Screenwriter’s Weekly News Wrap-up for Monday, November 18, 2024
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◊After Trump Win, Hollywood Prepares for Megamergers — and Volatility
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/trump-hollywood-deals-mergers-1236056410/
The anticipated wave of Hollywood mergers and acquisitions could have serious implications for screenwriters. Fewer, larger companies likely mean fewer buyers for scripts, which could decrease competition and limit opportunities. With a consolidated landscape, there’s often less room for unique voices and negotiating power, leading to potential declines in wages and creative control—a concern the Writers Guild of America has flagged for good reason.
For screenwriters, this shift signals a need to adapt to the changing industry. With fewer platforms vying for original content, writers who can stay versatile and appeal to the streaming-heavy, digital-first market will be best positioned to thrive. There may also be new opportunities on the horizon with Big Tech’s increased interest in media, as companies like YouTube potentially expand original content investment. For writers willing to innovate and embrace these newer formats, this could open doors—but it also means we’ll need to stay ahead of the evolving demands of a reshaped industry.
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◊Power and Consequence: How The Penguin Finale Redefines Villainy in Gotham
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/penguin-season-finale-deaths-explained-1236056548/
In the finale of HBO’s The Penguin, showrunner Lauren LeFranc orchestrates a powerful conclusion that leaves its antihero, Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell), triumphant yet isolated. In the eighth episode, Oz secures his rise in Gotham’s underworld by neutralizing his enemies, including imprisoning Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) in Arkham and even killing his loyal mentee, Victor (Rhenzy Feliz). LeFranc explains these choices as part of exploring Oz’s ruthless ambition and the emotional cost of his ascent. By allowing viewers to see the complex and disturbing roots of Oz’s motivations, particularly through a flashback involving his brothers, LeFranc deepens the psychological landscape of the character. She describes the story as a “rise to power” narrative that ultimately showcases the moral decay that accompanies Oz’s triumphs.
LeFranc shares that the series was initially envisioned as a bridge between The Batman films, yet she leaves open the possibility of more seasons if future stories can be equally compelling. For screenwriters, this is a reminder of the power of character-driven storytelling within established universes; by grounding comic book material in deep emotional and psychological stakes, the show exemplifies how genre adaptations can defy fatigue through fresh narrative approaches.
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◊Matt Reeves on The Penguin and Impact on The Batman Part II
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Reeves discussed the critical and audience success of The Penguin series on Max and its potential impact on The Batman Part II. The showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, impressed Reeves with her pitch and execution, particularly the character arcs of Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) and Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell). Reeves revealed that a key storyline involving Victor (Rhenzy Feliz) evolved during production, ultimately deepening the emotional and psychological stakes for Cobblepot. While Reeves confirmed that The Batman Part II will focus on Bruce Wayne’s journey and the Rogues Gallery, he noted that The Penguin‘s reception could influence future projects within the universe, including possible continuations for Sofia or Oz. Farrell’s commitment to the role and LeFranc’s creative vision have elevated The Penguin as a standout comic book adaptation in an era of franchise fatigue.
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◊Tim Sullivan, Sci-Fi Author and Actor, Dies at 76
Tim Sullivan, a novelist, screenwriter, and actor known for his contributions to science fiction and microbudget films, passed away at 76 due to congestive heart failure. Sullivan authored several sci-fi novels, including three based on Kenneth Johnson’s V franchise, as well as original works such as Destiny’s End and The Parasite War. He was also known for his Nebula-nominated short story “Zeke” and his work as a book reviewer for The Washington Post. In film, Sullivan collaborated with John R. Ellis on the screenplay for Twilight of the Dogs and acted in several low-budget horror and sci-fi projects, including Hollywood Mortuary and Eyes of the Werewolf. Sullivan leaves behind a legacy of creative storytelling across literature and film.
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◊Mark L. Smith Adapts The Dog Stars for Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal
Ridley Scott’s next project, The Dog Stars, brings screenwriter Mark L. Smith to adapt Peter Heller’s 2012 apocalyptic novel for 20th Century Studios. Known for his work on The Revenant and Overlord, Smith is skilled in crafting tense, survival-driven stories—a perfect fit for Heller’s novel, which takes place in a post-pandemic America. The story follows a civilian pilot who, alongside his dog and a hardened ex-marine, lives in isolation on an abandoned airbase, fending off intruders. When a faint radio signal suggests a chance for a new life, the pilot risks everything to follow it. Smith’s adaptation will highlight the desolation, resilience, and hope central to the novel’s themes. Joining the project are producers Cliff Roberts and Scott Free, with Paul Mescal in advanced talks to star. This marks the second collaboration between Mescal and Scott, following Gladiator II, and The Dog Stars is expected to begin filming in 2025.
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