Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse dead at 85: agent

LONDON, United Kingdom  - Dave Prowse, the British actor behind the menacing black mask of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, has died, his agent Thomas Bowington said Sunday.

"It's with great sadness that we have to announce that our client Dave Prowse... passed away yesterday morning at the age of 85," Bowington wrote on Facebook.

"May the force be with him, always!" the agent told the BBC.

Bowington added that Prowse's death was "a truly and deeply heart-wrenching loss for us and millions of fans all over the world".

A former body-builder turned actor, Prowse's towering stature at almost two metres (6.5 feet) clinched him the role of the instantly-recognisable antagonist in the original Star Wars trilogy.

But while he donned the glossy black armour and cape, the Bristol native's strong western English accent meant the filmmakers turned to James Earl Jones for the chilling voice that would emerge from behind the mask.

Prowse nevertheless remained attached to the character, telling AFP in 2013 that he was "the greatest big-screen villain of all time".

Since the original Star Wars trilogy was released in the late 1970s and early 80s, Prowse had travelled the world meeting hardcore fans.

Agence France Presse

Same-sex kiss cut from ‘Skywalker’ Singapore release, say reports

A brief kiss between two women in the new "Star Wars" movie was cut from the version released in Singapore, local media said.

"The Rise of Skywalker", the conclusion to the nine "Star Wars" films that stars Daisy Ridley, was released in the Asian city-state on Thursday.

The film contains a brief scene where two minor female characters share a kiss -- but the moment is omitted in the version screened in Singapore, according to Yahoo Lifestyle SEA.

The news site reported on Friday that the women were seen embracing but not kissing.

A spokesperson from Singapore's media regulatory agency told Yahoo and other local online media that a short scene had been cut from the release, but did not specify which one.

"Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker has been rated PG13 for theatrical release in Singapore," the spokesperson said.

"The applicant has omitted a brief scene which under the Film Classification Guidelines would require a higher rating."

The agency did not immediately respond to an inquiry from AFP.

Under the guidelines, films containing LGBT themes or content as a subplot may be restricted to viewers aged 18 and above, while films focusing on homosexuality may be hit with a 21-and-over age rating.

Although open support for gay rights has grown in recent years, official attitudes towards homosexuality are often highly conservative in Singapore.

Sex between men is remains technically illegal under a colonial-era law, albeit one that is not actively enforced.

The scene in "Rise of Skywalker", the first same-sex kiss in the franchise's history, was hailed as historic by some, but the fleeting moment between two peripheral characters was criticised as tokenism by fans hoping for greater LGBT representation.

Disney did not immediately respond to an inquiry from AFP.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Droid leaks: Why C-3PO walked awkwardly in 'Star Wars'

PARIS, France - Anthony Daniels has been holding something in for 42 years.

You may know Daniels better as C-3PO in "Star Wars", the uptight golden robot with the manners of an English butler.

He has been a "Star Wars" constant since the opening scene of the original movie, or what is now called "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" in the ever-expanding galaxy of sequels, prequels and spin-offs.

And for all that time the English actor has been suffering for his art.

Really suffering.

Fans may have wondered why C-3PO walked so awkwardly.

Now we know. The robot costume was painful to wear and took so long to put on that Daniels wasn't allowed to go to the toilet all day.

"The first day it was horrible," he told AFP in Paris in the build up to the release of what looks like his final bow in "The Rise of Skywalker" on Wednesday.

"No lunch, no bathroom, nothing," said the actor, who used to take two hours to get into his gilded cage.

Over the years, however, things have got better, Daniel conceded. "It is still heavy but I don't have to wear it all day anymore."

And he can put it on in six minutes now.

"There are still issues, however," he admitted. "It's like a suit of armour. I'm sure at Agincourt (the medieval battle at which the English massacred thousands of French knights) the soldiers were going, 'Oh, this armour hurts.'

"But they have done their best," he said.

'I WAS PRETENTIOUS'

Daniels, now 73, is not one to slavishly toe the studio line, complaining last month that he felt his character had been reduced to a "table decoration" in some of the new films.

And back in 1975 when he was first cast as the panicky polymath droid, he was ready to turn his nose up at the part, having come from serious theatre.

"I think I was rather pretentious," Daniels told AFP.

"I thought acting on stage or on television in proper clothes was what I was for.

"When my agent told me about George Lucas, this American science fiction man, I was not interested. But she made me go," laughed the actor, who has just published his autobiography, "I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story".

Luckily, Lucas won him over. "George was a very attractive personality, very quiet, very timid and intelligent. First thing I liked him, then I liked painting the character, then I liked the script," said Daniels, who has since been immortalized in millions of plastic figurines.

The film went on to change cinema history and Daniels's life.

"I was more surprised than anyone on the planet" at the first film's success, he said, thinking that it would be a one-off "curious experience".

"The big surprise was that it was a big success," he said.

But the glory was bittersweet.

IT HAS TO END

"The unfortunate surprise for me was that nobody mentioned I was in the film," even though he was on screen almost exactly as long as Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford.

"I had the biggest part (after Luke Skywalker and Solo) and yet nobody ever interviewed me, to say 'Well done!' or whatever. So that was uncomfortable. But the fact that everybody in the world enjoyed what everyone had done was good," he added.

Daniels long ago became resigned to playing the character that everybody knows -- yet comparatively few people know who he is.

