‘Moana’ has her origins questioned at trial where man says his surfer boy led to the Disney hit – Entertainment News

Photo:Disney via AP This image released by Disney shows the character Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, in a scene from “Moana 2.”

Was “Moana” based on a boy named Bucky?

Lawyers for a New Mexico writer and animator will say at closing arguments at his federal trial in Los Angeles on Monday that his work was stolen to create the Walt Disney Co.’s 2016 hit about a questing Polynesian princess, whose sequel was among the biggest hits of last year.

Buck Woodall wrote a script, whose various titles have included “Bucky the Surfer Boy,” about a teenager vacationing in Hawaii with his parents who befriends a group of Native Hawaiian youth and goes on a quest that involves time travel to the ancient islands and interactions with demigods to save a sacred part of the islands from a developer.

Woodall said he first gave the script to a distant relative by marriage who worked for another company on the Disney lot in about 2004, and a dozen years later was stunned when he saw so many of his ideas in “Moana.”

Here are some of the many similarities his lawsuit alleges:

Both “tell the story about a teenager who defies parental warnings and embarks on a dangerous voyage across Polynesian waters to save the endangered land of a Polynesian island.”

Both “involve a main character who encounters a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos.”

Both “involve protagonists who learn about ancient Polynesian culture during a sea voyage” and “a recurring theme of the Polynesian belief in spiritual ancestors” who “manifested as animals which guide and guard the living.”

Defense lawyers and witnesses — including the woman Woodall gave the script to — said no one at Disney saw his work, and that “Moana” was developed through the same cultural research and internal collaboration as its other films.

A judge ruled that Woodall filed the 2020 lawsuit too late to have a claim on the nearly $700 global box office of “Moana.” What remains are the film’s DVD and Blu-ray sales — worth $31.4 million gross with a net profit of $10.4 million. The only remaining defendant is Disney subsidiary Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

“Moana” was co-directed, along with two others, by John Musker and Ron Clements, a duo that was essential to the 1990s Disney animation renaissance that made the company a global powerhouse.

At times with other collaborators, Musker and Clements co-wrote and co-directed 1989’s “The Little Mermaid,” 1992’s “Aladdin,” 1997’s “Hercules” and 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

Musker testified that they had never plagiarized, and he was angered by the accusation.

The relatively young jury of six women and two men watched “Moana” in its entirety while sitting in the courtroom and were also shown scenes from “The Little Mermaid” and other Musker and Clements films.

Musker testified that Moana’s relationship with her chief father was much like the mermaid Ariel’s with her father, King Triton.

A defense expert said that the relationship between Moana and the shapeshifting demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, reflects Aladdin and his shapeshifting Genie, voiced by Robin Williams.

“So many of the extrinsic elements of ‘Moana’ have been in previous Musker and Clements films, indeed in Disney films going back a century,” the expert, Jeffrey Rovin testified at trial.

Woodall’s attorneys must prove the works had substantial similarity and that the defendants had access to the copyrighted work.

Both judge and jury will decide on substantial similarity, with the judge using the so-called “extrinsic test” of comparing individual elements and the jury using the “intrinsic test” of the “total concept and feel” of the two works.

Woodall in January filed a second lawsuit over “Moana 2,” which was an even bigger hit that brought in more than $1 billion globally. But the judge declined to combine the lawsuits, and the newer one, seeking as much as $10 billion, will be dealt with separately.

Menendez brothers’ bid for freedom hits roadblock: L.A. DA opposes resentencing

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday that he opposes resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers who have served three decades behind bars for the 1989 murders of their parents.

Former District Attorney George Gascón last year recommended to a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge that the court reconsider the brothers’ prior sentences of life without the possibility of parole, instead giving them 50 years to life. The move could have made them eligible for parole as youthful offenders because they committed the crime when they were younger than 26.

Hochman filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court to rescind Gascón’s request, presenting an analysis of the facts of the case that are far less favorable to the brothers and raising questions about the validity of their self-defense claims. The motion also lays out evidence of premeditation and the brothers’ attempts to cover their tracks.

Hochman said during a news conference that the brothers lied to police immediately after the killings and crafted an alibi, even going as far to say the slayings were Mafia hits, and alleged they have not accepted full responsibility for their actions.

“The Menendez brothers have continued to lie for over 30 years about their self-defense — that is, their purported actual fear that their mother and their father were going to kill them the night of the murders,” Hochman wrote in the motion. “Also, over those 30 years, they have failed to accept responsibility for the vast number of lies they told in connection with that defense.”

In 1989, the Menendez brothers bought a pair of shotguns with cash, walked into their Beverly Hills mansion and shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, while they watched a movie in the family living room. Prosecutors said Jose Menendez was struck five times, including in the kneecaps and the back of the head, and Kitty Menendez crawled on the floor wounded before the brothers reloaded and fired a fatal blast.

