Midterms TV Spectacle; Cuaron's Netflix Effect; 'Breaking Bad' Movie; Dish vs. HBO; THR's 4 Next Gen Covers

What's news: The Hollywood Reporter celebrates the industry's rising stars with this year's Next Gen issue. Plus: Netflix must manage filmmakers' expecations of theatrical runs, a Breaking Bad movie is in the works and the TV spectacle of the midterms. — Will Robinson [The Hollywood Reporter - Today In Entertainment]( November 07, 2018 What's news: The Hollywood Reporter celebrates the industry's rising stars with this year's Next Gen issue. Plus: Netflix must manage filmmakers' expecations of theatrical runs, a Breaking Bad movie is in the works and the TV spectacle of the midterms. — Will Robinson [On the covers:]( For the 25th year of THR's Next Gen issue, four of this year's brightest rising onscreen talents are featured on separate covers, representing the unique and diverse paths that an actor can become a star in 2018: + Letitia Wright's dreams come true: As a teen plotting her future, Wright did a lot of "weird stuff," she says, like [hand-delivering]( her resume to every casting agent in London. ("I never really knocked on the door, just put it through the letterbox and ran!"). Nobody replied, but, less than a decade later, she was recently offered a role by one of the same names on her early address list. "It was a moment of realizing: You've come a long way," she says. + Ezra Miller's #MeToo moment: "They gave me wine and I was underaged," he [recounts](, about an unnamed director and producer. "They were like, 'Hey, want to be in our movie about gay revolution?' And I was like, 'No, you guys are monsters.' " He's on a roll now. "It's a great fuckin' age of being like, 'You know what? That shit's unacceptable,' And it's amazing for a lot of us to watch. 'Cause, like, we all knew it was unacceptable when we fucking survived it." + Noah Centineo breaks type: Though he's [lined up]( another Awesomeness movie, The Stand-In, as an ideal boyfriend, his personal tastes lie outside of the YA realm and more in Coen brothers and Terrence Malick territory. "Everything that I'm doing right now, everything that I have done or everything I have lined up are stepping stones. I'm not anywhere near where I want to be," he says. + Awkwarfina's dual personalities: It's when she's playing a character like Crazy Rich Asians' Peik Lin that the bold, fearless "Awkwafina" comes out most. "I used her in the beginning [to draw]( confidence because Nora did not have confidence like Awkwafina did," says Nora Lum, who often speaks of Awkwafina in the third person. "When I'm not on, I'm very in my head, very anxious, constantly worrying about shit. She's kind of a lifesaver." Red Carpet Treatment From TVs to theaters: By giving Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma an exclusive release in movie theaters to court Oscar voters, the streaming giant now must manage the expectations (and egos) of other A-list filmmakers who may want the "Cuaron treatment," Pamela McClintock and Borys Kit report: + Trying to make impact: While the streamer has had undeniable success in TV — it tied with HBO for the most Emmy wins this year — it hasn't been able to repeat that glory on the film side. Many believe the lack of proper theatrical releases has hampered that effort. "When you make a movie for Netflix, no matter how much they are willing to pay, it’s like a tree falling in a forest," says one veteran Hollywood executive. + What's been missing: "If you hide your numbers, your movies don't get any profile. That's what a proper cinema run does — establish the run of the product," says a rival studio executive. "And if three weeks doesn't work for Roma, what happens to Martin Scorsese's big-budget movie next year? What if he says, 'For The Irishman, I really want a couple of thousand runs.' Maybe he tells Netflix, 'You have to have a more traditional window.' " [Full story.]( Elsewhere in film... ► Disney's Fox deal gets EU clearance subject to divestments. The European Commission had the chance to [approve]( the $71.3 billion takeover as is, require concessions or open a four-month investigation. ► Netflix unveils roster of family-friendly animated films, series. Jorge Gutierrez's Maya and the Three is one of several new projects [announced]( Tuesday. The series is one of a half-dozen new family-oriented animated projects, including both series and features, announced by Melissa Cobb, vp kids and family at Netflix. ► Weinstein accusers may get role investigating claims by other accusers. The Weinstein Company is now [requesting]( that the Committee of Unsecured Creditors be given the authority to investigate, prosecute and settle claims. If the judge grants the motion, it will mean that at least two of Weinstein's accusers will have a role in resolving allegations from other Weinstein accusers. ► Judicial assignment made in AT&T-Time Warner merger appeal. Two judges [appointed]( by Democrats and one appointed by a Republican