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More than 1,000 film and television professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, a deal valued at $111 billion. The signatories include high‑profile names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Yorgos Lanthimos, Kristen Stewart, Jane Fonda, and Emma Thompson.The letter, published on BlocktheMerger.com, warns that the merger would undermine the integrity, independence and diversity of the U.S. media sector, consolidating the number of major studios to just four and jeopardising a "vibrant future" for what it calls America’s "single most significant export" – its cultural content.Signatories argue that media consolidation already weakens competition, leading to fewer mid‑budget films, reduced independent distribution, higher production costs and fewer jobs across the ecosystem. They stress that competition is essential for both a healthy economy and a healthy democracy.Among the notable supporters are directors Denis Villeneuve, Boots Riley, Mimi Leder and Nicole Holofcener, as well as TV veterans David Chase, Noah Wyle, Ramy Youssef, Rob Delaney, Jason Bateman and Ted Danson. The letter also praises California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state officials for scrutinising the deal.Paramount CEO David Ellison, who outbid Netflix for Warner Bros, claims the merger will boost creative output, pledging to release 30 theatrical titles annually and invest in both studios. Critics, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the Ellisons’ political ties and the risk of fewer politically‑engaged films.Recent accolades underscore the stakes: Warner Bros productions captured a record 11 Oscars in March, while Paramount films earned no nominations. The industry fears that the combined entity could further diminish quality and lead to significant job losses.Paramount has responded with a statement emphasizing that the transaction will “create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale—while strengthening competition.” The letter’s authors remain unconvinced, urging regulators to block the merger to preserve competition, protect jobs, and safeguard the cultural export that defines American cinema.

Euphoria's third season has been a long-awaited return, but unfortunately, it's absolutely not worth the wait. The show's creator, Sam Levinson, has taken a darker and more desperate approach, focusing on the characters' bleak lives and struggles with sex work, drugs, and trauma.The season picks up five years after the end of season two, with recovering addict Rue (Zendaya) drawn into the world of drug dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly). Her life as a mule between Mexico and the US is depicted in gritty and intense cinematic sequences, drawing on westerns and blaxploitation.Meanwhile, Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) is on the cusp of trad wifedom with toxic jock Nate (Jacob Elordi), but their relationship is marred by Nate's crumbling business and Cassie's OnlyFans content. The show's handling of her cam girl ambitions feels bafflingly dated and voyeuristic.The performances are mostly good, with standout performances from Zendaya, Sweeney, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. However, the show's grim and humorless tone makes it feel like a chore to watch.Levinson's approach to exploring the devastating impact of synthetic opioids on ordinary Americans feels heavy-handed and desperate. The show's focus on brainrot bimbo-ism and male perversion also detracts from its once unapologetically queer heart.Overall, Euphoria season three is a disappointing and grubby addition to the series, feeling like a contractual obligation rather than a passion project.

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly working on an AI version of its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. This AI clone is being trained on Zuckerberg's mannerisms, tone, and public statements to allow employees to interact with a digital version of their boss.The rationale behind this project is to make Meta's 79,000 employees feel more connected to one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley. The AI character will be developed using images and the voice of Zuckerberg, with the CEO reportedly taking part in the training process.This move is part of Meta's broader effort to integrate AI into its business operations. The company aims to use AI to lower costs and accelerate work pace. Zuckerberg has emphasized the importance of efficiency, stating that the goal is to 'get more done' by elevating individual contributors and flattening teams.The development of this AI character follows Meta's previous experiments with digital avatars. In 2022, Zuckerberg shared his own avatar in the metaverse, which received public criticism for its graphic quality. The company has since scaled back its metaverse vision, focusing on AI-generated 3D characters for everyday conversations.Meta's investment in AI is part of a larger strategy to remain competitive with tech rivals. The company is pouring billions of dollars into AI research to create 'superintelligence,' a system capable of performing any cognitive task far better than a human.

