Entertainment
Angel Studios and 2521 Entertainment Acquire DAVID Franchise, Set December Theatrical Release
Angel Studios partnered with 2521 Entertainment to acquire the DAVID franchise from Slingshot USA, including an animated film and television series set for a December 19 release. The project, based on David’s biblical story, underscores Angel’s commitment to family-oriented, values-based entertainment.
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
PROVO, Utah – Angel Studios (NYSE: ANGX) announced Tuesday it has partnered with 2521 Entertainment to acquire the DAVID franchise from Slingshot USA, bringing one of the company’s most anticipated projects under its direct ownership ahead of a December 19 theatrical release.
The acquisition includes both an animated feature film and a five-part television series based on the biblical story of David, the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath and became king of Israel. The project was created by the same studio and director behind YOUNG DAVID, an animated series that achieved some of the highest approval ratings in Angel Guild history.
Strategic Asset for Growing Platform
“DAVID is the largest audience-funded film in history,” said Neal Harmon, co-founder and CEO of Angel Studios. “Owning the DAVID intellectual property is a long-term strategic asset, and we anticipate making similar series acquisitions that resonate with the Angel Guild and have performed exceptionally well on our platform.”
The acquisition comes as Angel’s grassroots membership base—the Angel Guild—has grown beyond 1.5 million members across more than 180 countries. These paying members help decide which film and television projects the studio will market and distribute, creating what the company calls a values-based approach to entertainment.
Angel plans to explore producing additional episodes of the DAVID animated television series to extend the franchise, responding to strong demand for television content among Guild members.
A Story Three Decades in the Making
Director Phil Cunningham described the journey to bring DAVID to screens as a testament to faith and perseverance.
“A vision that began over 30 years ago has required immense sacrifice, faith, bravery, and commitment from many to bring it to completion, and we have arrived at this moment,” Cunningham said. “David dared to take off Saul’s armour and go to battle with just a slingshot. Angel has proven time and again that it is a leader and willing to take on the biggest challenges.”
The animated feature digs deeper into David’s life beyond his famous confrontation with Goliath, exploring his roles as warrior, poet, shepherd, and eventual king who led and inspired a nation.
Proven Partnership
Angel and 2521 Entertainment have collaborated on 14 projects to date, including notable releases such as SOUND OF FREEDOM, which earned $250 million at the worldwide box office, KING OF KINGS, THE WINGFEATHER SAGA, and THE LAST RODEO. The companies also have YOUNG WASHINGTON scheduled for upcoming release.
“At 2521 Entertainment our mission is to go beyond entertainment and offer families stories that elevate and leave a lasting impression in an otherwise distracted world,” said David L. Hunt, co-founder and chief creative officer of 2521 Entertainment. “DAVID is one of those rare movies that will build meaningful, lasting family memories and connections. And there are few things in life more valuable than that.”
Founded in 2023, 2521 Entertainment has quickly established itself in faith-based and values-driven content, with credits including KING OF KINGS—the highest-grossing faith-based animated opening ever—and HOUSE OF DAVID, Amazon Prime’s top-ranked series.
Release Schedule Adjustment
As part of the acquisition and release strategy, Angel announced that ZERO A.D., previously scheduled for December 19, 2025, will now be released in 2026. This clears the holiday theatrical window for DAVID’s debut.
“At a time when the world is craving hope, David’s unyielding courage and faith remind us all to stand tall,” Harmon said. “I am profoundly grateful for the miracle of this moment.”
The December 19 release positions DAVID as a holiday season offering for families seeking values-based entertainment during the theatrical window traditionally dominated by major studio releases.
For more information about Angel Studios and the Angel Guild, visit www.angel.com. Learn more about 2521 Entertainment at https://2521entertainment.com.
SOURCE Angel Studios, Inc. and PR Newswire
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streaming series and movies
Hulu picks up ‘The Toxic Avenger’ for January streaming debut
Hulu has acquired streaming rights to the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, set to premiere on January 8, 2026. Directed by Macon Blair, it stars Peter Dinklage and features a notable cast. The film addresses themes of justice while contributing to philanthropic efforts in medical debt.
Hulu is adding a new cult-leaning superhero to its lineup. Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) announced that Hulu has acquired streaming rights to The Toxic Avenger, with the film set to make its SVOD premiere on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
The action-comedy/horror title has already built strong buzz with critics and genre fans, including an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, according to Cineverse.