The brothers were charged with murder after Erik, who was then 18, confessed to the killings to his therapist. During the trial, prosecutors argued the brothers killed their parents to gain access to their multimillion-dollar inheritance. But defense attorneys countered that years of violent sexual abuse by their father preceded the shootings, justifying the slayings as a form of self-defense.

After decades in prison, the brothers are pursuing several possible paths to freedom: clemency, resentencing and a habeas corpus petition based on new evidence that they allege directly challenges the narrative prosecutors presented at trial.

The petition filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2023 pointed to a 1988 letter sent from Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano, saying he had been abused late into his teen years. It also mentioned allegations made by Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, who said he had also been raped by Jose Menendez.

Hochman announced last month he opposed granting the brothers a new trial, saying the act of murder was the issue in the conviction — not the sexual abuse allegations. The brothers would have had to have an imminent fear that their parents would kill them over the sexual abuse being reported in order for the murders to be considered self-defense, he said.

During the Monday news conference, Hochman said if the brothers accept complete responsibility for their criminal actions, acknowledge that their parents weren’t going to kill them the night of Aug. 20 and fess up to lies they told after the killings, his office would reconsider whether they should be released.

Until that happens, “they do not meet the standards for resentencing,” Hochman said. “They do not meet the standards for rehabilitation.”

A judge is expected to consider the brothers’ resentencing request, but without support from Hochman the process may be challenging, legal experts say.

“Without the D.A.’s blessing, the Menendez brothers have an uphill battle,” Louis Shapiro, a criminal defense attorney who has not represented the brothers, told The Times.

Still, the brothers have continued to pursue other avenues that could result in their release.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed the state parole board to launch a risk assessment investigation into whether the Menendez brothers would pose an unreasonable risk to the public if they were released, a first step in their bid for clemency.

The brothers submitted a clemency application to Newsom’s office last year, and the governor said he would make his decision on that request after the board’s investigation, which is expected within 90 days.

The killings and the brothers’ highly publicized murder trials sparked documentaries, films and a recent Netflix series that has maintained public interest in the case even decades later. Conversations about how the sexual abuse claims were handled during the trials has prompted public pleas and enhanced legal efforts for the brothers’ freedom.

The first trial ended with hung juries for each brother. In the second, allegations of abuse and supporting testimonies were restricted, and Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the brothers’ release, said in a statement Monday that Erik and Lyle have apologized for their actions, which were the result of sexual abuse by their father and their mother enabling the abuse.

Family members pointed to the brothers’ work in rehabilitation programs in prison as proof of their atonement.

“District Attorney Hochman made it clear today he is holding Erik, Lyle, and our family hostage. He appears fixated on their trauma-driven response to the killings in 1989 with blinders on to the fact they were repeatedly abused, feared for their lives, and have atoned for their actions,” the family said in a statement. “How many times do we have to hear the same attempts to bury who they are today and rip us back to that painful time?”

Hochman’s relationship with the nearly two dozen Menendez family relatives who want the brothers freed from prison has seemingly cratered since he took office last year.

Last month, the family expressed concern when they learned Hochman had demoted and transferred the two attorneys who argued for the brothers to be resentenced under former Dist. Atty. Gascón. The lawyers, Nancy DeBerge and Brock Lunsford, have filed a notice of claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, alleging Hochman punished them because he disagrees with their position on the case.

Tamara Goodell, a cousin of the brothers who supports their release, last week lodged a complaint with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the United States Attorney’s Office, alleging that Hochman violated her rights as a victim under Marsy’s Law. She accused Hochman of being biased against the brothers.

Goodell wrote that when 20 members of the brothers’ family met with Hochman in January, the district attorney had a “hostile, dismissive and patronizing tone” that “created an intimidating and bullying atmosphere, leaving us, the victims, more distressed and feeling humiliated.”

“Rather than focusing on the trauma and concerns expressed by the family, DA Hochman shifted the meeting’s focus onto himself, making it a lecture on how he was being personally treated rather than an opportunity to hear and respect the voices of the victims. The lack of compassion was palpable, and the family left feeling not only ignored but further intimidated and revictimized,” she wrote.

The letter emphasized concerns the family has with the involvement of Kathy Cady, the director of the Bureau of Victims’ Services within the district attorney’s office. Cady previously represented Milton Anderson, Kitty Menendez’s brother, who opposed the brothers’ possible release from prison. Anderson died this month, according to his new attorney, R.J. Drieling.

In the letter, Goodell requests Cady be barred from any participation in the case, Hochman be reprimanded and for the attorney general to take over the case to “ensure fairness and impartiality.” Hochman has said Cady has been “walled off” from any involvement in a decision on the brothers’ fate, and the section of the office she oversees has no hand in resentencing or post-conviction matters.

It is not clear what, if any, effect Goodell’s complaint could have on the case. Neither CDCR nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office would have the authority to remove Hochman from the case. The family would have to file a disqualification motion with a judge, according to former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson.

By meeting with the family, she said, Hochman complied with Marsy’s Law, which effectively functions as California’s bill of rights for crime victims. There is no part of the law that requires Hochman to be “enthusiastic” toward the family’s wishes, Levenson said.

