Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II are off to a dazzling start at the box office, with combined ticket sales expected to surpass $200 million over the weekend, marking a strong kickoff to the holiday movie season.

The highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked has already garnered $19.2 million from advance screenings throughout the week. The film’s preview success includes $2.5 million from Amazon Prime-exclusive Monday showings, $5.7 million across North American theaters on Wednesday, and an additional $11 million from Thursday night previews at around 3,300 venues.

Initially projected to debut at $80 million, Wicked’s opening weekend forecasts have surged to an estimated $120 million to $140 million, with some analysts predicting even greater numbers. The musical adaptation currently holds an impressive 92% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 160 critics and boasts a near-perfect 99% audience satisfaction rating from verified viewers.

Industry experts are optimistic about the films’ impact on the fall box office. Shawn Robbins of Fandango noted, “Wicked and Gladiator II represent the kind of counter-programming audiences have been waiting for, setting the stage for a potentially historic holiday corridor.” With Disney’s Moana 2 slated for release next week, the Thanksgiving movie season is poised to break records.

Los Angeles, CA – Pamela Hayden, the voice behind the beloved The Simpsons character Milhouse Van Houten, has announced her retirement from the iconic animated series after 35 years.

Hayden, 70, has been part of the show since its debut in 1989 and has contributed to nearly 700 episodes. In a statement released on Wednesday, she said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honor and a joy to work on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show.”

Milhouse, the bespectacled best friend of Bart Simpson, is one of the series’ most popular recurring characters. Known for his timid personality and resilience, he has become a fan favorite over the decades. Producers confirmed that the role will be recast in the coming months.

Hayden also voiced several other characters on The Simpsons, including Rod and Todd Flanders, Jimbo Jones, Janey Powell, and Sarah Wiggum.

Reflecting on her career, Hayden noted the lasting impact of her work. “People are always saying what a nerd [Milhouse] is, but one thing I love about him is he’s always getting knocked down and keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s a wonderful analogy for life,” she said in a video marking her departure.

Tribute from the Creator

Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, paid tribute to Hayden’s contributions, saying, “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her.”

The Sidemen, a powerhouse group of British YouTube creators, have announced a major shift in their content strategy, moving their reality series Inside to Netflix after reaching what they describe as “the limit” of YouTube’s potential.

The group, which includes renowned personalities like KSI, revealed that the second season of Inside will premiere on Netflix next year. Additionally, Netflix will produce a U.S. version of the series, marking a significant expansion for the Sidemen brand.

Known for their humor, creativity, and camaraderie, the Sidemen have amassed over 146 million subscribers across their YouTube channels since launching in the early 2010s. Originally focused on gaming content, they have since diversified into comedy sketches, travel challenges, podcasts, and even a dating show.

The reality series Inside, which debuted on YouTube in June, became an instant hit, with the opening episode garnering 14 million views. The show follows 10 influencers confined to a house for a week, competing for a prize of up to £1 million.

Its success caught Netflix’s attention, leading to the commission of both a second UK season and a U.S. adaptation. Both versions will air exclusively on Netflix, marking a departure from the group’s traditional platform.

The Sidemen, now backed by a production team of over 100 members, view the move as an opportunity to expand their creative vision. “We’ve always tried to push boundaries, and this feels like the next big step,” said member Vik.