Latest in Universal

EXCLUSIVE: We have learned that Jeremy Davies has been cast in Scott Derrickson's upcoming film for Blumhouse and Universal, The Black Phone. Derrickson and frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill adapted the script based on Joe Hill's short story. Derrickson, Cargill and Jason Blum, for Blumhouse, are producing the…

EXCLUSIVE: Sources tell me that Warner Bros. International Marketing EVP Julien Noble is leaving the studio, and in talks for a similar role at Universal. I understand that Noble announced his exit to his Warner Bros. global marketing team yesterday and that he’ll be departing Warners in mid February. Noble apparently…

As pollyannaish as it sounds, especially as the domestic 2020 box office crumbles to a historic all-time low of $2.27 billion due to the coronavirus pandemic, the global theatrical business is poised for a comeback in 2021. However, it might take a few months. How in God’s name can such a ridiculous projection be…

Universal and DreamWorks Animation have tweaked their 2021 release schedule, moving the sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business from March to September. The shift to the new release date, September 17, had been the spot for DWA’s The Bad Guys, which is unset for now and will get a 2022 release. Universal made the…

Editors note: Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series highlights the scripts of films that will be factors in this year's movie awards race. Judd Apatow, Saturday Night Live writer Dave Sirus and Pete Davidson came together to pen the script for The King of Staten Island, the dramatic comedy based on Davidson’s life…

EXCLUSIVE: In a competitive situation, Universal has acquired rights to Nita Prose's not-yet-released debut novel The Maid.  Oscar nominee Florence Pugh is set to play the title character in the film, which Josh McLaughlin and Chris Goldberg are producing through their companies Wink Pictures and Winterlight Pictures…

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group vice chairman and president Jimmy Horowitz has been promoted to Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal Business Affairs & Operations, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Horowitz, a near 30-year vet of the studio, will expand his responsibilities to oversee global dealmaking…

Will Packer Productions and Universal are developing a comedy feature, Hot Mess, which will be toplined by British comedian and actress London Hughes. The film is based on a pitch by Hughes and screenwriter Noushin Jahanian, who will pen the screenplay. Will Packer and James Lopez will produce through Will Packer…

Sunday AM Final after first 8:01AM post: Even in a normal, healthy economy, the major studios are typically skittish about opening big movies before Christmas with many still busy with holiday activities. So, it comes as no surprise during a pandemic where just north of 40% of all 5,500 domestic movie theaters are…

David Koepp has been tapped to write the script for Universal Pictures and Amasia Entertainment's The Green Hornet and Kato. This past April, Universal optioned rights to The Green Hornet from Amasia, after co-founders Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo acquired control of the motion picture franchise from the family…

UPDATED with latest: Universal has had second thoughts in this pandemic environment where fewer theaters are open, and will open its Bob Odenkirk action thriller Nobody on February 26, which was one of the pic’s former release dates before they opted for February 19. I hear that the studio is giving some distance from…

EXCLUSIVE: Catalina Aguilar-Mastretta will direct Universal Pictures' The Giver of Stars, based on the New York Times bestselling novel from Me Before You author Jojo Moyes. The novel, which was published by Penguin Random House in October 2019, is an epic tale from bestselling author Moyes, whose books have sold 40…