Brooks Barnes
Brooks Barnes is a New York Times reporter covering all things Hollywood. He lives in Los Angeles. His coverage focuses on Hollywood companies, with a particular emphasis on Disney and its various divisions, including movies, theme parks, and streaming services. He also covers movie theaters and major industry events such as the Oscars. In addition to reporting on current events in the entertainment industry, Barnes investigates issues related to misconduct within the industry. He has been covering show business for over 20 years and has worked at The Wall Street Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer prior to joining The New York Times in 2007. Barnes holds undergraduate degrees in journalism and English from Marquette University in Wisconsin, as well as a graduate degree in cultural reporting and criticism from New York University. He adheres to strict journalistic ethics, protecting confidential sources and ensuring fairness in his reporting. Barnes does not accept gifts or money from individuals who may be the subject of his reporting and refrains from participating in politics or making political donations.
85%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
85%
Examples:
- The author has a slight lean towards the actors' perspective in one article, emphasizing their grievances and demands.
- The author seems to have a neutral stance in most of the articles provided.
Conflicts of Interest
88%
Examples:
- Disney has reached a deal with Taylor Swift to bring her concert movie to streaming. However, according to sources, there was no such agreement.
- No film by Nolan has ever been named best picture. He received his second nomination for directing on Tuesday, the first coming in 2018 for his complex Dunkirk.
Contradictions
90%
Examples:
- 13.6 million people bought tickets to see Deadpool & Wolverine, on par with last year’s Barbie which was rated PG-13.
- Deadpool & Wolverine movie sold roughly $205 million in tickets in the US and Canada over the weekend.
- It is the first R-rated film released by Disney, as Marvel Studios acquired the franchise after Disney absorbed 20th Century Fox.
Deceptions
85%
Examples:
- Fans already know what ultimately happens later in the story, making it hard for studio marketers to generate excitement, and prequels often lack the stars who helped make the franchises popular in the first place.
- The dread-infused prequel A Quiet Place: Day One also struck a stronger-than-expected ticket sales.
Recent Articles
Deadpool & Wolverine's Record-Breaking Collaboration: Shattering Box Office Records with $205 Million Debut
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024The Deadpool & Wolverine collaboration sets a new box office record with an estimated $205 million domestic sales, becoming the biggest launch for an R-rated film. Irreverent humor, unique appeal of Deadpool, addition of Wolverine, and Disney's distribution efforts contributed to its success. 
Paramount Global and Skydance Media Announce Merger: A New Era for Paramount Pictures, CBS, and More
Broke On: Tuesday, 09 July 2024Paramount Global and Skydance Media are merging, with David Ellison's Skydance acquiring Shari Redstone's majority stake in National Amusements, securing control of Paramount Pictures, CBS, and cable channels like Nickelodeon. The $6 billion deal includes Oracle founder Larry Ellison's family investment and is expected to result in a change of leadership at Paramount Global. The merger comes amidst the rise of streaming services like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix. 
Mixed Reviews and Box Office Challenges for Kevin Costner's Self-Financed Film 'Horizon: An American Saga'
Broke On: Monday, 01 July 2024Kevin Costner's self-financed film 'Horizon: An American Saga' premiered at Cannes but faced mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, earning $12 million in its opening weekend. With a reported production cost of $38 million and marketing expenses, the movie needs to make over $65 million domestically to recoup costs. Costner is now negotiating a deal for post-theatrical release. 
Mad Max: Furiosa's Surprising Box Office Debut Falls Short of Predecessor
Broke On: Sunday, 26 May 2024George Miller's Mad Max prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, debuted at the No. 1 spot at the global box office with $58.9 million in its first weekend, but fell short of its predecessor's opening earnings and received mixed reviews. Meanwhile, The Garfield Movie from Sony Pictures Entertainment is closely competing for first place domestically. 
Gina Carano Files Lawsuit Against Disney and Lucasfilm for Discrimination in The Mandalorian
Broke On: Thursday, 08 February 2024Gina Carano, a former mixed martial artist and actress who was fired from The Mandalorian for her social media posts, has filed a lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm. She seeks to force the companies to weave her character back into the show and recast her for the role of K-2SO in Star Wars: Andor. Carano's lawyer claims that she was fired due to discrimination based on her political views, cultural beliefs, and religious identity. 
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Concert Film Heads to Disney+
Broke On: Thursday, 08 February 2024Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film is heading to Disney+ for streaming next month. 
Winter Weather Alert: Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow in Pocono Plateau and Kittatinny Ridge Areas
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 January 2024The Pocono Plateau and Kittatinny Ridge areas are expected to experience a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow during winter. The hazardous conditions may affect commuters' travel plans. It is crucial to drive slowly with caution. SAG-AFTRA Union Ends Historic Strike with Ratified Contract
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023The SAG-AFTRA union has ratified a new three-year contract with Hollywood studios, ending the longest ever work stoppage for US film and television actors. The contract includes wage increases, higher residuals, streaming bonuses, and protections against the use of artificial intelligence. The contract is estimated to generate over a billion dollars in new compensation, health benefits, and pensions. 'Five Nights at Freddy's' Sets New Box Office Record
Broke On: Sunday, 29 October 2023'Five Nights at Freddy's' grossed $78 million domestically during its opening weekend. The film set a new record for a video game adaptation. SAG-AFTRA Negotiations with AMPTP Continue Amid Potential Strike
Broke On: Sunday, 29 October 2023SAG-AFTRA is in negotiations with AMPTP over issues such as residuals, health care, and wages. SAG-AFTRA members have voted in favor of a strike authorization, but the union's leadership is aiming to avoid a strike.