"At the beginning it was difficult. Now a lot of people do know me. But they know me in a very gentle way," he said, sparing him the worst of the curse of celebrity.

"When they meet me, they talk about their childhood and when they saw 'Star Wars', which is sweet."

Even for him, the sheer scale of the franchise is mind-boggling. "It's just so enormous and so worldwide that my brain cannot contemplate it really. It would be like looking at a room full of ball bearings and wanting to count them.

"I know I've done it, but I don't think about it everyday. It's other people that are possibly more excited than I am," he added.

Daniels said he thinks this will be his last "Star Wars" film.

"Because the story could go on forever. But here we go 'Stop!'" he said, clicking his fingers.

"There are other stories to tell, other films to make. But C-3PO probably will not appear in a big movie again. And I think he's OK with that. And I'm OK with that."

That said, "I was a little sad on the last day, because it had been such a good experience. And it came at the end of experiences that have not always been as good. We end on a very high note here. So I feel good about that."

slb-fg/boc

Agence France-Presse

Darth Vader helmet among Hollywood treasures in $10 million auction

LOS ANGELES - Darth Vader's helmet from "The Empire Strikes Back" is among a vast collection of coveted Hollywood treasures going under the hammer next month, with experts predicting it could fetch nearly $500,000.

The mask and helmet is one of only a handful worn by actor David Prowse, who played Luke Skywalker's nemesis and -- spoiler alert -- father on-screen in the 1980 "Star Wars" blockbuster, making them the "holy grail" of science fiction artifacts, according to auction organizers.

"The catalog estimate is $250,000-$450,000, and you never know what something will go for until it crosses the block -- it could well exceed that," said Zach Pogemiller of auctioneer Profiles in History.

"Star Wars is always popular. It's never been hotter than it is right now, with the franchise continuing as strongly as it is."

The "Icons and Legends of Hollywood" sale will take place September 25-26 in Los Angeles, with nearly 1,000 lots together expected to sell for over $10 million.

It will feature items from some of Tinseltown's most iconic movies, ranging from Hollywood's golden age to contemporary action movies and sci-fi.

Up for grabs will be a black-and-white dress worn by Dorothy -- or more specifically, Judy Garland's camera double Barbara Koshay -- in 1939 classic "The Wizard Of Oz," which is estimated to reach up to $500,000.

A prototype moon buggy stolen by James Bond from villain Blofeld's secret lair in "Diamonds Are Forever" will also go under the hammer, with an upper estimate of $600,000.

Among additional items expected to trigger bidding frenzies are a dress worn by Rose (Kate Winslet) in "Titanic", the DeLorean car smashed by a train in "Back to the Future III," and an authentic best picture Oscar statuette from 1948.

"You always hear stories of movie studio personnel who rescued what are now priceless pieces from the dumpster because they were being thrown out," said Pogemiller.

"It's incredible that people really didn't have the foresight until relatively recently to preserve all of these important artifacts that are part of our cultural history."

amz/wd

source: news.abs-cbn.com

‘I am your paw-ther’

Dogs dressed as Darth Vader and Yoda wait outside the San Diego Convention Center during the 2019 Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. This year is the convention’s 50th edition and will see some 135,000 cosplayers, bloggers, and fans come to see upcoming films, TV shows, and comic books. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Star Wars theme park opens at Disneyland

ANAHEIM, United States - Hundreds of Star Wars fans lined up before the crack of dawn on Friday outside Disneyland as the California park opened the doors of a new mega-attraction based on the iconic film series.

The $1 billion theme park, called "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," was open only to lucky visitors who managed to reserve tickets ahead of time that allowed them to roam the new land for a total of 4 hours.

Only those with reservations will be able to visit "Galaxy's Edge" for the first 3 weeks, after which it will be open to the public.

"'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' is absolutely amazing and we are thrilled to finally share it with the world," Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger said at a pre-opening ceremony on Wednesday.

"Now, for the first time, fans will be able to immerse themselves in the iconic stories that have captured audiences' imaginations for decades and live their own Star Wars adventures in the most creative, innovative, and ambitious land we've ever built."

The park features rides, including on the Millennium Falcon, as well as Star Wars characters such as Stormtroopers, the mighty Chewbacca and Rey, a hero of the resistance in the futuristic land of Batuu.

On "Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run," guests will go on a cargo run that features multiple storylines depending on how they pilot Han Solo's beloved spaceship.

'WAITING FOR THE LONGEST TIME'

Star Wars fanatics will also be able to down exotic drinks such as spicy Bloody Rancor or Carbon Freeze at Oga's Cantina or refresh themselves with Blue or Green Milk.

And if they have any money left at the end of the day, they can fork out $200 -- before tax -- to build their own lightsabers at Savi's Workshop or spend nearly $100 for a custom droid.

A similar Star Wars park will also open at Disney World in Florida at the end of August.

Miguel Langarcia, one of the lucky fans who was able to reserve a ticket for the Friday opening in California, said he was over the moon at being among the first to experience the new attraction.

"I had 4 computers open at one time, trying to get a reservation," he told AFP as he entered the park. "I finally got in, so I’m excited to go today."

Joe Kaniwa, another visitor, said he didn't mind the steep entrance price of nearly $150 per-adult given the experience.

