As the streaming wars continue to heat up, a new contender has emerged, threatening to dethrone the reigning king of the industry, Netflix. Tubi, a relatively unknown streaming service, has been quietly gaining steam, with a viewership that is steadily climbing and a user base that has recently exploded.
Despite its subpar content, Tubi has been making waves in the industry, with 51 million active users and a record-breaking 3.6 billion hours watched in 2022. This growth has caught the attention of industry insiders, who are now asking the question: can Tubi really take on the behemoth that is Netflix?
On the surface, it may seem like an impossible feat. Netflix, with its deep pockets and vast library of content, seems like an unbeatable force. But Tubi has a few things going for it that could give it an edge in this battle for streaming supremacy.
For one, Tubi is free. While Netflix requires a monthly subscription fee, Tubi is completely free, like free free, to use. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious viewers who may not be willing to shell out money for a Netflix subscription.
But perhaps more importantly, Tubi has a unique business model that sets it apart from other streaming services. Unlike Netflix, which creates and produces its own content, Tubi is a platform that licenses content from other studios and networks. This means that Tubi has a massive library of movies and TV shows from a variety of different sources, all available to stream in one place.
While the quality of Tubi’s content may not be on par with Netflix’s original programming, it does have a lot of popular titles in its library, including classics such as The Terminator and Rocky, as well as more recent hits like Lovecraft Country.
But can a platform that relies on licensed content really compete with the likes of Netflix, which has invested billions of dollars in creating its own original programming? That remains to be seen. However, Tubi’s growing user base and impressive viewership numbers suggest that there is definitely a market for a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a wide variety of content.
One thing is for sure: the streaming wars are far from over. As new players continue to enter the arena, and existing services fight to stay on top, the landscape of the streaming industry is constantly shifting. Only time will tell if Tubi can really dethrone Netflix, but one thing is certain: it’s a battle that is far from over.
As the Valiant Cinematic Universe (VCU) prepares for growth, female superhero project Faith has found a writer to bring its live-action story to life. Emily Carmichael, the seasoned writer behind major productions such as Pacific Rim: Uprising, and Jurassic World: Dominion, will take the reins for Faith, a project that was previously in development at Sony. The film, produced by Original Film‘s Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe and Valiant Entertainment‘s Dan Mintz, remains in the early stages of development, with no confirmation yet as to whether it will feature a plus-sized lead.
The character of Faith, also known by her super-name Zephyr, is a heroine with the ability to fly and bring others along. In her alter-ego of Summer Smith, she works as a journalist based in Los Angeles, sporting glasses and a red wig. Faith was created in 1992 by Jim Shooter and David Lapham, and her strong moral compass has remained true to her original concept over three decades. The comic book series, which was her first solo venture, won the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2017.
Paramount‘s VCU is also developing Harbinger, a title that will feature Faith as a protagonist, with direction by Paul Downs Colaizzo, the mastermind behind Brittany Runs a Marathon and LFE.
The potential casting of a plus-sized lead in the live-action version of Faith would make it a landmark production, marking the first time a major live-action film has featured a plus-sized hero.
It was a bold statement, to be sure. Marlon Wayans, playing the role of George Raveling, declared in the trailer for “Air” that “there’s nothing cool about Nike.” Yet, as the film takes us back to 1984, we soon discover that everything changed once Sonny Vaccaro (played by Ben Affleck) began to court the young and talented Michael Jordan. The result was a partnership that would go on to revolutionize the world of sports and popular culture.
From the directorial talent of Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, “Air” is a highly anticipated drama that delves into the life-changing partnership between Michael Jordan and Nike’s basketball division. Despite initial apprehension and hesitance, the introduction of the Air Jordan brand changed the game forever. The film’s logline promises a “moving story” that follows “the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.”