Sam Neill, the veteran actor celebrated for his memorable performances on screen, is set to answer readers' questions in an upcoming interview with The Guardian. Neill's iconic roles include his portrayal in Jurassic Park, where he famously removes his sunglasses and gazes at a towering Brachiosaurus, a scene that has become etched in cinematic history.Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill's diverse filmography showcases his versatility as an actor. He has appeared in a range of films, from period dramas like My Brilliant Career to thrillers such as Dead Calm, which is set to be released in 4K later this year. His recent projects include Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, alongside Kaitlyn Dever and Matthew Modine.Neill's career has been marked by his ability to take on idiosyncratic, director-led projects, often playing characters with a unique blend of gruffness and warmth. His performances in Sweet Country and Rams have been particularly noted for their depth and nuance.In addition to his film work, Neill has also made headlines for his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, in which he openly discusses his experience with stage-three blood cancer and his journey towards remission. When asked about his mortality, Neill expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me”.Readers are invited to post their questions for Sam Neill by 6pm BST, Thursday 16 April, and The Guardian will publish his answers in their reader interview series. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to engage with one of cinema's most beloved actors and gain insight into his life and career.

Rachel Zegler has hailed the accessibility of Evita's free balcony scene, which became a landmark moment for London sightseers during the show's run last summer. The scene, which featured Zegler performing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from the balcony of the London Palladium to crowds gathered on the street below, was a groundbreaking moment in theatre. At the Olivier awards on Sunday night, Zegler delivered the song again – this time on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall – and took home the award for best actress in a musical. Host Nick Mohammed noted that Zegler had become 'a new landmark for London sightseers' during Evita's run, allowing people who hadn't bought a ticket to watch the performance live for free on a giant screen. Zegler described Evita's director, Jamie Lloyd, as a 'genius' for staging the scene in such a way, giving 'a piece of theatre, just in the street' to young people who may not be able to afford West End ticket prices. 'It's so beautiful that Jamie Lloyd made such an accessible moment of theatre for people to walk by and witness something really, really cool,' she said. The actor, whose musical films include West Side Story and Snow White, praised Londoners for making her feel welcome and described those who had waited outside to watch the balcony scene as being 'so giving with their energy and love'. Zegler also acknowledged the difficulty of replicating the balcony scene, but she and Andrew Lloyd Webber have spoken of their hope that Evita will transfer to Broadway. Evita picked up two awards from five nominations at the Olivier awards, with choreographer Fabian Aloise also recognised for his work. The show was beaten to the prize for best musical revival by Into the Woods at the Bridge theatre.

Britney Spears, one of the most iconic pop artists in US history, has taken a significant step towards recovery by voluntarily entering a rehabilitation centre after her arrest in March for driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest occurred in Ventura County, California, where Spears was stopped by police for driving erratically. The tests revealed the presence of drugs and alcohol in her system, leading to her brief detention. Her manager at the time described her actions as 'completely inexcusable' and emphasized that Spears would take the necessary steps to comply with the law and make overdue changes in her life. This recent development marks another chapter in Spears' journey, which has seen her step back from her music career in recent years. Her last album was released in 2016, and her most recent chart success was in 2022 with 'Hold Me Closer,' a collaboration with Elton John that reached the US and UK Top 10. In 2024, Spears expressed her intention to never return to the music industry, stating a preference for ghostwriting for other artists. Additionally, in January, she mentioned that she would never perform again in the US, though she hoped to perform in the UK and Australia. Spears has also made headlines with her memoir, 'The Woman in Me,' published in 2023, which is currently being adapted for the big screen. Her career has not been without challenges, including a conservatorship arrangement in 2008 that lasted until 2021, which significantly impacted her personal and financial independence. Spears' decision to seek rehab is seen as a proactive step towards addressing her challenges and regaining control over her life. The journey ahead will likely be closely followed by her fans and the media, given her status as a cultural icon.