"They want to make a lot of money, and they are making money," he said. "But they also want to make people's dream come true.

"Like you can have people from all generations, you know 40-, 50-year-olds, who have been waiting for this for the longest time, and now they can be part of (this) world."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Disney sets dates for next 3 'Star Wars' films from 2022

LOS ANGELES, United States - Following its merger with Fox, Disney on Tuesday sketched out its future plans for 2 of its most towering franchises -- the "Star Wars" saga and "Avatar."

Three new as-yet untitled "Star Wars" films will hit the big screen every other year just before Christmas starting in 2022, the mega-studio announced. 

That means that there could be a 3-year wait between the December release of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," the final film in the original series begun in 1977, and the next big-screen "Star Wars" flick.

Several "Star Wars" projects are in the works, including a trilogy by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators of HBO's "Game of Thrones," and a separate trilogy by "Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson.

A spokeswoman for Disney, contacted by AFP, did not offer additional details about the upcoming scheduled films, which will expand upon the cinematic universe created by George Lucas.

Disney paid $4 billion for Lucasfilm in 2012.

In September last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger admitted after the lackluster performance of "Solo: A Star Wars Story," a one-off film in the franchise, that the "Star Wars" release schedule was too frenetic.

After 6 films in 38 years, from 1977 to 2005, the rhythm had picked up considerably. 

A total of 4 films came in rapid succession, from the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in 2015 to "Solo" in May 2018.

"I made the timing decision, and as I look back, I think the mistake that I made -- I take the blame -- was a little too much, too fast," Iger told The Hollywood Reporter last year.

Meanwhile, the studio pushed back its plans for the next films in director James Cameron's uber-successful "Avatar" franchise -- one of the biggest prizes for Disney in the Fox merger.

"Avatar 2" will come a year later than expected in December 2021, followed by "Avatar 3" in 2023, "Avatar 4" in 2025 and "Avatar 5" in 2027.

"Avatar" remains the top-grossing film of all time, with $2.79 billion in worldwide box office sales, but superhero extravaganza "Avengers: Endgame" is hot on its heels at $2.24 billion and rapidly climbing.

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Pedro Pascal to lead cast of 'Star Wars' series

LOS ANGELES - "Narcos" and "Game of Thrones" star Pedro Pascal is to play the lead in upcoming "Star Wars" TV series "The Mandalorian," Disney said Wednesday, as it builds on the beloved and profitable science fiction franchise.

Penned and produced by Marvel mainstay Jon Favreau, the live-action show will follow Pascal's lone gunfighter, making his way in the outer reaches of the galaxy after the fall of the Empire.

"We're having a great time working with this incredibly talented group and excited for everyone to see what we're up to," said Favreau, whose next big screen project will be Disney's "The Lion King (2019).

Pascal, 43, made his name as the dashing prince Oberyn Martell in "Game of Thrones," and cemented his stardom as drug cop Javier Pena in "Narcos."

The Texas-raised Chilean-American has since broken into the Hollywood mainstream via "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," "The Equalizer 2," and awards season darling "If Beale Street Could Talk."

Other actors announced for the series -- set to debut on Disney's upcoming small screen streaming service -- include Gina Carano ("Deadpool"), Giancarlo Esposito ("Breaking Bad"), Nick Nolte ("Hulk") and acclaimed German filmmaker Werner Herzog.

Directors of individual episodes will include "Thor: Ragnarok" helmer Taika Waititi, "Jurassic World" star Bryce Dallas Howard and Canadian filmmaker Deborah Chow ("Jessica Jones").

"Star Wars" has grown into the most lucrative and influential movie franchise of all time since the original film was released in 1977.

Disney paid creator George Lucas $4 billion for Lucasfilm in 2012, and has already brought out no less than four movies, starting with 2015's "The Force Awakens."

But disappointing box office results for its latest spin-off "Solo: A Star Wars Story" raised questions over whether "Star Wars" fatigue might be setting in, 40 years into a series that once kept respectable three-year gaps between episodes.

On top of "Madalorian," Lucasfilm has announced plans for an Episode IX, two further trilogies by "Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson and "Game of Thrones" showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, a Boba Fett origin story and a possible Obi Wan Kenobi spinoff.

Online reaction to the announcement of Pascal appeared positive, with fans praising Lucasfilm on Twitter for its "excellent choice" of cast.

"ALL IN on a Pedro Pascal Star Wars TV show," said one enthusiast.

"The Mandalorian" will air on Disney+, set to launch in the US in late 2019.

jz/ft

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'Star Wars' costumes sketchbooks seen fetching large sums at auction

LONDON (Reuters) - A sketchbook revealing early costume designs for Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and other “Star Wars” characters is expected to sell for more than 100,000 pounds ($130,000) at auction in London next week.

The colored pencil sketches, drawn by Oscar-winning costume designer John Mollo between 1975 and 1976, closely resemble the final designs used in the original 1977 sci-fi film “Star Wars: A New Hope” by director George Lucas that kicked off lucrative movie and television franchises.

“It is very rare to see anything (like this) come up at auction,” Katherine Schofield from Bonhams auction house told Reuters at a preview on Thursday.

“To have something of this magnitude, of this scale, from the estate of somebody who worked on the film and was so important to the film that he won an Academy Award for it, is really exciting.”

