‘Sinners’ beats ‘Minecraft’ with $45.6M in surprise Easter weekend victory

Hollywood’s ultimate connector is now taking things up a notch by building an entertainment powerhouse. Joe Flint from The Wall Street Journal dives into how this networking pro is using smart alliances to bring together the best minds in the business. The secret? Mixing relationships with a sharp business sense to create something big for the future of Hollywood.

In a shocking twist this Easter weekend, "Sinners" pulled ahead with a $45.6M box office win, leaving "Minecraft" in the dust. The video game adaptation, which had big expectations, just couldn’t match the surprise success of "Sinners." Pamela McClintock from The Hollywood Reporter dives into why this outcome was such a game-changer.

Netflix is stepping up its game by diving into video podcasts, aiming to offer something new beyond TV and movies. By bringing podcasts into the fold, the platform looks to create a fresh hub of original content. According to Fast Company’s Eve Upton-Clark, this move could shake up Netflix’s offerings and bring in a whole new audience.

Netflix crushed its first-quarter forecast, showing impressive growth even with the economic pressures of Trump’s tariffs. The company’s subscriber base is up, and it’s avoided the worst of the tariff effects, keeping investors hopeful. Fast Company has the details on Netflix’s strong performance.

Podcasts are stepping up their game, turning into everything from toys to books and even cruises. Shows that are already popular are giving fans new ways to engage beyond just listening. Joe Berkowitz at Fast Company breaks down how creators are cashing in on these fresh opportunities while keeping their audiences hooked.

Coachella’s OOH marketing campaigns make a lasting impression by using cryptic messaging and real-time updates to keep the buzz alive. Lucy Markowitz for Adweek explores how this approach fosters organic audience engagement, ensuring brands maintain a cultural presence well after the festival. The campaign’s effectiveness lies in its ability to create a connection that goes beyond the event itself.

Apple's giving its search ads business a fresh look with a rebrand to "Apple Ads," signaling its growing ambitions in the advertising world. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce its reliance on hardware revenue by offering new advertising options within its ecosystem. Luís Rijo for PPC Land reports that Apple is gearing up to take on Google and Facebook with its expanded ad offerings.

A TikTok creator is suing Roblox after they used her viral dance in one of their games without asking. She claims the platform made money off her moves without giving her credit or a cut. Colin Kirkland reports for MediaPost, and this could have bigger implications for copyright in gaming and social media.

OpenAI is trying to make AI feel more social, making conversations with tech feel a little more like chatting with people. With AI tools changing fast, they’re focusing on making these interactions more natural and in tune with context. Fast Company’s Harry McCracken breaks down how OpenAI is pushing for more empathetic, dynamic AI that could change how we use it.

Kendrick Lamar is the new face of Chanel, bridging the gap between hip-hop and high fashion. Known for his cultural impact, Lamar’s partnership with the luxury brand is set to shake up the industry. Joyce Li from Hypebeast reports that this collaboration could bring a fresh, street-inspired vibe to Chanel’s future collections.