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Tag: Warner Bros.

  • Mumbai Comic Con 2025 becomes hotspot for next-gen brand engagement

    Mumbai Comic Con 2025 becomes hotspot for next-gen brand engagement

    MUMBAI: The Maruti Suzuki Arena Mumbai Comic Con powered by Crunchyroll is all set to wrap up Comic Con India’s 2025 calendar with a spectacular finale doubling down as not just a fan haven, but a magnet for brand activations aimed at India’s fast-evolving youth economy.

    Far beyond cosplay and comic book revelry, Mumbai Comic Con has become a high-energy arena where brands meet fans through immersive experiences, tech-forward showcases, and culturally-tuned content drops. From global entertainment giants like Warner Bros., Disney, Crunchyroll, and Bandai Namco, to tech brands like Lenovo and Logitech, the event is brimming with innovation.

    Automotive brands like Maruti Suzuki Arena and Yamaha Racing have built interactive, speed-inspired installations, while publishers like Penguin Random House India and Disney Licensing are leveraging the space to showcase collectables and fandom favourites.

    A standout activation this year is by Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water, the official hydration partner. Their Cricket Gaming Zone at the Nodwin Gaming Arena offers fans a hybrid experience of mobile, console, and VR cricket perfectly aligned with India’s cricket fever.

    Comic Con Mumbai 2025 also premieres the Indie Game Utsav, spotlighting India’s homegrown game development talent, alongside It’s A Girl Thing a zone dedicated to diversity, self-expression, and community empowerment.

    As the final chapter of this year’s Comic Con India journey, Mumbai is proving to be more than a fan event it’s where pop culture meets purpose, and brands truly plug in to the pulse of young India.

  • Sony Pictures snags Levine, Hartbeat’s Ex-CEO, for strategic push

    Sony Pictures snags Levine, Hartbeat’s Ex-CEO, for strategic push

    MUMBAI:  Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has recruited  Jay Levine, former CEO of Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat media company, to serve as executive vice president, chief strategy officer and business operations. Levine will report directly to SPE president and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, and will spearhead the company’s strategic growth initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions.

    Levine, who joined Hartbeat in early 2024, made a splash by producing the Emmy-nominated Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady for Netflix and “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” for Peacock. He also renegotiated key partnerships with industry giants like Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Sirius XM.

    Prior to Hartbeat, Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia, where he held various senior leadership roles, including leading business operations and strategy for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks group. His extensive background also includes stints at Disney and ESPN.

    Ahuja lauded Levine’s “deep expertise and great reputation,” adding that his “collaborative spirit” would be invaluable for Sony’s growth. Levine, in response, expressed his eagerness to “advance the company’s opportunities for expansion and growth given the evolving media landscape.”

    This move signals Sony Pictures’ aggressive pursuit of growth and innovation in the increasingly competitive entertainment industry.

  • Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    MUMBAI: Netflix India has pulled off a marketing coup by featuring former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an unexpected and humorous role for its latest original series, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. The promotional campaign, crafted in collaboration with Trailer Park Group, Netflix’s creative agency for the series, blends nostalgia and entertainment to captivate audiences across India.

    Trailer Park Group has ingeniously woven Ganguly’s charismatic persona and cricketing legacy into the promo, delivering a light-hearted yet engaging narrative. The film opens with Ganguly interrupting a scene on the set of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, eager to take on the role of a tough police officer. Initially struggling to embody the fierce aggression required, he finds his rhythm by channelling memories of his fiery cricketing moments, particularly his rivalry with Greg Chappell. The scene unfolds with comedic brilliance, as Ganguly jokingly suggests using his signature cricket strokes the cover drive, cut, and pull with a police baton to take down criminals, all while reaffirming his famed preference for the off-side.

    “Integrating Dada’s dynamic presence into the campaign brought authenticity and excitement to the storytelling. This collaboration allowed us to blend nostalgia with humour, creating a moment that truly resonates with audiences.” White Turtle Studios executive director and co-founder Ankit Bhatia.

    “Working with Netflix India on the creative strategy for this series has been a thrilling experience. At Trailer Park Group, we strive to push creative boundaries and build deep audience connections through powerful storytelling.” Trailer Park Group Asia-Pacific (APAC) managing director Tamagna Ghosh.

    Renowned for delivering iconic campaigns across OTT, cinema, gaming, music, and sports, Trailer Park Group has previously worked with major platforms such as Prime Video, Warner Bros., Universal, and Peacock.

    Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter promises an intense and gripping narrative. The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Chitrangda Singh. A sequel to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), the crime thriller is set to premiere on 20 March 2025 on Netflix.

  • Kickstart 2025 with a bang! Warner Bros. brings a whirlwind of fun for kids

    Kickstart 2025 with a bang! Warner Bros. brings a whirlwind of fun for kids

    MUMBAI: The countdown is over, and 2025 has arrived!

    While the grown-ups toasted their way into the new year, it’s time for kids to celebrate in their style—fun, laughter, and edge-of-your-seat adventures.

    And guess what? Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids’ channels—Cartoon Network, Pogo, and Discovery Kids—are here to turn January into a rollercoaster of excitement!

    Kids be ready (Adults too! we don’t judge) for a month packed with action, humour, and stories that will make your imagination soar. Because 2025 isn’t just about starting a new year—it’s about starting it your way, with the coolest lineup of shows that make every day an adventure.

    So, grab the popcorn, turn up the volume, and let Cartoon Network, Pogo, and Discovery Kids set the stage for your best year yet!

    This January, it’s all about kids. It’s all about fun.

    Cartoon Network starts the year with the return of Lamput on 11-12 January at 10 am, featuring new episodes of the mischievous, shape-shifting troublemaker outwitting the persistent scientists.

    1    Bandbudh aur Budbak introduces fresh episodes every Monday to Friday at 7 pm, following the hilarious antics of Badrinath and Budhdeb.

    2    The thrilling Bionic Max premieres on 13 January, with daily episodes at 9:30 am, spotlighting Max, the bionic guinea pig, and Jean-Claude, his loyal fish friend, navigating urban challenges.

    3    Fans of high-seas adventures can join Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece East Blue, airing every Sunday at 1 pm, as they chase the legendary One Piece treasure.

    Pogo takes viewers on mythical journeys, starting with the Chhota Bheem Big Picture: Mahashaitan – The Rise of Dark World trilogy. The three-part special airs every Sunday from 5-19 January, bringing action-packed episodes as Bheem battles to stop Mahashaitan’s dark forces.

    On 26 January, Little Singham: amrit ke Rakhwale premieres, featuring Little Singham and his team fighting to protect the sacred amrit of Garuda. Packed with suspense, the story follows Little Singham teaming up with Gari, an injured eagle warrior, to save the day.

    Discovery Kids kicks off the year with the Zamana Titoo Ka movie premiering on 26 January at 12:30 pm. Titoo, the brave protagonist, embarks on an electrifying journey to stop the sinister Tornado from turning humanity into machines.

    1    Fans can also enjoy daily episodes of Titoo at 12:30 pm and 8:30 pm, featuring more exciting adventures with Titoo and his futuristic robot companion.

    January promises an unmatched entertainment experience for kids as Cartoon Network, Pogo, and Discovery Kids deliver a mix of humour, action, and heartwarming moments. Whether it’s Lamput’s escapades, Chhota Bheem’s battles, or Titoo’s adventures, young viewers are in for an epic treat.

  • Warner Bros. World Yas Island unveils branded aircraft with Etihad Airways partnership

    Warner Bros. World Yas Island unveils branded aircraft with Etihad Airways partnership

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s indoor theme park, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking extension to its partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a monumental milestone in the theme park’s history. This exciting collaboration will bring the excitement of Warner Bros. World to the skies with the launch of the world’s first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft, taking guests’ pre-theme park experience to new heights.

    The first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft was unveiled to the public on July 25 at a spectacular launch event held at Warner Bros. World. This reveal event was a grand celebration of creativity, fun and innovation, showcasing the unique partnership and setting the stage for an extraordinary journey.

    The partnership between Warner Bros. World and Etihad Airways represents the largest collaboration for the theme park to date. As part of this captivating initiative, an Etihad Airways aircraft – Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – has been creatively wrapped with iconic Warner Bros. characters. On one side, guests will be greeted by the mischievous antics of iconic classic animation characters like the Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, while the other side showcases the heroic feats of beloved DC Super Heroes.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership,  Miral group CEO  Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi said: “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Etihad Airways to bring the first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft to fans. This collaboration not only expands the customer experience but also extends the thrill of Warner Bros. World™ beyond our park’s walls, creating a super vacation with long-lasting unforgettable memories for passengers of all ages.”

    Adding to this, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros. World to the next level. Our Looney Tunes and DC Super Hero-themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabi’s many attractions. We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors inspired to visit our home, Abu Dhabi, and in particular, delighting our Little VIP guests while they journey with us.”