Props and costumes from the multi-billion dollar “Star Wars” movie franchise frequently prove popular at auction. A complete R2-D2 droid used in the 1977 movie sold for $2.76 million last year.

The sketchbook is one of four that Mollo’s family are putting up for auction on Tuesday following his death last year.

Another featuring his designs for the “Star Wars” sequel “The Empire Strikes Back” and also including drawings for films “Alien” and “Zulu Dawn” is expected to fetch more than 80,000 pounds.

The two other books featuring designs for his other works, including “Gandhi”, for which he won a second Academy Award, are expected to fetch around 20,000 pounds each.

Writing by Patrick Johnston; editing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Han Solo jacket fails to sell at movie memorabilia auction in London

LONDON - A jacket worn by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in the Star Wars film "The Empire Strikes Back" failed to sell at a London auction of movie memorabilia on Thursday, the sale's organizers said.

The blue-grey jacket, which was found at a costume house and screen-matched, is the only significant costume piece from the original film trilogy to come to public auction.

The item had a pre-sale estimate price of between 500,000 pounds and 1 million pounds ($660,000 - $1.33 million).

The bidding climbed to 450,000 pounds before stalling.

"Han Solo's jacket ... didn't meet reserve but we've already had a number of post auction enquiries," said the sale's organizer, Prop Store, in a statement.

Collectors had a chance to get their hands on film props and costumes from other films as well, such as "Indiana Jones", "Forrest Gump" and "Back to the Future II".

The London and Los Angeles-based Prop Store put more than 600 lots from some 150 movies and television shows up for sale.

Other Star Wars items - which are among the most sought-after pop culture collectables - include Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Revenge of the Sith" movie, which sold for 110,000 pounds.

The most expensive item at the auction was a fedora hat Ford wore as Indiana Jones in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which sold for 320,000 pounds.

A hoverboard used by Michael J. Fox in "Back to the Future Part II" sold for 30,000 pounds.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Indiana Jones hat fetches over $500,000 at auction

LONDON - Indiana Jones's signature fedora fetched more than half a million dollars at a blockbuster London auction of rare memorabilia from some of the most iconic movies of the past 40 years.

But the star attraction -- the sleek jacket worn by the loveable Star Wars scoundrel Han Solo in "The Empire Strikes Back" -- failed to clear the £500,000 ($665,000, 563,000 euros) reserve and went unsold.

Organizers said they had "a number of post-auction inquiries" about the space-travelling jacket and were hoping to strike a deal in the coming days.

More than 600 costumes and props from much-adored films and television series went under the hammer on the banks of the River Thames.

The memorabilia seller Prop Store has held the annual event since 2014 and expected to collect a record £3.5 million.

That figure might not be initially met with the jacket setback.

Organizers were hoping it would get up to a £1 million. The auction was halted with bids at £450,000 -- just short of the minimum price set by the undisclosed seller.

The jacket oozes cool and appeared in the scene in which Solo dodged asteroids and shot at Darth Vader in "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back".

"It is a relatively simple jacket," said Prop Store's chief operating officer Brandon Alinger.

He said "Star Wars" creator George Lucas wanted workaday-looking clothes rather than flashy costumes that might distract attention.

"There's some very cool stylized elements, like this triple-stitch banding on the sleeves."

HOVERBOARD, WONKA BARS

Ford's fedora in the Indiana Jones franchise debut "Raiders of the Lost Ark" beat Prop Store's expectation to sell for £393,600 ($522,255).

The price includes a buyer's premium paid to the auctioneer. The hat cost £320,000 when the winning bid was placed and the hammer struck.

One of the most recognizable hats in film since Charlie Chaplin's black bowler is signed on the inner sweatband by Ford himself.

The fedora was "sat upon, wrung repeatedly and treated with bleach and dust" ahead of filming to achieve a worn look, according to the auction catalog.

Another hot item is the neon pink and green hoverboard ridden by actor Michael J. Fox's character Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy.

It was sold at the auction price of £30,000 -- the lower end of what Prop Store had hoped.

Items from the "James Bond", "The Godfather", "Harry Potter", "Batman", "Aliens", "Star Trek", "Blade", "Tomb Raider" and "Men in Black" series were also up for grabs.

Other classic movie items sold include the robe worn by Brad Pitt's Tyler Durden character in "Fight Club", a Wonka bar from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and Johnny Depp's unique costume in "Edward Scissorhands".

Prop Store acquires its wares from movie studios, crew members and other collectors around the world.

It is due to announce the amount it raised from the auction on Friday.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Solo' looks to edge past $100M for holiday weekend

LOS ANGELES -- Estimates for "Solo: A Star Wars Story" are continuing to fly low.

Disney and Lucasfilm's "Star Wars" prequel is now looking to make $101 million in North America during its four-day holiday weekend debut. The Han Solo origin film's three-day estimate currently hovers around $83 million.

Tracking earlier this week suggested "Solo" would lift off with $130 million to $150 million. 

The film, directed by Ron Howard, follows Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, who befriends his future co-pilot and Wookie companion Chewbacca, and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Paul Bettany, Joonas Suotamo, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge round out the cast.

"There's a ton of momentum in the box office," Dave Hollis, president of domestic distribution at Disney, said of the trio of recent openings -- "Solo," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Deadpool 2." "There's a wide open landscape for the next handful of weeks." 

