If Giancarlo Esposito had it his way, he would be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an interview on the The Tonight Show, Esposito told host Jimmy Fallon that he would love to be part of an X-Men project as the group's leader, Charles "Professor X" Xavier. "Charles is smart. He's good. But I feel there may be some mileage with me and Marvel. I know I love what they do. I know I love creativity. So who knows what could happen?" he said. He also revealed that he appreciates the support from fans for him taking the role and hopes their calls to Marvel can turn into something real.
'Avatar 3' New Focus
While Avatar 2: The Way of Water continues to rack up at the global box office, we're already learning about the next sequel film. The third installment will focus on Jake Sully's son Lo'ak, who will also narrate the film. Director James Cameron revealed the details in an interview and said the untitled film has already completed filming and is already in post-production. It's set to be released in December 2024.
Live Like 'The White Lotus'
Have you watched HBO Max's The White Lotus and felt like you needed to live that lavish life as well? There is a chance you can after the villa from the series was listed on AirBnb, but it's definitely going to set you back if you aren't balling. Villa Tasca, which is actually in Palmero — and not in Noto — Italy, is currently listed at about $5,990 dollars per night. There is also a three-night minimum stay. It boasts 20 acres, Victorian-style architecture, and is even fully staffed on top of all the amenities you could ever want.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
