Sony Pictures Television Studios Promotes Lauren Stein to Newly Created Head of Creative Role

Joe Otterson TV Reporter “The Penguin” is heading back into production. The Max-DC series, which stars Colin Farrell in a spinoff of the film “The Batman,” is set to return to shooting now that the SAG-AFTRA strike has been settled. Production on the series will resume the week after Thanksgiving, Variety has learned.

Sony Pictures is launching an immersive entertainment destination next month called Wonderverse at the giant Oakbrook Center mall near Chicago with attractions from the studio’s film, TV series and video games including Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, Zombieland and Uncharted.

K.J. Yossman Fans will soon be able to bring their ghost-busting fantasies to life thanks to Sony Pictures’ first-ever immersive entertainment destination, which is set to open in Chicago next year. Named Wonderverse, the 45,000 square-foot experience will allow audiences to step into the worlds of the company’s films, series and video games including “Ghostbusters,” “Bad Boys, “Zombieland,” “Jumanji” and “Uncharted.” On offer will be a mix of themed physical and immersive multi-media experiences, interactive installations, attractions and dining options including escape rooms, VR and bumper cars as well as bars and restaurants.

Todd Gilchrist editor “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Punch-Drunk Love” and four more films from Columbia Pictures will make their 4K Ultra HD debut Feb. 13, 2024, via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Vol.

Sony Pictures TV Studios’ SVP, Drama Development Andrew Plotkin has been promoted to EVP, Drama Development. In the Head Of Drama Development role he is succeeding Lauren Stein who was recently promoted to Head of Creative for SPT Studios. Plotkin, who will continue to report to Stein, will oversee development of scripted drama series for all platforms.

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Former head of drama development at Disney’s 20th Television Michelle Mendelovitz has been named head of Mattel Television Studios. In her new role, Mendelovitz will oversee the development, production, and distribution of Mattel’s slate of episodic content on broadcast and streaming globally.

Former 20th Television Head of Drama Michelle Mendelovitz has been tapped to take the reins as Head of Mattel Television Studios.

Madame Web, their new film set within the Marvel Spider-Man universe. The film is due to arrive in cinemas next year with Dakota Johnson leading the cast.Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts and Adam Scott also star.“Meanwhile, in another universe…” In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures…if they can all survive a deadly present.There’s not too long to wait for this one with the film set for cinema screens on 14th February.We have the full trailer for the film below.More as it comes in.When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.@ THN - The Hollywood News 2023

While there seems to be a big debate raging this year about superhero fatigue and the decline of Marvel Studios, Sony has quite a few new superhero films ready to go over the next year or so. You have to imagine the studio is desperately hoping superhero fatigue will take a break in 2024.

EXCLUSIVE: Claire’s is teaming up with Sony Pictures Television — Kids to create a new series for young people for the global marketplace.

EXCLUSIVE: CODA and Source Code producer Vendôme Pictures has appointed Kathryn Thal as Senior Vice President of Development and Production.

Refresh for latest…: Sony Pictures Entertainment saw a 1% gain in profits for the quarter ended September 30 versus the similar period last year. Coming in at $204 million, operating income was also 77% above the first quarter of 2023.

Sharon Stone is making a serious allegation.

Caroline Brew editor Sony Pictures Entertainment’s first LED virtual production stage built by Sony Innovation Studios will be operated and managed by Pixomondo. Pixomondo, Sony’s award-winning visual effects and virtual production studio, will oversee operation of the LED virtual production stage later this month.

Sony Pictures Television Studios’ head of drama Lauren Stein has been elevated to Head of Creative. In the newly created role, drama and comedy development, TriStar Television, international co-productions, and current programming on series in their first year of production will be under Stein’s purview. Stein will continue to report to Sony Pictures Television Studios President Katherine Pope.

Gary Martin, a retired longtime executive at Sony Pictures who served as President of Studio Operations and Product during a 32-year stint at the studio, has died. He was 79.

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired rights in North America and China to mystery-comedy Wicked Little Letters from Studiocanal, for a 2024 theatrical release.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to “Wicked Little Letters,” a stranger-than-fiction mystery comedy starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. The movie, directed by “Me Before You” filmmaker Thea Sharrock, had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. “Wicked Little Letters” will debut in theaters sometime in 2024.

Kendall Jenner is stepping out for coffee.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter The animated horror series “Fright Krewe” has been renewed for Season 2 at Hulu and Peacock, Variety has learned exclusively. The 10-episode first season was released on Oct. 2.