Early estimates predicted "Solo" could secure the best Memorial Day weekend opening, but it looks like "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" will continue to hold the crown with its $139.8 million in 2007.

"Solo," the second standalone "Star Wars" anthology film, has fallen far behind 2016's "Rogue One," which landed a three-day weekend opening of $155 million. The most recent installment in the franchise -- "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" -- opened less than six months ago. The second film in "Star Wars'" sequel trilogy debuted with $220 million domestically.

With "Solo" as the only new release of the weekend, the rest of the North American box office will be bolstered by a number of holdovers.

"Deadpool 2" should easily score the second slot, heading for a $42 million three-day sophomore frame and a four-day total of around $54 million. As of Friday, the superhero sequel starring Ryan Reynolds has earned $176.8 million.

The fifth weekend of "Avengers: Infinity War" looks to land in third. The Marvel blockbuster is looking at a $16.9 million three-day estimate, along with a four-day number of $22.1 million.

In fourth should be Paramount's "Book Club." The romantic comedy is aiming for $9.6 million in its second weekend. If its four-day cume reaches $12.3 million, that would put "Book Club's" domestic tally at $34.5 million. "Life of the Party" should round out the top five with around $5 million in its third frame.

"Solo" still boosts the domestic box office 23.1 percent compared to Memorial Day weekend in 2017, according to comScore. Meanwhile, the year-to-date box office continues its positive trajectory with 7.6 percent.

"Despite the fact that 'Solo' performed softer than many had projected, a hugely competitive and crowded marketplace gave the industry one of the better performing Memorial holiday weekend totals," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Tops $1 billion worldwide

LOS ANGELES - Disney-Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" has cleared the $1 billion milestone in worldwide grosses in less than three weeks.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" pulled in $120.4 million globally on the New Year's Eve weekend with $52.4 million at 4,232 domestic venues and $68 million internationally during the Friday-Sunday period.

"The Last Jedi" is now the eighth highest-grossing domestic movie of all time with $517.1 million -- only $15 million behind last year's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" in the seventh spot. On the worldwide chart, it's now 24th with $1.04 billion, edging Universal-Illumination's "Despicable Me 3." The tentpole's international total, currently at $523.2 million, will see a significant jolt when it opens on Jan. 5 in China, its final market.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" has also topped Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," which grossed $504 million in North America, for the top spot among 2017 releases domestically. It's the fourth 2017 title to go past $1 billion worldwide, along with "Beauty and the Beast" at $1.26 billion, "The Fate of the Furious" at $1.24 billion and "Despicable Me 3" at $1.03 billion.

"The Last Jedi" is also winning the domestic weekend box office crown for the third time with $52.4 million, edging Sony's "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," which took in $50.6 million at 3,765 locations for the Friday-Sunday. However, Sony's projection showed the "Jumanji" sequel grossing $16.5 million on New Year's Day on Monday -- well above Disney's forecast of $13.2 million for "The Last Jedi." Should those numbers hold, "Jumanji" would edge "Jedi" over the four-day period with $67 million, winning by $1.4 million.

"Jumanji" has been "The Last Jedi's" biggest competitor by far since it opened on Dec. 20. The action-comedy should wind up with an 11-day domestic total of $186.3 million by the end of Monday. The action-comedy, starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, has a $90 million budget. It's also performed impressively in international markets with $107 million thr0ugh Dec. 28.

"Jedi" and "Jumanji" helped lift the entire domestic box office for 2017 to $11.12 billion, down 2.3% from last year's $11.38 billion and off slightly from 2015's $11.14 billion, according to comScore. The gap for 2017 had been more than 6% at the end of the worst summer in a decade but performances by "It," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Justice League," "Jedi" and "Jumanji" closed most of that margin.

"With another $11 billion plus year on the books, the industry looks ahead to awards season and a 2018 packed with blockbuster titles and a hope for a year slightly less volatile than 2017," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst with comScore. Universal's "Pitch Perfect 3" led the rest of weekend's domestic pack with a projected $22.7 million at 3,468 locations for Friday-Monday, lifting its 11-day total to $69.2 million. The comedy trilogy, starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, took in $13.1 million this weekend from 34 international markets for a foreign total of $28.6 million.

Hugh Jackman's musical drama "The Greatest Showman" is finishing a close fourth with $20.3 million at 3,316 theaters forecasted for the four days. The Fox-Chernin Entertainment title showed the biggest gain in the top 10 movies from the Christmas Eve weekend with an impressive 73% surge. The domestic total should hit $53.8 million through Monday.

Fox's second weekend of "Ferdinand" -- the only film to open on the same weekend as "The Last Jedi" -- followed in fifth with $15.1 million at 3,337 North American venues, giving the animated comedy $57.3 million in 18 days. Disney-Pixar's seventh weekend of "Coco" finished sixth with a projected $8.8 million at 2,845 sites for a domestic total of $181.1 million and $539 million worldwide.

Sony's "All the Money in the World" and Focus Features' "The Darkest Hour" were in a battle for seventh place at about $7.2 million for the four days. "All the Money" opened on Christmas Day as the final wide release of the year at 2,074 locations after director Ridley Scott excised Kevin Spacey's scenes and reshot them with Christopher Plummer as J. Paul Getty, following the early November sexual abuse allegations against Spacey. Its eight-day total will be around $14.4 million.