    What’s more, all young guests aged up to 10 years old, flying on Etihad Airways longer flights will receive brand new Warner Bros. World Kids Packs that are being rolled out across the network this summer. Bursting with creativity, these packs are designed to entertain young travellers with activities that inspire them to draw their favourite superheroes and engage in a variety of fun tasks throughout the flight, ensuring every moment is packed with adventure. Infants will receive a DC Super Hero-themed soft blanket, while juniors will receive goodies such as a branded backpack, Super Hero cape, water bottle and activity kit.

    Adding to the excitement, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will also debut an exclusively branded, dedicated children’s lounge within the Etihad Airways Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This whimsical lounge will transport travellers into the incredible universe of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the wit of the park to the airport, making every journey as delightful as a visit to the theme park itself.

     

     

  • Medusa Beverages and Warner Bros. launch House of the Dragon exclusive edition

    Medusa Beverages and Warner Bros. launch House of the Dragon exclusive edition

    Mumbai: Medusa Beverages, the home-grown beer brand, and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products partner to unveil the exclusive ‘House of the Dragon’ inspired edition. This collaboration seamlessly merges Medusa’s brewing expertise with the captivating world of the acclaimed HBO Original drama series. Drawing inspiration from House of the Dragon, this innovative partnership captures the fiery essence of dragon fire and the bold, adventurous spirit of Medusa.

    Crafted in celebration of the series’ return, this limited-edition collection pioneers India’s beverage market, promising an unforgettable experience for fans and enthusiasts. Each brew in the collector’s series features exclusive, limited-edition cans that reflect the series’ dramatic landscapes, from scorching infernos to icy realms, embodying pivotal elements of House of the Dragon’s epic narrative.

    Medusa Beer founder & CEO Avneet Singh expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to unveil the exclusive House of the Dragon-inspired limited-edition cans. This collaboration epitomizes the rich tradition, bold innovation, and epic storytelling that define both our brand and the iconic series.”

    Fans can expect a wealth of rewards, including bespoke merchandise and exciting giveaways celebrating the collaboration, where the House of the Dragon-inspired limited-edition collection will debut later this month.

  • Yas Island’s CIO Ryan Reynolds opens Warner Bros world to public

    Yas Island’s CIO Ryan Reynolds opens Warner Bros world to public

    Mumbai: Step into the spotlight with Yas Island’s chief island officer (CIO), Ryan Reynolds, as he embarks on a journey like no other at Warner Bros world Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

    Offering an exclusive sneak peek into his many adventures, Reynolds invites the public into the enchanting world of Warner Bros characters.,  where Reynolds isn’t just rubbing elbows with any old characters; he’s mingling with the A-listers of the animated world! As he finds himself face-to-face with iconic superheroes, trading quips with The Flash, arm wrestling with Superman and sharing an uncomfortable ride with The Joker, who looks positively gleeful at the prospect of mischief, the chief island officer can’t help but feel a tad uncomfortable. But hey, when you’re in the world of Warner Bros. World, anything goes!

    In a delightful twist, Reynolds finds himself in a hilarious mix-up when a young fan requests a photo, only to discover that the fan isn’t clamoring for a shot with him but with none other than Lola Bunny herself—his childhood crush incarnate. It’s a lighthearted reminder that on Yas Island, everyone is treated like a celebrity, and every moment is filled with magic.

    Reflecting on the unique privilege of his role, Reynolds remarked, “It’s a privilege no one else gets,” before quickly adding, “Some people get, everyone gets it,” reminding everyone that on Yas Island, everybody is a star. #RollLikeRyan and embrace every adventure because here, everyone is part of the excitement.

  • Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Mumbai: While India makes waves at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, it was announced on Friday (26 April 2024) in a statement by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events that Daniela Völker’s much-talked-about documentary The Commandant’s Shadow is set to release in 500 theatres across the U.S. on May 29, 2024, with an encore presentation the following day.

    A little-known fact is that this hard-hitting documentary also boasts a strong Indian connection, with noted creative head and entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup serving as Executive producer on the documentary film.

    Speaking about this Kurup said, “It is a proud moment for us at Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios to be able to back The Commandant’s Shadow, a story that deserves telling, and we are happy to see it reach a wide audience with its upcoming release in the US.”

    “For me personally, I am happy that the dream I set out to achieve, to back content that builds legacy, is one step closer. I am positive this will be the first of many such landmarks from Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios” he added.