will hear an appeal the government says "will shape the future of the media and telecommunications industries for years to come." ► The Purge writer must produce early script drafts in idea theft suit. Douglas Jordan-Benel sued in 2015, [claiming]( The Purge derives from his screenplay called Settler's Day. Writer-director James DeMonaco has to provide 20 Final Draft files related to early versions of the script. ► Jason Blum booed at L.A.'s Israel Film Festival for anti-Trump remarks. The Get Out and Halloween producer was receiving the group’s Achievement in Film & Television Award at the event. People started to [leave the theater]( as Blum kept criticizing the president. AFM deals and developments... ► Gabrielle Union to star in The Perfect Find. AGC Studios will [finance and produce]( the romantic comedy, an adaptation of Tia Williams' bestseller. [Quoted:]( “She was a person who was so much more than what she was portrayed as. I feel like she's finally getting the voice that she didn't have 30 years ago." — Sara Paxton, on playing Donna Rice in The Front Runner. ^Next Gen Talent — 35 under 35: Black Panther star Winston Duke and Sharp Objects standout Eliza Scanlen are among the blockbuster breakouts and series stars who are shaking up the industry: + Lana Condor, 21: Two days after the premiere of Netflix's YA rom-com To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Condor knew the movie was a smash hit. Overnight, the high school romance, in which she stars as Lara Jean, had captivated the internet "When I realized that I was a meme, that's when I was like, 'Oh, people are actually watching this,'" she says. + Jovan Adepo, 30: Adepo got serious about acting, relocating to Los Angeles and seeking advice from Viola Davis, whom he met through her sister, a friend of Adepo's from his church back home. The Oscar-winning actress took him under her wing, and it wasn't long before he booked his first paid SAG-AFTRA job on HBO's cult hit The Leftovers. [Full list.]( Musical notes... ► Billboard names Ariana Grande Woman of the Year. "The superstar singer, songwriter, actress and activist will be presented with the award Dec. 6 at the 13th annual Women in Music dinner and awards gala in New York. Grande joins a history of icons who have been previously honored as Woman of the Year, including Madonna and Lady Gaga." [[Billboard](] Fashion scene... ► Wrangler launches Bohemian Rhapsody-inspired collection. After Lucky Brand released Queen band tees, denim company Wrangler debuts a line that plays on the rock glam look of the Queen biopic in collaboration with music lifestyle brand Lyric Culture. [Gallery.]( Inside Shoah Foundation's Ambassadors for Humanity Gala. Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Tom Ford all accepted an invite from Steven Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw to celebrate the USC Shoah Foundation's Ambassadors for Humanity gala on Monday in Beverly Hills. [Details.]( HBO vs. Dish Separate strategies: A standoff over carriage fees between HBO and Dish comes months after the network was acquired by AT&T, raising questions at play in the DOJ's appeal of the Time Warner megamerger, Eriq Gardner reports: + How Dish is affected: The Colorado-based company has a history of engaging in hardball licensing negotiations with TV networks because its business model has always been about the ability to advertise low cost for consumers. Dish may see its future in streaming skinny bundles of live programming via its Sling service. + HBO's firm position: The network likely won't incur too much economic pain by losing its place on Dish. First, according to testimony during the merger trial, Dish did an especially poor job at signing up HBO subscribers compared to other cable and satellite companies. And second, cord-cutting continues to accelerate, with HBO Now a viable alternative for most viewers of the premium cabler's offerings. [Full story.]( Earnings roll in... ► Fox quarterly earnings rise. The company, led by executive co-chairmen Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch, reported adjusted earnings of 52 cents per share, which compared with 49 cents per share in the year-ago period and was in line with Wall Street expectations. * Film numbers drop. Quarterly film unit revenue [decreased]( 7 percent to $1.82 billion, "primarily reflecting lower theatrical revenue at the film studio from a lower volume and mix of films released in the current quarter." ► Dish loses 341,000 pay TV subscribers in Q3. The user loss exceeded Wall Street estimates of around 175,000 and [compared]( with a year-ago subscriber gain of 16,000. Third-quarter earnings of $432 million, or 82 cents per share, compared with $297 million, or 57 cents per share, in the year-ago period. ► ITV revenue rises as studio arm grows 10 percent. The U.K. TV giant, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, [unveiled]( a strategy refresh this summer under the theme "More Than TV." Elsewhere