Awards contender "Darkest Hour," starring Gary Oldman as the 1940 version of Winston Churchill, expanded to 943 venues in its sixth weekend and will have taken in $19.8 million by the end of the weekend. Focus reported strong performance in Washington, D.C./Maryland, Phoenix, Boston, Salt Lake City, and Florida markets.

"'Darkest Hour' is taking America by storm," said distribution chief Lisa Bunnell. "We're seeing audiences coming out in big numbers. It's a movie they found inspiring over the holiday break and the word of mouth gives us a strong outlook for the upcoming weeks."

Matt Damon's comedy-drama "Downsizing" finished ninth with a projected $6 million at 2,664 sites for the four days for Paramount. The 11-day total for "Downsizing," which carries a $65 million budget and was directed by Alexander Payne, should come in around $18.5 million.

Warner Bros.-Alcon Entertainment's second weekend of R-rated comedy "Father Figures" rounded out the top 10 with a projected $5.5 million at 2,902 locations. The 11-day total for the Owen Wilson-Ed Helms vehicle, which has a $25 million price tag, should hit about $14 million.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'The Last Jedi' tops Christmas box office in North America

LOS ANGELES - The force was with Disney as the latest Star Wars movie "The Last Jedi" beat out the competition to top the Christmas weekend box office, according to industry estimates released Sunday.

The eighth installment of the blockbuster space saga topped the charts in North America for a second week, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations, pulling in $68.5 million to rack up total earnings of $365 million since it opened last weekend.

Its triumph echoed last year's Christmas number one, "Star Wars: Rogue One," which told the backstory to the original 1977 hit.

The movie has so far netted $745.4 million worldwide, according to industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian, although the record to beat remains 2009's "Avatar,"
which earned $2.7 billion.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the 2015 predecessor to the "The Last Jedi," made just under $2 billion.

Christmas week is traditionally a time when studios flood the screens with new releases, and the Star Wars epic was trailed by three new films.

In second place was the Dwayne Johnson family adventure "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" which made $34 million for Sony.

"Pitch Perfect 3," which follows the continuing adventures of glee singers the Bellas, led by Anna Kendrick, was in third, earning $20.5 million for Universal.

That was followed by "The Greatest Showman," a musical in which Hugh Jackman plays the legendary circus impresario PT Barnum. That earned $8.6 million over the three-day weekend period.

Animated feature "Ferdinand," the story of a pacifist bull forced to face down the greatest bullfighter in the world, was fifth. It netted weekend receipts of $7 million in the United States and Canada in its second week.

Rounding out the top ten were:

"Coco" ($5.2 million)

"Downsizing" ($4.6 million)

"Darkest Hour" ($4.1 million)

"Father Figures" ($3.2 million)

"The Shape of Water" ($3.1 million)

jh/acb

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'Coco' wins box office as 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' waits in wings

LOS ANGELES -- With anticipation building for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," Disney-Pixar's animated comedy "Coco" handily won its third straight crown at a moderate North American box office with $18.3 million at 3,748 sites.

"Coco" joined "The Hitman's Bodyguard," "Fate of the Furious" and "Split" as 2017 titles to top the domestic box office for three weekends in a row. The major studios have held off on any new openings since the Thanksgiving holiday but that changes on the evening of December 14 when previews start for Disney-Lucasfilm's "The Last Jedi" amid expectations of an opening weekend in the $200-million range.

"Coco," a colorful celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead, showed impressive holding power with a 33% decline from its second weekend to lift its 19-day domestic total to $135.5 million. It's performed similarly to Disney's animated "Moana," which opened at the same time last year and had totaled $144.7 million after three weekends.

There was a single wide opening this weekend with Broad Green Pictures' final movie, "Just Getting Started," showing little traction with moviegoers with $3.2 million at 2,146 locations. "Just Getting Started," a poorly reviewed action comedy starring Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones, wound up in 10th place behind A24's sixth weekend of awards contender "Lady Bird" with $3.5 million at 1,557 venues.

The fourth weekend of Warner Bros.-DC Entertainment's superhero team-up "Justice League" finished with just over half of "Coco" with $9.6 million at 3,508 locations with a 42% decline. "Justice League" has taken in $212.1 million in 24 days and is the 10th biggest movie of 2017 -- but it's also the lowest performer among the five DC Extended Universe movies. "Wonder Woman" had hit $318 million domestically at the 24-day point in June.

"Justice League" has gone past $600 million worldwide with an international total of $401 million. Its performance pushed Warner Bros. past the $5-billion mark worldwide for 2017. The studio announced Sunday that it's become the first studio to cross the $2-billion mark for the year, led by "Wonder Woman" with $412 million and "It" with $327 million.

Lionsgate's third weekend of inspirational drama "Wonder" finished in third place with $8.5 million at 3,519 North American sites with a 35% decline. "Wonder" became the 27th movie of the year to cross the $100-million mark -- and one of the least costly among that group, given its $20 million budget. Production companies on the Jacob Tremblay vehicle are Mandeville Films, Participant Media, Walden Media and TIK Films.

A24's expansion of James Franco's comedy-drama "The Disaster Artist" came in fourth with a solid $6.4 million at 840 venues, up from 19 last weekend. That edged the sixth weekend of Disney-Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok" with $6.3 million at 3,047 sites, which put its domestic total above $300 million. The third Thor movie was a key factor in November's box office staying ahead of the same month last year.

