Weekly Entertainment Digest – December 28th

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Weekly Entertainment Digest - December 28th

It’s a bit of a slower week for announcements with all of the holidays. But there’s still some exciting entertainment news this week! Be sure to stay up to date with the release schedule here, and find out when your favorite Apple TV+ Holiday Movies and Specials, plus Holiday movies you can find on Hulu.

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Movie and Entertainment Updates

GLADIATOR II | Screenwriting & Cinematography Featurette – In Theaters Now

Get Passes to an Early Screening of Gladiator II

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

WICKED | To ‘Defy Gravity’ in 136th Rose Parade on January 1st

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is thrilled to partner with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® to bring the magic of WICKED to the 136th Rose Parade®, celebrating the highly anticipated in-home release which is available exclusively on Digital platforms to purchase or rent December 31st.  The float appropriately entitled, “Defying Gravity,” features larger-than-life depictions of the two main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, poised on either side of the Emerald City, commemorating their profound friendship as they journey to the magnificent land of Oz.  Created in collaboration with the talented team at Phoenix Decorating Company, the float includes captivating elements that viewers will love, such as a motion-activated Elphaba, Glinda’s sparkling bubbles, and a shimmering Emerald City.

Expertly directly by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz and stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship – before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

The WICKED float in the Rose Parade captures the heart of this story, celebrating friendship, self-discovery, and the vibrant, fantastical world of Oz in a dazzling visual spectacle that truly defies gravity. 

FLOAT DETAILS:

  • Height: 24 feet
  • Width: 18 feet
  • Length: 55 feet
  • Estimated Number of Flowers Used: 76,748
  • Builder: Phoenix 

Floral and Design Highlights

  • Elphaba:
    • Hat and Cape: Black seaweed and fine ground onion seed.
    • Hair and Nails: Black onion powder, curly seaweed, fine ground parsley.
    • Dress: Black seaweed, onion seed, and light grey lettuce seed.Broom: Handle crafted from coffee grounds, walnut shell, coco stix, and sisal rope.
  • Glinda:
    • Crown and Wand: White fine cut everlasting and pink strawflower.
    • Dress: Pink carnations with detailed bodice and skirt accents.
  • Emerald City:
    • Constructed with white button mums, Kermit mums, gold flax seed, mung beans, and green split peas.
    • Accents of green parsley flakes and brown coffee.
  • Yellow Brick Road: Made with fine cut yellow strawflower.
  • Tulip Fields: Red, hot pink, lavender, and orange tulips alongside walnut shell paths.
  • Sculpted Tulips: Dark purple, orange, and yellow strawflowers with green ti leaves.
  • Cherry Blossom Trees: Shades of pink dendrobs with coffee-colored trunks.
  • Grimmerie Books: Crafted with redwood bark, sparkles of everlasting, and crème paper bark pages.

This intricate blend of floral artistry and creative design brings the magic of WICKED to life, making the float an exciting centerpiece of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda.

WHEN:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 8 am – 10 am PT

WHERE:
Pasadena, California
Tune in to the 136th Rose Parade® on NBC and YouTube at 8 am PT / 11 am ET on January 1, 2025. 

THE DAMNED | in Theaters January 3rd

The Damned, an ominous and chilling thriller, follows Eve and her crew as they come across a shipwreck and are faced with the moral dilemma to either help, or prioritize their own survival.

BETTER MAN | Directing the Scene Featurette – In Select Theaters Now and Open Nationwide January 10th

Better Man Review

Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-braking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

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