A reboot with a stacked cast
Written and directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore), The Toxic Avenger features an ensemble cast led by Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze, a downtrodden janitor whose life changes after a catastrophic toxic accident.
Cineverse highlighted additional cast members including Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige.
What the story is about
The film follows Winston Gooze after he’s transformed into a new kind of radioactive hero: the Toxic Avenger. Now “Toxie” must go from outcast to savior, taking on corporate overlords and corrupt forces while trying to protect his son, his friends, and his community.
In Cineverse’s words: in a world where greed runs rampant, “justice is best served radioactive.”
A campaign with real-world impact
Beyond the film’s critical reception, Cineverse credited the movie’s campaign with helping eliminate more than $15 million in medical debt for over 10,000 people, in partnership with Undue Medical Debt.
Where it goes after Hulu
Cineverse said Hulu’s debut will be part of an exclusive window. After that, the film is expected to become available on other SVOD and FAST platforms, including Cineverse’s horror-focused streaming brand Screambox.
For viewers who don’t want to wait, Cineverse noted the film is currently available to rent (TVOD) or purchase digitally and on physical media.
About Cineverse
Cineverse describes itself as a “next-generation entertainment studio” that distributes more than 71,000 films, series, and podcasts, and includes properties such as Bloody Disgusting and a network of streaming fandom channels.
What to watch for
For Hulu subscribers, The Toxic Avenger could be a notable early-2026 add—especially for fans of horror-comedy, offbeat superhero stories, and cult franchises getting modern reboots.
Premiere date: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Platform: Hulu
Source: PRNewswire (Cineverse), Jan. 6, 2026 — Read the release
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toys and kids electronics
Harry Potter x Care Bears Plush Collection Casts a Spell on Fans for 25th Anniversary Year
Basic Fun! unveils a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection for the 25th anniversary, featuring all four Hogwarts houses in 8-inch and 12-inch sizes.
Two pop-culture comfort zones are colliding in the best way this spring: Basic Fun! has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection celebrating Harry Potter’s 25th Anniversary in 2026.
The crossover brings Hogwarts house pride to Care-A-Lot, with limited-edition Care Bears styled for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—built for collectors, longtime fans, and anyone who wants a little extra loyalty, compassion, and friendship on their shelf (or in their arms).
What’s in the Harry Potter x Care Bears collection?
The collection arrives in two sizes, each packed with house-specific details and anniversary touches.
12-inch Plush Hoodie Assortment
These larger bears come dressed for maximum cozy: super-soft mascot hoodies, Hogwarts house robes, and iconic house scarves in matching colors.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Love-a-Lot Bear
- Ravenclaw House Wish Bear
- Slytherin House Grumpy Bear
Each 12-inch bear also features the Harry Potter 25th anniversary logo on their paw.
MSRP: $17.99 each (or $34.99 for a 2-pack)
8-inch House Bears Plush Assortment
Smaller, collectible, and ready for adventures, the 8-inch “besties” include house robes, scarves, and a house crest, plus a paw design that blends classic Care Bears charm with the Harry Potter anniversary mark.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Funshine Bear
- Ravenclaw House Grumpy Bear
- Slytherin House Good Luck Bear
MSRP: $9.99 each
Why this crossover works
Basic Fun! says the goal was to connect two worlds that already share a common thread: comfort, imagination, and characters that fans stick with for decades.
“As the iconic Harry Potter franchise celebrates 25 Years of Magic, in honor of the first film in the series, we are beyond excited to connect the worlds of Care-A-Lot and Hogwarts for an enchanting crossover that’s rich in character details and filled with heart,” said Lisa Doiron, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!
Cloudco Entertainment echoed that multi-generational appeal.
“Care Bears and Harry Potter have a unique ability to connect with fans of all ages,” said Robert Prinzo, Head of Global Licensing at Cloudco Entertainment. “Bringing them together was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate imagination, magic, and the comfort these brands have offered for decades.”
When and where to buy
According to the announcement, the Harry Potter x Care Bears plush are launching worldwide this spring, rolling out at retailers across North America, the UK, and the EU. Fans can also find them at major toy retailers starting this month.
For updates, follow @CareBears.