Paramount's fifth weekend of "Daddy's Home 2" finished sixth with $6 million at 3,263 locations, down only 21%, to lift its 31-day total to $91.2 million. The original "Daddy's Home" wound up its domestic run two years ago with $150.4 million.

Fox's fifth frame of "Murder on the Orient Express" followed with $5.1 million at 3,201 sites for a total of $92.7 million. The Kenneth Branagh vehicle, which has a $55-million budget, has been a solid performer internationally with $182 million in grosses outside the U.S.

Sony's fourth weekend of faith-based animated drama "The Star" came in eighth with $3.7 million at 2,976 venues, off only 10%. The film, co-financed by Walden Media and released through the Affirm label, has totaled $32.3 million in 24 days.

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'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' premieres with tribute to late Carrie Fisher

LOS ANGELES -- The galaxy far, far away was brought to life in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday for the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” where the anticipated first screening was dedicated to the franchise’s late star, Carrie Fisher.

“I want to dedicate tonight to Carrie, who is up there right now flipping me the bird, saying ‘Damn it Rian, don’t you dare make this night a solemn tribute,’” the film’s writer-director Rian Johnson said as he introduced the screening.

“So let’s all have a blast tonight for Carrie,” he said.

The film ends with a dedication to Fisher, who plays Princess Leia. The actress died at age 60 last December after completing her work on “The Last Jedi.”

Her character, now known as General Leia Organa, leader of the Resistance, plays a key role in the film.

Walt Disney Co.’s “The Last Jedi,” out in U.S. theaters on December 15, follows 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and picks up with the Resistance fighting off Supreme Leader Snoke’s First Order which is trying to take control of the galaxy.

Rey (Daisy Ridley), meanwhile, tries to convince Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to join the Resistance fight and bring a spark of hope to the rebels against Snoke’s tyrannical rule.

The film explores themes of the battle to find a balance in the Force, the supernatural energy that runs through the fictional “Star Wars” galaxy. Reviews of the film are embargoed until December 12.

The star-studded ensemble cast, including Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis and Hamill, walked the red carpet at the premiere, surrounded by droids and Stormtroopers.

Guests walked into the entrance of the premiere flanked by larger-than-life AT-AT Walker transport vehicles.

Johnson paid tribute to Fisher on the red carpet.

“Once the audience sees her performance in this movie, she's going to be there in all our hearts,” he said. “It's bizarre not having her here tonight. She would be the life of the party.”

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Carrie Fisher autopsy reveals cocaine, ecstasy

Carrie Fisher had a mixture of drugs including cocaine and ecstasy in her system when she suffered a fatal mid-air heart attack, a coroner's report revealed Monday.

The "Star Wars" actress -- who catapulted to stardom as the space epic's rebel warrior Princess Leia -- was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles on December 23 after collapsing on a flight from London and was pronounced dead four days later.

There were quantities of alcohol and opiates in her system, according to the toxicology report, which said the tests suggested "exposure to heroin, but that the dose and time of exposure cannot be pinpointed."

"Therefore we cannot establish the significance of heroin regarding the cause of death in this case," added the report, sent to AFP by the LA County Coroner's office.

The tests revealed the cocaine would have been taken within the previous three days, according to the report, which gave the cause of death as sleep apnea -- a breathing disorder -- and "other undetermined factors" including heart disease and "multiple drug intake."

"My mom battled drug addiction and mental illness her entire life. She ultimately died of it," Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, said in a statement released to celebrity magazine People on Friday.

"She was purposefully open in all of her work about the social stigmas surrounding these diseases."

The star's brother, Todd Fisher, said her battle with drugs and bipolar disorder had "slowly but surely put her health in jeopardy over many, many years."

Fisher's mother, the actress Debbie Reynolds, suffered a fatal stroke the day after her daughter's death.

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Star Wars overtakes Barbie with $5-B US toy sales

NEW YORK - Spiderman, Thor and Princess Leia are ganging up on Barbie in a battle for America's increasingly tech-focused toy industry playground.

Hasbro, long a distant second to Mattel, maker of the iconic Barbie dolls, passed $5 billion in annual revenues for the first time in 2016 and topped its rival in first-quarter sales.

Hasbro's surge is due in large part to snatching Disney's lucrative "Princess" and "Frozen" franchises from Mattel in 2016 in a shift that was announced in 2014.

The company also amassed a large advantage in toys connected to upcoming movie releases including the latest installments in the blockbuster "Transformers," "Thor" and "Spiderman" series.

The movie juggernaut culminates in December with "The Last Jedi," part of the iconic "Star Wars" series, a reliable cash cow, not only because of its cross-generational appeal, but because it features prominent male and female characters.

"They just have blockbuster after blockbuster," Keith Snyder, an equity analyst at CFRA, said about Hasbro.

He noted that smartphones and other technology allow toymakers to monetize the franchises far beyond the limits of old-fashioned action figures.

"They're playing with the 'Star Wars' figures, watching the 'Star Wars' movie, seeing the 'Clone Wars' cartoon and then playing 'Star Wars' on their mobile phone," Snyder said. "Keeping them tied into 'Star Wars' drives more sales."