in TV... ► Breaking Bad movie from creator Vince Gilligan in the works. It's unclear if the two-hour project will be released theatrically or made for television — or if the original cast is [on board](, Lesley Goldberg reports. ► Nickelodeon taps Boss Baby producer to lead animation. Oscar nominee Ramsey Naito [will oversee]( animation development and production across TV, film and digital for the Viacom network. ► ABC moves The Alec {NAME} Show to Saturdays. The news [follows]( the actor's arrest and dismal ratings for the talk show. The shift will be effective Nov. 18. ► Fox News hits Hannity for "unfortunate distraction" after Trump campaign rally. "Fox News [does not condone]( any talent participating in campaign rallies," the network said a day after Hannity and Jeanine Pirro did just that on Monday. ► NBC cancels Reverie. The VR drama [aired]( in the summer and will not be back for a second run. With three days of delayed viewing, Reverie averaged a lackluster 0.6 rating in the all-important adults 18-49 demographic and 2.85 million total viewers. ► USA renews The Purge. The pickup comes just before the show's first-season finale. The dystopian thriller has [performed well]( for USA and is currently the cabler's top-rated drama series, averaging 2.3 million viewers, 1.2 million of whom are adults 18-49 with seven days of delayed viewing. ► TNT cancels Good Behavior. Chad Hodge announced that his drama starring Michelle Dockery will [not return]( for a third season. ► Swamp Thing finds its title character. Andy Bean and Derek Mears will play [both sides]( of the antihero in the DC Universe drama. ► Young Sheldon star Zoe Perry signs with UTA. Perry plays Sheldon's mother in the CBS dramedy, a role [originated]( on The Big Bang Theory by her own mother, Laurie Metcalf. ► Verve hires MiTu exec Gina Reyes as TV lit agent. She [brings]( the boutique talent and literary agency's roster of reps to 25. ► Melissa McCarthy to feted at People's Choice Awards. The Ghostbusters actress will [receive]( the first People’s Icon award on Sunday. Louis C.K.'s return bid... ► Comedian performs 70-minute gig in Paris. There were no hecklers or protestors outside the Paris venue, which was filled to the brim with fans who gave the comic a warm welcome and even brought him back onstage for an encore. [Recap.]( [Quoted:]( "It's hard to imagine her not wanting to write about it, not wanting to talk about it and not having an opinion. ... It would be rich territory for her to explore." — Sarah Jessica Parker, how her Sex and the City character would have responded to the #MeToo movement. ^Next Gen execs: Meet the moguls-in-the-making as THR unveils its 25th annual list of the 35 execs under 35 who will soon run the industry: + Danny Feldheim, 33: In 2016, he settled at CBS All Access, where he's helped build the streamer from the ground up. In addition to shepherding such dramas as Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight and the new Twilight Zone reboot from Jordan Peele, the married dad and the streamer's vp original content has been leading All Access' push into comedy. + Jessica Virtue, 32: The University of the Pacific grad landed an internship at New Line, which led to assistant gigs, including one with Sean Bailey, president of production at Disney. She'd later transition to a full-fledged exec there, currently vp production. Now she's running point on the recently released Christopher Robin and December's hotly anticipated musical Mary Poppins Returns. [Full list.]( Digital digest... ► Defy Media shutters, lay off staff. The digital media company behind such brands as Smosh and Clevver [ceased]( operations on Tuesday, a company spokeswoman confirmed. A small team of executives has remained with the company to try to sell off its brands. Reviewing the midterms... ► Democrats seize House control, Trump's GOP holds Senate. Democrats [gained]( the House majority in a suburban revolt, but the GOP picked up ground in the Senate, beating back a "blue wave" in an uphill battle for the Dems. ► MSNBC airs, apologizes for F-bomb from Beto O'Rourke. MSNBC anchor Brian Williams apologized on behalf of his network after it broadcast a vulgarity from the Texas Senate candidate. "I'm so fucking proud of you guys," O'Rourke said during his concession speech on Tuesday night. [Watch.]( ► Hollywood fundraising spikes for ahead of midterms. The entertainment industry raised $43 million for national candidates and races this year, which represents an almost 50 percent [jump]( over the 2014 midterm election cycle. ► Gavin Newsom wins race for California governor. Newsom takes over for Gov. Jerry Brown, who [termed out]( in 2018. Newsom had largely campaigned on having California be a "sanctuary state," start universal healthcare, universal preschool, tuition-free community college and continue Brown's controversial high-speed rail project. ► Stars who headed to the polls. Jennifer Garner, Billy Eichner, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Fallon, Cynthia Nixon and John Krasinski are among the stars who posted about their involvement in the midterm elections on Tuesday. [Who voted?]