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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Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
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Entertainment
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record
Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.
The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.
Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.
What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.
Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026
Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html
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Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by Daily News Staff
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paramount’s century-long connection to Hollywood could be facing one of its biggest challenges yet, as the entertainment giant reportedly prepares for the possibility of moving major operations out of California amid an escalating legal battle over its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Paramount has informed the offices of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Attorney General Rob Bonta that it is prepared to formally announce plans to leave California, according to reporting Wednesday from TheWrap. Paramount has not formally announced a relocation, and a company spokesperson declined to comment to the publication.
The potential move centers on Paramount Skydance’s proposed approximately $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal being challenged on antitrust grounds by California and a coalition of 11 other states, along with a separate challenge from the Writers Guild of America. California Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that combining the two entertainment companies could reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.
A court agreement currently prevents Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery from completing the merger until June 1, 2027, or until after a court decision on the states’ claims, whichever comes first. The antitrust case is scheduled for trial in March 2027.
Paramount’s Hollywood Future
At the center of the controversy is Paramount’s historic studio complex at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable properties.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Paramount CEO David Ellison has told associates that he would prefer to remain in Los Angeles. However, Paramount’s board has reportedly approved a contingency plan that could move the company’s headquarters out of Hollywood, and Ellison has indicated that the company is prepared to sell its historic studio properties and relocate operations if the merger remains stalled.
Tennessee, Texas and Georgia have emerged in reports as potential destinations should Paramount ultimately decide to relocate.
The financial pressure is significant. Beginning October 1, Paramount faces a roughly $7 million-per-day additional payment obligation tied to delays in completing the Warner Bros. Discovery transaction. Paramount has asked the federal court to require the states and the Writers Guild of America to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential costs associated with the delay.
What’s at Stake for Los Angeles?
A Paramount departure could extend far beyond the loss of a famous Hollywood address.
An economic analysis cited by TheWrap estimates that a large-scale Paramount departure could put as many as 57,980 full-time jobs, $21.2 billion in annual economic output and approximately $1.17 billion in state and local tax revenue at risk. Those figures represent an economic-impact scenario rather than a prediction that all of those losses would necessarily occur.
There are competing concerns about the merger itself. Los Angeles County analysis has estimated that completing the Paramount-Warner Bros. combination could also eliminate thousands of entertainment and related jobs because of consolidation. Opponents of the merger, including entertainment unions, have raised concerns about reduced competition and employment, while supporters argue that reaching a settlement could help prevent Paramount from moving operations out of California.
Mayor Bass has said she remains focused on protecting Los Angeles entertainment jobs and keeping Hollywood’s entertainment industry centered in the city. Bonta’s office, meanwhile, has maintained that California will continue enforcing its antitrust laws while remaining open to good-faith discussions. There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations. Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure. That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build. Settlement Talks Scheduled
For now, the gates at Paramount remain firmly planted on Melrose Avenue.
Settlement Talks Scheduled
There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations.
Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure.
That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build.uilding around the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, the question of whether one of Hollywood’s most historic studios will continue calling California home has moved from speculation to a potentially consequential decision for Los Angeles and its entertainment industry.
STM Daily News will continue monitoring the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery dispute and what it could mean for Hollywood, entertainment workers and the future of film and television production in California.
Source and Related Reading
- California Attorney General — Agreement Halting Paramount/Warner Bros. Merger — Primary source explaining the states’ antitrust challenge and agreement delaying completion of the merger.
- Los Angeles Times — Paramount and Bonta Ordered Into Settlement Talks — Reports the October 14–15 settlement meetings and current state of the dispute.
- Los Angeles Times — Paramount’s Possible Hollywood Exit — Detailed reporting on the relocation contingency, potential destinations and implications for Los Angeles.
- Reuters — DOJ Backs Bond Demand in Paramount-Warner Fight — Covers the $1.88 billion bond dispute, $7 million daily fee and March trial.
- TheWrap — Paramount Preps California Exit — Reports the latest developments surrounding Paramount’s potential departure.