Mattel's movie-linked offerings, which include "Cars 3" and "Wonder Woman," are fewer and less lucrative, analysts say.

MORE GADGETRY IN TOYS

Hasbro, whose best-known brands include "Play-Doh" and "My Little Pony," also is introducing more toys that incorporate newer gadgetry, such as a Nerf blaster drone that carries a camera and lets kids monitor movements on a screen and fire darts from remote locations.

Another new toy is the "Furreal" a ready-to-assemble puppy robot that permits children to select fur color and bark sound among other commands through a downloaded app.

The toy also incorporates coding programs, another selling-point in today's high-tech market.

"Tech-oriented toys and unplugging are not mutually exclusive," Hasbro president John Frascotti said in response to written questions.

"Our mission is to deliver the world's best play experiences, and that often involves both technology and untethered creative play."

Mattel also has boosted its emphasis on technology, partnering with the ABC broadcast network on a reality competition series in which innovators pitch ideas to a panel of children judges.

And the company introduced digital elements to its best known franchises, which include the "Thomas and Friends" choo choos and "Barbie," now available in about two dozen multi-cultural versions.

Barbie, which had been in a slump a few years back, notched a seven percent rise in sales in 2016 to nearly $1 billion, in a year that included its introduction of three new body types, "petite," "curvy" and "tall."

Mattel signaled an even greater focus on technology in January when it named Google Americas president Margaret Georgiadis as its new chief executive.

The appointment raised expectations that Mattel will introduce more toys that traverse the virtual and real worlds, perhaps by including a free "webisode" or another downloaded item with purchase.

"Analog toys don't have the same staying power as they once did," said Morningstar analyst Jaime Katz. Moving across channels means "people can play with it in the way choose to."

Georgiadis is expected to lay out her strategy for turning Mattel around at a June 14 analyst day in New York. Mattel did not respond to emailed questions or interview requests.

Speculation that Hasbro and Mattel could merge has surfaced from time to time, but analysts do not consider that likely.

The two companies, along with Lego, control about 30 percent of the fragmented US toy market.

SOME WANT TO UNPLUG

While tech-oriented toys are in demand, some of the hottest categories in 2016 were more old-fashioned items, including puzzles and games (up 18 percent from 2015) and outdoor and sports toys (up 10 percent), according to data from the NPD Group.

NPD estimated the US toy market at $26 billion in 2016, about the same as in 2015.

"It goes in ebbs and flows," said Robert Kracinovich, a senior buyer at Learning Express, a chain with about 120 stores in the US.

Kracinovich said board games are now back strong after a weak stretch while active toys have been "terrific" the last four or five years.

The company's core customer is the parent interested in "getting kids to disconnect and have more creative play time," he said.

Analyst Snyder also sees greater demand for old-fashioned toys as a countervailing trend to the tech surge.

"Parents want to share a disconnected experience with their children," Snyder said. "What better way to do that what with a game of Monopoly?"

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WATCH: First trailer for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

MANILA – The first trailer for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is out.

Also known as Episode 8, the film is the second in the current sequel trilogy which started in 2015 with “The Force Awakens.”

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is due for release on December 15.

Watch the trailer

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Hollywood mourns 'Star Wars' icon Carrie Fisher

Co-stars, friends and fans added their voices on Tuesday to a torrent of tributes from Hollywood for "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher, after she died at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack.

The screen icon, who was catapulted to worldwide stardom as rebel warrior Princess Leia in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, was pronounced dead in Los Angeles, four days after collapsing on a transatlantic flight.

Here is a selection of the most notable tributes:

- Family -

"Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop."

- Fisher's mother, the actress Debbie Reynolds

"She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly."

- Simon Halls on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, actress Billie Lourd

- 'Star Wars' -

"Carrie was one-of-a-kind -- brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life bravely... We will all miss her."

- Harrison Ford (Han Solo)

"no words #Devastated"

- Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)

"In 'Star Wars' she was our great and powerful princess -- feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people think... she will be missed by all."

- "Star Wars" creator George Lucas

"I'm deeply saddened at the news of Carrie's passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!"

- Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian)

"I thought I had got what I wanted under the tree. I didn't. In spite of so many thoughts and prayers from so many. I am very, very sad."

- Anthony Daniels (C3PO)

"I am extremely sad to learn of Carrie's passing. She was wonderful to work with. Condolences to her friends, family & fans around the world."

- David Prowse (Darth Vader)

"There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly."

- Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)

- Hollywood -

"I have always stood in awe of Carrie. Her observations always made me laugh and gasp at the same time. She didn't need The Force. She was a force of nature, of loyalty and of friendship. I will miss her very much."

- Veteran director and producer Steven Spielberg

"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished."

- "Star Trek" actor William Shatner

"Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of 'Star Wars' fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally."

- Bob Iger, head of The Walt Disney Company

"Carrie Fisher has passed, she was funnier&smarter than anyone had the right to be. Sail On Silver Girl. Condolences Debbie & Billie R.I.P."

- Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, who co-starred with Fisher in "Soapdish"

"@CarrieFisher was a brilliant writer, actor, and friend. She was so much fun. I can't believe she's gone."

- US talk show host and actress Ellen DeGeneres

"We just lost a great ally for mental health and addiction. Be strong, be as (strong) as she'd want you to be. Rest in paradise."

- Comedian Margaret Cho

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