'Stewie' Spinoff Adds Six to Cast, Including Thompson and Bayer

Roku reported a strong third quarter, with sales climbing 24% year over year, according to Variety. The company credited its fastest growth in media and entertainment advertising spending in four years. The results signal that streaming ad budgets are recovering, a positive sign for the broader connected-TV ad market.

A new Japanese animation prize called the Nippon Anime Awards has been announced, with its first ceremony scheduled for November 2027. The award adds a new industry honor for anime, a globally popular entertainment sector.

Veteran publicist Bill Harrison and creative director Johnny Wujek have joined the nonprofit Art of Elysium, which brings arts programs to hospitalized children and other communities in need. The appointments add entertainment-industry expertise to the charity's leadership.

Johnny Depp said he would reprise Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean 6” for one reason: to send the character off on a better note. The remark signals possible openness to returning to the franchise despite his earlier departure. It matters mainly for the franchise’s future and fan interest.

FilmLA has extended lower-priced filming permits for small and independent projects, according to Variety. The move is intended to reduce costs for indie filmmakers and smaller productions using Los Angeles-area locations. It is a modest industry update with limited wider impact.