Experts are closely monitoring climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean, which indicate a high chance of El Niño developing this summer. A strong El Niño event could lead to severe weather conditions, including super-charged rainstorms and droughts, depending on the region. A 'super El Niño' could push 2027 to break global heat records, according to climate scientists. This phenomenon occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean warm up, leading to significant impacts on global weather patterns. El Niño is characterized by warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It's one of three states scientists observe: La Niña, conversely, happens when sea surface temperatures are below average, and neutral conditions are defined when neither El Niño or La Niña are present and surface temperatures are about average. The 'El Niño-southern oscillation' (Enso) tends to develop during spring in the northern hemisphere and shifts every three to seven years. Warming and cooling at sea surface during El Niño and La Niña can range from 1C to 3C, and have enormous effects on precipitation, drought, heat, and climate disasters in different regions. Conditions are currently shifting from La Niña to a neutral pattern, according to the latest outlook from the US Climate Prediction Center. Models show a 62% chance El Niño will emerge this summer and linger until at least the end of the year. A super El Niño that occurred in 2015 brought severe drought in Ethiopia, water supply shortages in Puerto Rico, and smashed records after unleashing a vicious hurricane season in the central North Pacific. A 'super' El Niño means one that is stronger, typically defined by sea surface temperatures spiking up to at least 2C. Noaa scientists have given a 1 in 4 chance that this could happen by fall or winter, with the caveat that spring forecasts are sometimes muddled. Transitions in conditions that happen in the spring can make outcomes a bit harder to predict. Experts warn that a strong or super El Niño could lead to drought and heat across Australia, southern and central Africa, India, and parts of South America. Heavy precipitation, meanwhile, could hit the southern tier of the US, parts of the Middle East, and south-central Asia.

The highly anticipated third and final season of Euphoria premieres on Monday at 9pm on Sky Atlantic. The series, created by Sam Levinson, follows the lives of a group of high school students as they navigate love, friendship, and identity.The new season stars Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney, who have all become major Hollywood stars since the show's debut. The story picks up five years after high school, with the characters now in their early 20s. Previews are scarce, but it's known that Cassie and Nate are married, Jules is in art school and is a 'sugar baby', and Rue is involved in some shady business in Mexico.Other TV shows airing tonight include Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me on BBC Two, Great Japanese Railway Journeys on BBC Two, Missed Call on Channel 5, Charmain and the Prophet on BBC Two, and DTF St Louis on Sky Atlantic.

In the quiet town of Iseyin, about 200 km north‑west of Lagos, shaded courtyards and narrow lanes have become the beating heart of Nigeria’s iconic aso‑oke textile industry. Under makeshift sheds, weavers operate wooden looms that have remained largely unchanged for generations. Recent years have seen a surge in demand for the thick, multicoloured fabric, driven by the Nigerian diaspora and an expanding international appetite for African fashion. Yet the craftsmen and women of Iseyin staunchly oppose the introduction of machines, arguing that the hand‑woven process is essential to the cloth’s distinctive texture and cultural value. The craft now serves as an economic lifeline. Young Nigerians—including university graduates—are flocking to Iseyin to learn the trade, attracted by the promise of a steady income. One such convert, Waliu Fransisco, abandoned a career as a Lagos nightclub singer a decade ago to master the loom. At 34, he says, “I now earn a decent living from weaving aso‑oke and I’m satisfied.” Aso‑oke, literally meaning “cloth from the up‑country,” has become a staple in Nigeria’s fashion scene, appearing in ceremonial attire, contemporary streetwear, and even high‑profile outfits such as the wrapper and shawl worn by Meghan Markle during her 2024 visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry. Traditionally, the fabric was produced from locally sourced cotton or silk, with threads hand‑spun, dyed, and woven in limited colour palettes. Today, most weavers use loom‑ready yarns imported primarily from China, allowing for a broader spectrum of hues while preserving the labor‑intensive hand‑weaving technique. Each loom requires meticulous arrangement of narrow, tightly patterned strips that are later sewn together to form the wider cloth used for garments and accessories. “This is what Iseyin is known for,” says 35‑year‑old weaver Kareem Adeola, echoing the sentiment of a community that views the craft as a direct inheritance from its forebears. As global fashion houses and consumers continue to seek authentic African textiles, the artisans of Iseyin stand at the crossroads of tradition and market opportunity, proving that cultural heritage can thrive alongside modern demand.