Trump Biopic Inches Toward Distribution Deal
“The Apprentice,” a dramatized origin story about Donald J. Trump, has faced fierce criticism from the former president and his allies.
By Brooks Barnes
I write about Hollywood companies, with a focus on Disney and its many parts, from Marvel movies to ESPN to theme parks. I also cover movie theaters, the Oscars and entertainment-industry culture, including the occasional celebrity escapade.
My stories often focus on tension between Old Hollywood and New. Technology has severely disrupted the once-mighty film and television businesses. Can they adapt? It’s an open question, one that will impact what the world watches and how.
Hollywood being Hollywood, there is also misconduct to investigate — exposing and explaining racist, sexist and generally toxic behavior.
I have covered show business for 20 years. Topics have included movies and the companies and personalities behind them; the cable and broadcast networks; Broadway; the Netflix-led streaming revolution; Disney theme parks worldwide, from the company’s arrival on the Chinese mainland to the fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida over Disney World; #OscarsSoWhite; the Sony Pictures cyberattack; Hollywood labor battles; and the evolving culture wars.
I joined The New York Times in 2007. I previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, starting in 1999 after stints at The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
I was born in rural Montana. I have undergraduate degrees in journalism and English from Marquette University in Wisconsin and a graduate degree in cultural reporting and criticism from New York University.
I uphold the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook, which means, among other things, that I protect confidential sources and go to great lengths to be fair, especially on tough stories. I strive to give everyone a chance to comment.
I do not accept gifts or money from people who might figure into my reporting, including meals, hotel rooms, airfare or theme park tickets. I do not moderate panel discussions for studios during Oscar or Emmy season. I do not participate in politics or make political donations, nor do I attend fund-raisers unless I am reporting on them.
Email: [email protected]
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“The Apprentice,” a dramatized origin story about Donald J. Trump, has faced fierce criticism from the former president and his allies.
By Brooks Barnes
Major U.S. entertainment companies are hiring a former top F.B.I. official and renewing a push for federal legislation to combat online thievery overseas.
By Brooks Barnes
When Walt Disney World replaced a ride that was based on a racist film with a new attraction, Brooks Barnes, who covers entertainment, was first in line.
By Brooks Barnes
The sequel was expected to collect at least $155 million in the United States and Canada over the weekend, about 70 percent more than anticipated.
By Brooks Barnes
The Biden campaign said it raised at least $28 million on Saturday, at a fund-raiser in Los Angeles, where entertainers, Barack Obama and even Jill Biden assailed Donald J. Trump.
By Shawn McCreesh and Adam Nagourney
The deal locks in a 15-year expansion plan for Disney World and clears a path for Disney to restart in-kind political donations in Florida.
By Brooks Barnes
The ride was closed last year because of its connection to a racist film. Disney overhauled it to focus on Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess, drawing praise and backlash.
By Brooks Barnes and Todd Anderson
Mr. Smith’s first wide-release film since he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago arrived to a hefty $56 million at the North American box office.
By Brooks Barnes
In a town littered with would-be superstars, he’s trying to beat the odds by giving studios what they crave. It’s no coincidence he’s everywhere.
By Brooks Barnes
Her new “Star Wars” show is a dream come true, but she knows it carries enormous expectations. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared,” she said.
By Brooks Barnes