The bigger picture: 25 years of Harry Potter magic
The plush drop lands during a milestone year for the franchise, which continues to expand across films, stage productions, games, location-based experiences, and consumer products—with an HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books also on the way.
If you’re the type who still knows your house without thinking about it—or you grew up with belly badges and Care-A-Lot life lessons—this collection feels like a collectible love letter to both.
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small business
When TV Talks About Gentrification and Shopping Local — and Where It Gets It Right (and Wrong)
A closer look at how the TV show The Neighborhood tackles gentrification and shopping local—and where the reality of online sales and small business survival is more complex.
In our continuing look at how entertainment—television, movies, and streaming shows—grapples with real-world issues, this time we turn our attention to gentrification and the often-repeated call to “shop local.” Once again, we examine how popular culture frames these conversations, this time through the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood and the episode “Welcome Back to What Used to Be the Neighborhood.”
A Familiar Story: When the Neighborhood Changes
In the episode, Calvin’s favorite longtime restaurant closes its doors and is replaced by a flashy new pet spa. To Calvin, the change symbolizes something much bigger than a single business closing—it represents the slow erosion of the neighborhood he knows and loves. In response, he launches a campaign urging friends and neighbors to buy local in order to protect small businesses from disappearing.
Emotionally, the episode hits home. Many communities across the country have watched beloved neighborhood institutions vanish, replaced by businesses that feel disconnected from the area’s history and culture. In that sense, The Neighborhood gets something very right: gentrification often shows up one storefront at a time.
Where Television Simplifies a Complicated Reality
But, as is often the case with television, the episode also simplifies a much more complex economic reality.
The show frames “shopping local” as a direct alternative to shopping online, subtly suggesting that online platforms are inherently harmful to small businesses. In real life, however, the line between “local” and “online” is no longer so clear.
Many local and small businesses now survive precisely because they sell online—through their own websites, through Amazon, or through other platforms that support independent sellers. For some, online sales are not a threat to local commerce; they are a lifeline.
Why Brick-and-Mortar Isn’t Always Sustainable
Rising costs are a major factor driving these changes. Commercial leases, insurance premiums, utilities, staffing costs, and local fees have all increased dramatically in many cities. For small business owners, keeping a physical storefront open can become financially impossible—even when customer support remains strong.
As a result, some businesses choose to close their brick-and-mortar locations while continuing to operate online. Others scale back to pop-ups, shared spaces, or hybrid models. These businesses may no longer have a traditional storefront, but they are still local—employing local workers, paying local taxes, and serving their communities in new ways.
The Real Issue Behind “Shop Local”
Where The Neighborhood succeeds is in capturing the emotional truth of gentrification: the sense of loss, displacement, and cultural change that comes with rising rents and shifting demographics.
Where it misses the mark is in suggesting that consumer choices alone—simply avoiding online shopping—can solve the problem.
The real challenges facing local and small businesses go far beyond individual buying habits. They include zoning policies, commercial rent practices, corporate consolidation, and economic systems that increasingly favor scale over community presence.
A Conversation Worth Having—Even If TV Can’t Finish It
The Neighborhood deserves credit for bringing these issues into mainstream conversation. It sparks discussion, even if it wraps a complicated topic in a sitcom-friendly moral lesson.
The reality is messier. Supporting local businesses today often means rethinking what “local” looks like in a digital economy—and recognizing that survival sometimes requires adaptation, not nostalgia.
Further Reading & External Resources
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Marketing & Online Sales for Small Businesses
Explains how small businesses use websites, marketplaces, and digital tools to survive and grow. - Brookings Institution: Understanding Gentrification
A research-based overview of gentrification, its causes, and its impact on local communities. - National Main Street Center: Supporting Local Small Businesses
Resources focused on preserving local businesses while adapting to economic change. - SCORE: Why Going Online Is Critical for Small Business Survival
Mentorship-backed guidance on how digital sales help small businesses remain competitive. - Harvard Business Review: How Small Businesses Can Compete in an Online Economy
An analysis of how independent businesses adapt to large online platforms without losing identity.
At STM Daily News, our Local and Small Business coverage continues to explore these real-world dynamics beyond the TV screen, highlighting the challenges, innovations, and resilience of the businesses that keep communities alive—whether their doors are on Main Street or their storefronts live online.
📍 Read more Local and Small Business coverage at: STM Daily News
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