In addition to Affleck and Damon, the film also features a powerhouse cast, including Viola Davis as Michael Jordan’s mother and biggest supporter, Deloris Jordan, Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Chris Tucker as Howard White, Matthew Maher as Peter Moore, Gustaf Skarsgård as Horst Dassler, and Julius Tennon as James Jordan. Produced by an all-star team including Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman, Jeff Robinov, Madison Ainley, Damon, and Affleck, and produced by David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, and Jon Weinbach for Skydance Sports, “Air” is sure to be a must-see.
Marking Affleck’s return to directing after the success of “Live by Night” and “Argo,” “Air” will premiere on April 5 in over 3,000 theaters across the United States, with streaming accessibility in more than 240 countries soon to follow. Get a glimpse into this thrilling tale of the rise of Nike and Michael Jordan in the trailer below.
It’s been nearly seven years since Rihanna last graced the live music stage, but the global pop icon is back with a bang. With her highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, the Barbados-born singer is set to light up the biggest stage in the world.
When I first got the call to do the show, I was like ‘Are you sure?’ I was three months postpartum and wasn’t sure if I should be making major decisions like this,” Rihanna confessed during an Apple Music press conference ahead of the big show. “But as scary as it was, being a mom has given me this sense that I can take on the world and do anything. It’s important for me to do this year and it’s important for my son to see that.”
Creating a setlist for the 13-minute performance has been the biggest challenge for Rihanna, who has a career that spans eight albums and 17 years.
We’re on our 39th version of the setlist right now,” Rihanna revealed. “Every little change counts, but there are some songs we have to lose because of the time constraint. That’s going to be okay.”
Rihanna’s Caribbean roots will be a significant part of the halftime show, representing her home country of Barbados and Black women everywhere. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Rihanna’s next move in music, and the singer teased, “Musically, I’m feeling open to exploring, discovering, creating things that are new, things that are different, things that are off, weird. It might not ever make sense to my fans… I want to have fun with music.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness Rihanna’s electrifying return to the live music stage during the Super Bowl halftime show, airing Sunday, Feb. 12 on Fox.
The glittering success of Avatar: The Way of Water at the box office may be hiding the true ramifications of the Hollywood megadeal that brought Disney a $71 billion juggernaut from Fox‘s entertainment empire. As the industry shifts and investors scrutinize spending with a critical eye, it is becoming increasingly clear that Disney’s purchase of Fox may prove to be CEO Bob Iger‘s biggest blunder. Despite the expansive properties and hit movie, Disney still carries a heavy debt from the Fox deal and Iger’s future tenure remains uncertain as he searches for a successor.
With a weakened stock currency and an increasingly skeptical investment community, Iger now faces the challenge of making the most of the company’s existing portfolio. It’s worth noting that had Disney not closed the deal with Fox in 2019, competitor Comcast, whose Peacock streamer is projected to suffer a $3 billion loss in 2023, would have owned 100% of Hulu and Universal and Peacock would have benefited from Fox’s IP riches.
While some argue that Disney kept the Fox assets out of the hands of its rivals, others argue that the overpayment for Fox made sense only when Disney was at the peak of its cultural domination. The plan was for the Fox studios to provide Disney with an edge in adult-skewing blockbusters and kid-friendly fare that could strengthen its position in the streaming war. However, as moviegoers shifted from theaters to streaming, particularly with adult-audience films, Fox’s offerings like The Hate U Give and Dark Phoenix struggled.
Even the kid-friendly IPs like Ice Age proved to be a disappointment, as few Disney+ subscribers watched the related streaming films. Disney’s stewardship of the Fox assets is now under question, with Wall Street raising concerns about the company’s debt and the productivity of its IP portfolio. The closure of Fox 2000 and Blue Sky, and the focus on shutting down former Fox studios rather than nurturing them, has led some to argue that Disney bought Fox only to acquire specific IPs and discarded the rest.
With $45 billion in debt as of September, Disney’s future success will depend on its ability to turn the Fox assets into viable and profitable ventures. For now, only a few brands like Avatar, Planet of the Apes, and the Marvel franchises remain as theatrically viable options for 20th Century.
