THIS WEEK’S BANTER

The long-anticipated return of HBO’s Euphoria is officially slated for 2025, with the network bringing it back despite past troubles on set, simmering tensions amongst the artistic team, and creator Sam Levinson’s controversial involvement with another fraught HBO property, The Idol. These issues aren’t stopping HBO from attempting to revive the fan favorite, but will the audience return after such a long hiatus? Streaming platform Peacock is hoping for a similar refresh by offering viewers significant access to the 2024 Olympics… but striking a deal might be a safer bet. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss this week’s potential saving graces. 

Will the hate-watchers save Euphoria? Despite its last new episodes having aired early in 2022, the HBO hit Euphoria continues to stir up drama both on and off set. Production for season three is said to begin in January 2025 with key cast members signed on. Multiple sources are reporting that this will include breakout stars Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and series lead Zendaya. But there is serious doubt the youth-centric hit can be salvaged. Kim Masters’ recent Hollywood Reporter feature dove into the world of creator Sam Levinson as a “sober addict” and his tumultuous relationship with HBO and Zendaya. HBO understandably wants to revive Euphoria, which has brought in up to 14 million viewers and an expanded demographic to the service. But is it worth all the hurdles in the long run?

Levinson is a perpetual hot topic when it comes to creative speculation. “With that much engagement,” says Masters, “you think they can say they hate it and won't watch it, but I kind of guess a lot of them will, or at least [they will] sample.” 

Can Peacock strike gold with the Olympics? Streaming service Peacock is preparing for another shot at reeling in subscribers with the 2024 Olympics in Paris. NBC Universal is capturing seven thousand hours of programming, five thousand of which will be on the streamer. Peacock launched ahead of the 2020 Olympics, but the COVID-19 pandemic and tech issues marred its debut. Will the third time be the charm? “They missed a real opportunity there to give Peacock a boost with the Olympics,” says Belloni. “Now three years later, it's go time.”

Does Peacock need to partner up? “I feel like Peacock is among the smaller streamers that probably need to deal with another player,” says Masters. As the service is losing money and subscribers, the solution may be a merger. NBC Universal does not seem hostile to the proposition. Some potential companies could be Paramount or even Warner Bros., as David Zaslov is looking towards new ventures. It may only be a matter of time.

But wait, there’s more! Get the full scoop on this week’s audio edition of The Banter.

The Bear Season 3 grapples with the ripple effects of addiction

Critics have praised The Bear for its realistic portrayal of the high-stress restaurant world. But it’s also about what alcohol addiction does to families. Mary McNamara, culture columnist and critic for the Los Angeles Times, sits down with Madeleine Brand to discuss. 

Multimedia auteur Noah Hawley stays booked and busy. The creator of FX’s acclaimed Fargo series made his feature film debut with 2019’s Lucy in the Sky and has authored six novels, including Before the Fall and Anthem. He’s also the creator of the surrealist superhero series Legion which ran for three seasons from 2015 to 2017 on FX. Revisit our recent chat with Hawley on The Treatment as he breaks down how fun it is to have Kids in The Hall alum Dave Foley play a villain (among other topics).

Why the TV industry hopes to “Survive until 2025”

The Television Critics Association’s press tour used to involve two weeks of exciting talks with stars, creators, and executives. But this summer’s event was narrowed down to just eight days, a sign of Hollywood’s troubled times. NPR media analyst and TV critic Eric Deggans attended the tour. He explains what he learned about the hardships of trying to work in TV today.

“I talked to a few writers who were pitching projects around town, and they were suspicious that development executives were meeting with them just to say that they’ve met,” Deggans said. “And that it was obvious to everybody in the room that they weren't really going to pick up anything.”

Deggans explains how Hollywood could bounce back next year, and why “Survive until 2025” has become the new mantra for many working in the industry.

For Anyone Who's Ever Been a Teenager — DÌDI
(弟弟) — Now Playing in Select Theaters

In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.
 
Dìdi (弟弟), written and directed by writer/director Sean Wang, is a funny, irreverent, and affecting ode to first-generation teenagers navigating the joy and chaos of adolescence. At its premiere in competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, it received critical and audience acclaim winning both the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
 
“Movie of the summer.” –Comingsoon.net 
 
Dìdi (弟弟) is now playing in select theaters, everywhere August 16th. Get your tickets now at didithefilm.com.

Weekend Film Reviews: Deadpool & Wolverine, Didi, The Fabulous Four, Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger

Buckle up! It’s been six long years since we’ve seen Deadpool but he’s back this weekend and he’s brought a friend… Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman each reprise their respective iconic roles to star in Disney's first R-rated Marvel movie, Deadpool & Wolverine. If quarreling superheroes aren’t your thing, director of the acclaimed documentary Nai Nai and Wai Po — Sean Wang — makes his feature debut with Dìdi (弟弟). The film is a heartfelt coming-of-age dramedy centering a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy navigating the complexities of adolescence. In the mood for more laughs? The Fabulous Four is a raunchy comedy that follows a group of lifelong friends to Key West where they’ll serve as bridesmaids at their college friend’s wedding. It features an ensemble cast of icons including Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Megan Mullally. And for all the film geeks (established or aspiring), there’s Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger — a fascinating documentary exploring the impact of two titans of British cinema, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Made in England is directed by David Hinton and narrated by acclaimed filmmaker/massive cinephile, Martin Scorsese.

Weighing in this week are Shawn Edwards, film critic for FOX4 News in Kansas City and co-founder of the African American Film Critics Association, and Katie Walsh, film reviewer for The Tribune News Service and The Los Angeles Times.