Universal
Universal business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Bahnhof avslöjar internetoperatörers censur-överenskommelse
Swedish internet provider Bahnhof has revealed an industry agreement among several operators to collaborate on new legislation for easier website blocking, following court orders to block content related to Premier League and major film studios. Bahnhof has refused to sign this agreement and is publicly sharing the court rulings and the industry accord, while informing its customers about the blocked sites.
Stuntman Hollywood is a genius idea with a massive amount of replayability
Saber Interactive is developing Stuntman Hollywood, the first new entry in the series in 19 years, which leverages Universal's extensive film IPs. The game allows players to perform stunts inspired by movies like Fast and Furious, Back to the Future, and Earthquake. Developers Todd Hollenshead and Tim Willits discussed the game's conception and the challenge of balancing difficulty for both casual and hardcore players.
Obsession star teases Curry Barker's next "buddy comedy" turned horror movie: "It's like if Key and Peele walked into Hereditary"
Director Curry Barker is set to release his next film, 'Anything but Ghosts,' a horror-comedy about fake paranormal hunters that turns genuinely scary. The film, starring Cooper Tomlinson and Barker himself, is in the same universe as Barker's breakout hit 'Obsession,' which has grossed over $370 million worldwide. Barker also has a new take on 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' in development with Universal.
Lady Bug is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Hamster Corporation announced that the classic arcade game Lady Bug will be released for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the Arcade Archives series on July 2. The game, originally released by Universal in 1981, features maze navigation and enemy avoidance mechanics. The Arcade Archives version includes features like save states, rewind, and online leaderboards, with the new Time Attack Mode and VRR support for the Switch 2 version.
"Who thought you should shoot a movie here?" The Odyssey star Matt Damon says no director other than Christopher Nolan would make a film this way
Matt Damon, starring as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic 'The Odyssey,' shared his astonishment at the unconventional filming locations, including Nestor's Cave in Greece. Damon described the production as the biggest of his career, with filming spanning 91 days across Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, and Scotland. He also expressed concern that such ambitious filmmaking methods may become unsustainable in the future, with the film set to release on July 17, 2026.
George Miller reportedly wants to make a final Mad Max movie and TV show, but Fury Road distributor Warner Bros has…
Director George Miller is reportedly seeking to sell the Mad Max franchise after Warner Bros declined to produce a final movie and TV show. Warner Bros, the traditional distributor, reportedly lost money on the recent prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Interested parties including Universal, Amazon, and Sony are reportedly being approached.
The Odyssey Trojan Horse popcorn bucket is a work of art – and I want to see Christopher Nolan holding one
A unique Trojan Horse-shaped popcorn bucket has been released for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey,' which adapts Homer's epic. The bucket, designed to resemble the iconic artifact from the Trojan War, opens in the middle for popcorn storage. The film is set to release on July 17, 2026, and features a star-studded cast including Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway.
Disclosure Day is the third film in a "sort of trio" with Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., says…
Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Disclosure Day is described as an unofficial trio with Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. Starring Josh O'Connor as a whistleblower and Eve Hewson as his girlfriend, the movie explores themes of alien life and government cover-ups, coinciding with real-world discussions about UAPs. Disclosure Day is set to release in US theaters on June 12 and UK cinemas on June 10.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Reaches $1 Billion, And It’s The First 2026 Film To Do So
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue, making it the first film of 2026 to reach this milestone. Produced by Illumination, Universal, and Nintendo, the animated film has earned $429 million domestically and $571.5 million internationally. This success follows the record-breaking performance of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and positions Nintendo for further expansion into filmmaking.
Disclosure Day star says Steven Spielberg's new alien blockbuster is like "a gun going off before the 100…
Director Steven Spielberg's new science fiction blockbuster, Disclosure Day, is described by stars Josh O'Connor and Eve Hewson as a fast-paced and breathless experience. The film, which marks Spielberg's first sci-fi film in nearly a decade, follows a whistleblower hunted by an agency trying to conceal alien existence. Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with some calling it Spielberg's best film in 20 years. Disclosure Day releases in US theaters on June 12 and UK cinemas from June 10.
Beloved PS2 Action Adventure Series Being Revived on PS5
Saber Interactive revealed the first trailer for Stuntman: Hollywood during Sony's State of Play showcase. The game will feature iconic vehicles and stunts inspired by Universal properties like Fast & Furious and Back to the Future. Stuntman: Hollywood is in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The Odyssey "largest screen" IMAX tickets are almost on sale – here's when you can buy them
Tickets for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey" will go on sale on June 4th, with specific times for Pacific, Eastern, and UK audiences. The film will be shown in various formats, including IMAX and 70mm, with some locations already having sold tickets previously, leading to scalping issues. Actor Matt Damon described the filming experience as nostalgic, feeling like a relic of a bygone era in Hollywood filmmaking.
Stuntman: Hollywood Revives a PS2 Fave for PS5, Adds Actual Movie Licenses Like Fast & Furious
Stuntman: Hollywood is a new entry in the Stuntman series, reviving the franchise for PlayStation 5. The game incorporates real-life movie and TV show licenses, including Fast & Furious, Back to the Future, and Knight Rider, allowing players to drive iconic vehicles and perform stunts.
Matt Damon thinks The Odyssey will be the last of its kind, as filmmakers aren't going to get the chance "to shoot movies that way for much longer"
Matt Damon believes Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' may be one of the last of its kind due to the evolving nature of the film industry. He noted the production felt nostalgic, reminiscent of earlier filmmaking styles that are becoming increasingly rare. The film, shot exclusively on IMAX cameras, faced significant logistical challenges across multiple countries.
5 State of Play announcements that stole the stream
Sony's State of Play event showcased several new game announcements and gameplay reveals. Highlights included new footage of Marvel's Wolverine, the stylish multiplayer game Kemuri, the horror sequel Until Dawn 2, the revival of Stuntman: Hollywood, and a new God of War title focusing on Laufey.
After Voicing Toad In The Mario Galaxy Movie, Keegan-Michael Key Is Ready For Something Rated Mature
Actor Keegan-Michael Key, who voiced Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, expressed his enthusiasm for the film's success and his loyalty to Nintendo and Illumination. He is open to future voice acting roles, ideally something drastically different from Toad, and mentioned Mortal Kombat as a potential franchise he'd be interested in.
After Voicing Toad In The Mario Galaxy Movie, Keegan-Michael Key Is Ready For Something Rated Mature
Actor Keegan-Michael Key, who voiced Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, expressed his enthusiasm for the film's success and his loyalty to Nintendo and Illumination. He is open to future voice acting roles, ideally something drastically different from Toad, and mentioned Mortal Kombat as a potential franchise he'd be interested in.
After a bit of a false start The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is absolutely, definitely getting a digital home release next week
Universal has officially announced that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be available for digital download starting May 19th. The film, despite mixed reviews, has achieved commercial success and is the highest-grossing film of the year so far. It will also receive a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release with special features.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Digital, 4K & Blu-ray Release Dates Confirmed
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will be released on digital storefronts on May 19, 2026, in the US, followed by 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases on June 16, 2026. These home video releases will include over an hour of bonus features, such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