In a bid to remain competitive in the ever-evolving world of streaming, Peacock, the NBCUniversal platform, is dropping its free subscription tier for new users. However, current consumers need not fret as they will still have access to the unpaid option.
With a focus on its $5 Premium offering, Peacock aims to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU) while continuing to grow its scale. The Premium Plus offering, which is priced at $10, comes with additional perks like offline downloading.
Peacock predicts reaching a content library of 100,000 hours, featuring live sports events, new original series, Universal Pictures films, library titles, breaking news, and next-day programming from NBC and Bravo. The platform is looking to reposition its brand identity amid a challenging economic landscape and a saturated market, much like its smaller streaming peers.
In a surprising move last October, Netflix acquired Girls5Eva, one of Peacock’s best-known original series, renewing it for a third season and now co-sharing global streaming rights for the first two seasons, with the third season streaming solely on Netflix.
In a private gathering, new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their highly anticipated initial slate of projects, giving audiences a glimpse into the visionary approach to DC storytelling that is to come.
Dubbed Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters this first wave of 10 projects (with more to come, according to Gunn) will introduce fans to a completely unified universe, breaking away from the fragmented past of separate film series and isolated universes.
“For the first time ever, everything DC-related – film, television, live-action, animation, gaming – is centralized under one creative vision,” explains Safran. Gunn adds, “From our first project forward, everything will be unified.” The duo takes the reins, bringing stability and coherence to a universe that had previously been fragmented and loosely controlled.
Their initial slate of projects includes major reboots, fresh new perspectives, and familiar faces. As they lead DC into a new era, Gunn and Safran promise a cohesive and connected universe, starting with a brand-new “Superman” movie. Get ready, DC fans, for an electrifying journey ahead, here are the 10 projects:
Creature Commandos – TV Series
DC Comics
Bringing the Unusual to Life! James Gunn’s first project in the new era of DC Studios will be the animated TV series Creature Commandos. Based on the comic property of the same name, this series brings together vampires, werewolves, and zombies in a thrilling new adventure. Already in production, Gunn reveals that this is just the beginning of a fully integrated and connected DC universe.
“Animation will lead into live-action and back into animation again,” says Gunn. He notes that any animated project has the potential to be brought to life on the big screen, and vice versa. Confirmed characters include fan-favorite Weasel from The Suicide Squad, played by Sean Gunn.
James Gunn has written all seven episodes of the series himself, ensuring a consistent and cohesive story. As the first project in this unified DCU, Creature Commandos sets the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.
Waller – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Viola Davis is staying in the DC Universe as the actress reprises her role as Amanda Waller in the new TV series focused on her character. Gunn explains that this is a multiverse and some characters will have different actors, while others will remain the same, such as with Davis as Waller and leading Team Peacemaker.
This series will fit “in between” the first and second seasons of Peacemaker, as Gunn has been busy writing Creature Commandos and Superman. Season 2 of Peacemaker will be delayed, but fans can look forward to the exciting new adventures of Amanda Waller.
Chrystal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are writing the series.
Superman Legacy – Movie
DC Comics
The DCU next big move is Superman Legacy. As the launching point of the new DC era, this film will delve into the struggle of the Man of Steel to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing.
Superman Legacy is not a retelling of his origin, but a showcase of his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way. With a target release date of July 11, 2025, this is expected to set a new standard in superhero storytelling. Written by James Gunn, there is hope that he may also direct the film.
Safran described it as the true beginning of the DCU and praised the script as a testament to the power of kindness in a world that has forgotten its value.
Lanterns – TV Series
DC Comics
Green Lantern is finally making its long-awaited return to the screen with the highly-anticipated TV series Lanterns. Inspired by the popular HBO series True Detective, the series will follow the journey of two of the most beloved characters from the Lantern Corp., Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they unravel a mysterious case with terrestrial roots. This series will play a crucial role in shaping the larger narrative that the production team is crafting for the DCU’s future film and TV projects.
Safran reveals that the new Lantern series will replace the previously planned “space opera” TV show that was headed by Greg Berlanti and starring Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine. This new series promises to be a game-changer, elevating the DCU to even greater heights.