    The Commandant’s Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, son of Auschwitz’s Commandant Rudolf Höss, confronting his father’s terrible legacy for the first time and as he is introduced to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a Jewish survivor of the camp. Their historic meeting, eight decades later, in Anita’s London living room, alongside their children Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, delves into their very different hereditary burdens and raises questions about love, guilt, and forgiveness. This feature-length documentary explores the trans-generational impact of war crimes, yet ultimately offers a story of hope, acceptance, and compassion.

    The documentary film is written, produced and directed by Daniela Völker and produced by Gloria Abramoff, with Wendy Robbins, Neil Blair, Jonathan Blair, Matti Leshem, Joel Greenberg, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Sajan Raj Kurup, Jani Guest and Jamie Jessop serving as executive producers. Völker’s creative team includes directors of photography Rob Goldie and Piotr Trela, editor Claire Guillon, and music composer Gabriel Chwojnik.

    Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with HBO Documentary Films, A Snowstorm Productions / Creators Inc. Production, In Association with New Mandate Films, A Film By Daniela Völker, “The Commandant’s Shadow.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and is rated PG-13 for thematic content involving the Holocaust, some disturbing images, and smoking.

  • JioCinema’s Toontastic Winter Carnival: 24 new shows for kids & family

    JioCinema’s Toontastic Winter Carnival: 24 new shows for kids & family

    Mumbai: Following its recent foray into kids’ entertainment, JioCinema is further set to elevate the entertainment quotient for its young viewers and their families with its latest campaign ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’ to welcome 2024. Promising to make this holiday season the biggest-ever carnival and unforgettable for everyone, the festival brings a blockbuster lineup of 24 new shows, providing more than 300 hours of engaging content.

    As a part of this, JioCinema will drop new titles every day, presenting a diverse mix of homegrown and international releases from the kids’ network content of Viacom18 Nickelodeon, as well as globally renowned studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount. Encompassing various genres like action, comedy, and adventure for kids, teens, and parents alike, the extravaganza includes many first-time debuts on JioCinema and will feature popular homegrown IPs – Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family and The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj, along with shows – Shimmer And Shine, Paw Patrol, Avatar : The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness, The Penguins Of Madagascar, Top Wing, Dora The Explorer, The Legend Of Korra. That’s not all! The carnival will also premiere global hits like Tom & Jerry, Samurai Jack, Karadi Tales, Geronimo Stilton, Teen Titans Go, Ben 10, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Zig & Sharko, Steven Universe, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Wacky Races, Chowder and Megas XLR.

     

    Elevating the interactive experience for digital natives, JioCinema is pulling out all the stops with a watch-and-win experience ‘Khelo, Dekho, aur Jeeto’ contest, adding an engaging touch to the campaign. Ushering in 2024, JioCinema continues to set the benchmark for unparalleled viewing experience with one of its biggest rollouts of new shows. With the recently added ‘Kids and Family Hub’ offering and the launch of ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’, the platform aims to create a delightful experience for young audiences and their families.

    Create unforgettable family moments this holiday season with JioCinema! Dive into a world of enchanting shows and movies, making every moment a magical adventure for kids and families alike!

     

  • Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount Global are into talk for merger – Sources

    Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount Global are into talk for merger – Sources

    Mumbai: Us-based International conglomerates Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount global chiefs met on Wednesday, sources told Reuters. Both companies attributed to making international content are planning to collaborate for upcoming potential projects. For that purpose, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav met Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish allegedly on Wednesday.

    Still, it is not clear that Warner Bros may buy Paramount Global or its parent company ‘ National Amusements Inc ‘(NAI) as per sources speak to the news agency Reuters. According to the Axis report talks between both conglomerates are in the initial stage, so talks have not converted yet into a deal. Paramount is under the management of Shari Redstone led media which owns 77 per cent stakes in Paramount class A.

    In April last year, Warmers Media unit and Discovery merged and formed Warner Bros Discovery, a portfolio that included Discovery Channel, Warner Bros. Entertainment CNN, HBO, Cartoon Network streaming services Discovery+, HBO Max, and franchises such as Batman and Harry Potter. Earlier Bloomberg News reported Paramount was in talks to sell its Black Entertainment Television network to a management-led investor group.

    As per the Bloomberg report old media companies struggle with the transition to streaming. Both companies can collaborate to build infrastructure for film studios and TV networks. If these two media merged it could become the largest media house other than Disney.