry trends.

Actress Mikey Madison, known for her work in 'Better Things' and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', dives into her journey with the striking film 'Anora' directed by Sean Baker. She reflects on the significance of mentorship and shares the thrill of embodying challenging roles. Madison also discusses her experiences with intense scenes and the emotional connections to props. The conversation shifts to a lively box office prediction segment, comparing the anticipated performance of 'Wicked: Part One' against 'Gladiator II'—a clash of genres and fan expectations.

Join Bill Simmons, the founder of The Ringer, as he dissects the recent split between the NBA and Turner after a 30-year relationship. He reveals the dynamics behind the NBA's new partnerships with Disney and others, and the implications for Warner Bros. Discovery following the lawsuit settlement. Listen in as Simmons shares insights on the changing landscape of sports broadcasting, the future of 'Inside the NBA,' and the competition between traditional cable networks and streaming services in an evolving media world.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to discuss Disney's profitability turnaround in streaming under Bob Iger's leadership. They explore strategic moves like cost reductions and an advertising tier that signal a brighter future for the company. Shaw also delves into Netflix's recent boxing debut featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, highlighting the technical hiccups during the live broadcast. The conversation wraps up with insights into Conan O'Brien's potential impact on the upcoming Oscars ratings.

Charlie Collier, President of Roku Media, shares insights on Roku's unique approach in the crowded streaming landscape dominated by giants like Amazon and Google. He discusses the potential resurgence of ad-supported television and the importance of original content in attracting viewers. Collier also reflects on his experiences at AMC and Fox, shedding light on the evolving metrics that define success in streaming. Plus, he offers a sneak peek into the lighter side of Hollywood, including how People Magazine chooses its Sexiest Man Alive.

In a fascinating discussion with R.J. Cutler, an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his insightful works, they delve into Martha Stewart’s mixed feelings about her documentary. R.J. shares the delicate balance of creative control and collaboration with celebrity subjects, highlighting trust as a crucial element. They explore the emotional nuances in portraying public figures and the challenges of gaining consent in documentary filmmaking. Matt also offers predictions for the upcoming holiday film 'Red One,' pondering its marketing strategy.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focused on media and entertainment, joins to discuss the recent earnings of Warner Bros. Discovery and the overall recovery of streaming services. They explore Netflix’s new approach with Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film getting IMAX screenings, hinting at a potential shift in strategy. The conversation also highlights the mystery behind Clint Eastwood's buried project, 'Juror #2,' and wraps up with insights about the future of the 'Mission Impossible' franchise amid evolving cinematic trends.

Sara Fischer, a senior media reporter at Axios known for her expertise in media and entertainment, joins to discuss Hollywood's future under a potential second Trump presidency. They delve into anticipated mergers and acquisitions, particularly with Warner Bros. Discovery. Fischer highlights challenges for big tech and TikTok's uncertain future in the U.S. The conversation also touches on Disney's leadership amid political pressures and rumors about a new 'Star Wars' trilogy, sparking exciting industry implications.

John Mass, President of Content Partners and expert in media finance, joins the discussion on how TV revenue generation has transformed over the last decade. He reveals the complexities of financing and distribution in today's streaming era, highlighting how it affects profit sharing and creator compensation. They reminisce about the golden days of syndication and debate potential shifts in the industry. The conversation wraps up with predictions for the highly anticipated box office showdown between 'Wicked: Part One' and 'Gladiator 2,' analyzing audience engagement and competitive dynamics.