The Authority – Movie
DC Comics
A movie inspired by the comic book series The Authority is set to join the DC Universe, incorporating characters from Wildstorm imprint.
Gunn elaborates that the DCU is not limited to a tale of heroes and villains and that there will be a spectrum of characters ranging from anti-heroes to morally ambiguous ones like The Authority, who believe in taking matters into their own hands to fix the world.
Paradise Lost – TV Series
Warner Bros.
Welcome to the alluring world of Themiscyra. The series Paradise Lost will explore the political intrigue of an all-female society. Yes the future of Wonder Woman 3 remains uncertain, and mostly likely canceled, we’ll get our Amazonian fix by turning our attention to the exotic island of Themiscyra.
Set before the birth of Diana (Wonder Woman), this series delves into the intricacies of an all-female society, exploring the beauty and darkness behind their origin. In the vein of Game of Thrones, Paradise Lost promises to be a tale of political maneuvering and power struggles amongst the women of Themiscyra.
“What’s the origin of an island of all women?” Gunn asks. “What are the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that, and what’s the scheming like between the different power players in that society?”
While Diana will not make an appearance in the series, Paradise Lost promises to offer a captivating look into the birthplace of one of DC’s most iconic characters.
The Brave and the Bold – Movie
DC Comics
The Caped Crusader is back, but this time he’s got company. The Brave and the Bold, feature-length film is inspired by Grant Morrison‘s run on Batman, will bring the DCU’s dynamic duo of Batman and Robin to the forefront in a tale of father and son.
According to Gunn, the film will introduce audiences to Bruce Wayne as the DCU’s Batman, as well as his son Damian Wayne, a young assassin with a dark past. Despite having been kept a secret from Batman for the first decade of his life, their relationship will be the focal point of this new iteration of the classic duo.
This Batman will exist separate from Robert Pattinson‘s iteration in the upcoming Matt Reeves films, which will be categorized as Elseworlds outside of this continuity. Are you ready for a fresh take on the Dark Knight and his pint-sized partner?
Booster Gold – TV Series
DC Comics
At long last, the comic book hero Booster Gold will finally grace the screen in a stunning new adaptation. The series is set to deliver a thrilling take on the beloved character.
“Booster Gold is the tale of a loser from the future who harnesses the power of advanced technology to travel back in time and present himself as a superhero,” says Safran, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s central theme. “It’s the superhero equivalent of Imposter Syndrome,” adds Gunn, further emphasizing the unique and thought-provoking nature of the project.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – Movie
DC Comics
Supergirl is set to soar onto the big screen and re-imagined for a new generation. Based on Tom King‘s acclaimed comic book series, this film will introduce a radically different version of the character than what audiences may be familiar with.
As Gunn explains, “In our DC Universe, we explore the fundamental difference between Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving parents from infancy, and Supergirl, who spent her first 14 years on a Kryptonian colony witnessing the brutal death and destruction of those around her.”
With the film expected to follow King’s comics, viewers can expect a captivating space-bound journey featuring Supergirl, a loyal dog, and a young girl on a mission for revenge. This Supergirl will be a fresh departure from the beloved TV series.
Swamp Thing – Movie
Warner Bros.
The DCU is set to delve into the murky depths of the swamp with a Swamp Thing film. The Gunn-Safran duo emphasized the diversity of tone within the interconnected universe, each film reflecting the unique vision of its filmmakers.
“Expect a departure from the norm as we delve into the dark origins of Swamp Thing,” Safran revealed. “Each film in the DCU offers a distinct tonal experience, making for an exciting mash-up of diverse perspectives in the future.”
While the character was previously brought to life in a 2019 live-action TV series that was unfortunately short-lived, this latest adaptation promises to uncover the mystery at the heart of the swamp.
Original Co-Creators, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, Are Reviving The Series.
Hulu has just ordered a reboot of the hit animated series King of the Hill from 20th Television Animation and co-creators Judge and Daniels with Saladin Patterson, signing on as showrunner and executive producer.