( Late night reacts... ► Colbert tackles historic midterms in live show. Colbert did, of course, reference his 2016 live show. “If you remember our last live election show, well, that makes one of us. The bad news that night took me a bit off-guard, but tonight I’m prepared,” he said as he pulled out a bottle of bourbon. [Recap.]( ► Kimmel welcomes Eric Garcetti, George Washington hologram on live election show. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host [also invited]( Sacha Baron Cohen and his father (playing Wolf Blitzer) to his Hollywood stage. MSNBC’s Joy Reid at center of free-speech legal fight over retweets. Twitter users think of the platform as the Wild West, but a defamation lawsuit against Reid could lead high-profile figures to [think twice]( about what they amplify — especially since damages could be higher for those with big followings. Spectacle of TV News Must-see TV: Networks went all out to cover the midterms, as television remains the default medium for citizens on Election Day, Andrew Tyndall writes: + CNN's misfit: Of all the networks, CNN did the clearest job at showing off the four separate components of its journalistic toolbox. CNN’s division of labor is clear cut. Unfortunately, it is not an apt fit for an election night’s flow of information, which starts as a trickle — as we wait for polls to close in major states and for results to be projected — and then suddenly turns into a torrent. + Network win: ABC showcased its coverage using the opposite method from CNN. Instead of separating each of its journalistic duties in separate locations with separate anchors, ABC assembled its entire operation into a single giant circular bench. George Stephanopoulos showed off his political chops by knowing all the races inside out, balancing the House and Senate and Governors’ races properly. [Full column.]( What else we're reading... — "The Romanoffs Tackles #MeToo in the Most Off-putting Way Possible." Daniel Fienberg pans: "It's an utterly vacuous segment of television that never would have been made were it not for [Matthew] Weiner's well-earned star power and never, under any circumstances, should have been allowed to run 71 minutes." [[THR](] — "The Man Behind Freddie Mercury’s Teeth in Bohemian Rhapsody." Mekado Murphy goes behind the scenes: "The giant prosthetic choppers the actor wore to help bring Freddie Mercury to life were made in different sizes, including a set that were the actual size of Mercury’s teeth, but they were a little too large for Malek’s face." [[The New York Times](] — "How Kieran Culkin Survived Childhood." Sam Kashner profiles the Succession star: "If family dynasties are not rare in Hollywood, what is rare is the metamorphosis of a child star into a successful adult actor. But it does happen. Kieran and Rory have grown up on film like Drew Barrymore and Elizabeth Taylor." [[Vanity Fair](] — "Ben Stiller Goes Darker for a Real-Life Prison Break." Michael Wilson interviews the actor-director: "Two writers brought a draft of a screenplay to Stiller. 'I asked them how much of it was real,' he said. Fifty percent, they answered. Stiller passed. 'I don’t want to make something up,' he said." [[The New York Times](] — "A Hamilton Star Goes Canvassing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania." Eliza Griswold follows Leslie Odom Jr.: "Odom, Jr., who grew up in Philadelphia, was out canvassing for the first time. No one had ever shut a door in his face before, but he remained unruffled." [[The New Yorker](] — "Extreme Close-ups Are Defining the Current Movie Moment." Chris Lee details: "There are moments when the camera feels like an intruder. It can be like a microscope." [[Vulture](] What else we're watching... + "Sacha Baron Cohen talks pranking Dick Cheney." [[Jimmy Kimmel](] + "John Heilemann, Alex Wagner, Hasan Minhaj discuss midterms." [[Late Show](] + "Democrats take control of the House: A Closer Look." [[Late Night](] From the archives... + On Nov. 7, 2003, the ensemble holiday comedy Love, Actually hit theaters, which has lasted as a go-to movie during the holidays: "[The film] reminds you of an elaborate Christmas card that tumbles apart with pop-up figures, silly/charming greetings and perhaps even a jingle. It probably cost more than the gift it heralds, and you can't help but laugh at the audacity of such an aggressively cheerful card." [Flashback review.]( Today's birthdays: Sophia Ali, 23, Adam Devine, 35, Yunjin Kim, 45, Jason London, 46, Jeremy London, 46, Morgan Spurlock, 48, Christopher Knight, 61, Lawrence O'Donnell, 67. Follow The News Is this email not displaying correctly? [View it in your browser.]( ©2018 The Hollywood Reporter. 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 All rights reserved. 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