King of the Hill, which originally aired on Fox, became one of the network’s longest-running series, premiering in 1997 and running for 13 seasons before saying its goodbye in 2010.
When Judge and Daniels reconnected with the cast at the 2017 San Francisco Sketchfest and celebrated the show’s 20th anniversary, plans for the revival went into action. Judge first hinted the show could make a return during last year’s Comic-Con saying, “King of the Hill” “has a very good chance of coming back.” The original voice cast, including Judge, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick and Lauren Tom, are all set to return to their roles.
The show will be set on the same foundation as the original, focusing on Hank Hill (Judge), an enthusiastic seller of propane and propane accessories; his wife, Peggy (Najimy), local Boggle champ and substitute teacher; and their 13-year-old son, Bobby (Adlon), who defies any expectation his father had for a son. Hank’s friends – conspiracy theorist Dale (Hardwick), military barber Bill (Root) and cool but inarticulate Boomhauer (Judge), along with Peggy’s friends Minh (Tom) and meteorologist Nancy (Ashley Gardner), and Bobby’s friend Connie (Tom) help the Hills navigate a changing world.
There’s another shakeup. Showtime will soon be rebranded and integrated into the streaming service, Paramount+. The new moniker, Paramount+ with Showtime, will embody the premium tier of the platform and the Showtime linear network in the United States. This move marks a significant shakeup in the world of television and streaming, as Paramount+ aims to become the leading multiplatform brand in the industry.
The integration of Showtime into Paramount+ is a natural next step in the company’s strategy to become a single, global content company powered by IP. The move will undoubtedly lead to further changes within the network, including the cancellation of several shows, such as American Gigolo, Let the Right One In, and Three Women. However, the Showtime studio will continue to operate under the leadership of Chris McCarthy, who will work closely with Streaming President and CEO Tom Ryan.
In a memo to employees, Paramount Global CEO and President Bob Bakish pledged to be as transparent and thoughtful as possible during the process, stating that additional details would be shared in the coming weeks. A town hall scheduled for the week of February 23 will provide further insight into the changes and how they will strengthen the company’s focus on content, redirect increased investment into Showtime’s strengths, and provide a more integrated platform.
This news follows the departure of Showtime’s former head, David Nevins, who left the company in October, leaving the responsibilities of the network to McCarthy and Ryan. The possibility of phasing out Showtime altogether and shifting its premium programming into Paramount+ was part of the company’s consideration of new content strategies in the streaming era.
By further integrating Showtime into Paramount+, the network aims to deliver a seamless, fully integrated multiplatform premium service with more of the original, culture-shaping content that audiences love. The enhanced offering will serve both audiences and creative partners, providing an even greater ability to scale franchises and build hits across the Paramount+ universe.
This rebrand and integration marks a new chapter in the world of television and streaming, and Cre8tiveSHFT is excited to see how it will shape the future of entertainment.
In a stunning announcement fit for the King of Pop himself, Lionsgate has revealed that 26-year-old Jaafar Jackson, Jermaine’s son, will be stepping into the iconic role of his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the highly-anticipated biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. The young performer, handpicked by producer Graham King and the co-executors of the Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, has wowed industry insiders with his seamless embodiment of the late pop star.
Jaafar organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” gushed King, who conducted a worldwide search before ultimately selecting Jackson for the lead role. “It was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”
Katherine Jackson, Michael’s beloved mother, echoed this sentiment, noting that Jaafar “embodies my son” and is carrying on the Jackson legacy in the entertainment world. Fuqua, who previously worked with King and Logan on The Aviator, couldn’t agree more, saying that the young performer has a “natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”
With principal photography set to commence later this year, and a screenplay by the John Logan, Michael promises to be a cinematic experience like no other. The world eagerly awaits the chance to see Jaafar Jackson bring the King of Pop back to life on the big screen.
Are you excited to this biopic? Until then check out music video, Got Me Singing.