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, said while the letter provides fascinating insight into the meetings between the Menendez family and Hochman, the complaint is unlikely to spur any action by federal prosecutors.

“The feds aren’t going to get involved in a state case to enforce a state law. And generally speaking, Marsy’s Law allows victims to be heard, but there is no real enforcement mechanism,” Rahmani said.

Netflix releases a killer new trailer for You season 5 but my favorite character is missing from Joe’s final chapter

After Netflix offered glimpses at serial killer Joe Goldberg’s (Penn Badgley) bloody final chapter with an ominous first image and a short teaser trailer, the streaming service has finally dropped an official two-minute trailer for You season 5.

Joe’s deadly journey is coming to an end with You season 5 as his murderous escapades in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London see him return to where it all began in New York City.

The trailer teases “the killer finale you never saw coming” and going off the clip alone, I think You season 5 has promise to become the best season yet even though my favorite character Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) isn’t around to make Joe’s life a nightmare.

In the trailer for one of the best Netflix shows, the book-loving killer is back in New York aka “the greatest city in the world,” with his You season 4 love interest Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie). Now that Kate is the powerful leader of her father’s company, Joe has emerged from the shadows and gone under the spotlight as he reveals: “Fame definitely took a bit of getting used to, but to live happily ever after, you had to bury your old self.”

However, his “perfect life” is threatened when his dark past is splashed all over the media and a young woman called Bronte (Madeline Brewer) comes to work at his new bookstore.

While the new trailer also teases a new rivalry between Joe and his twin sisters-in-law Raegan and Maddie Lockwood (Anna Camp), some familiar faces from Joe’s past also make an appearance as the devious protagonist has made himself a whole lot of enemies that are out now out get him.

So, who could be seeking their vengeance this time around? Well, student-turned-detective Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) from You season 4 is seen in the trailer after being sent to prison for a crime Joe committed and there’s also Annika (Kathryn Gallagher) from the first season, a social media influencer who was friends with Joe’s ex-girlfriend Beck (Elizabeth Lail). Both Beck and her best friend Peach (Shay Mitchell) were murdered by Joe and now she’s onto him.

You season 5 will premiere globally on Netflix on April, 24.

Newcomers joining the likes of series regulars Badgley and Ritchie are Madeline Brewer as Bronte, “an enigmatic and free-spirited playwright who comes to work for Joe Goldberg at his bookstore” and Anna Camp as Joe’s twin sisters-in-law Raegan and Maddie Lockwood.

Griffin Matthews also joins the cast as Teddy Lockwood, Joe’s brother-in-law, and Baby Reindeer star Nava Mau as Detective Marquez. Amy-Leigh Hickman returns to You season 5 as Nadia and Kathryn Gallagher reprises her season 1 role of Annika.

Simon Fisher-Becker, ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Doctor Who’ Actor, Dies at 63

Actor Simon Fisher-Becker, known for his roles in “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who,” has died at the age of 63.

His agent, Kim Barry from Jaffrey Management, confirmed that Fisher-Becker died Sunday, according to the Daily Mail.

“Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing,” Barry wrote in a statement to the outlet.

“I shall never forget the phone call I made to him when he was offered the part of Dorium Moldovar in BBC’s ‘Dr Who,’” he continued. “Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was kind, gracious and interested in everyone. My condolences go to his husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews and his legion of fans.”

Fisher-Becker’s husband, Tony Dugdale, also announced his death on the actor’s Facebook page.

“Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon’s husband,” he wrote. “I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon Simon passed away. I’ll be keeping this account open for a while. I’m not sure at this point if I’ll be posting again. Thank you.”

Fisher-Becker had an extensive list of film credits, but his most recognizable role was arguably that of the Fat Friar in the 2001 film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” In the movie, he portrayed the resident ghost of Hufflepuff House, according to the New York Post.

In addition to his appearance in “Harry Potter,” Fisher-Becker was also known for playing Dorium Maldovar in Seasons 5 and 6 of “Doctor Who.”

He later returned to the role in the podcast series “Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Chronicles and Jenny – The Doctor’s Daughter.” Other acting credits include a role in the hit BBC comedy series “Puppy Love,” as well as other several British classics including “One Foot in the Grave,” “The Bill,” “Love Soup,” and “Afterlife.”

Further, Fisher-Becker had a role in the 2012 Oscar-winning film, “Les Misérables.”

Zoe Papadakis ✉

Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.

Odell Beckham Jr and Druski accused of raping woman at Diddy party

PODCAST: Celebrity attorney Lisa Bloom provides an inside scoop on singer Dawn Richard’s lawsuit against the disgraced Bad Boy mogul. Listen to The Trial of Diddy here

NFL superstar Odell Beckham Jr. has been accused of raping a woman in a bombshell lawsuit filed against disgraced music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Ashley Parham filed an initial lawsuit against Diddy – who is currently imprisoned on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution – last October, accusing the rapper and businessman of ‘violently gang raping’ her at an Orinda, California home in March 2018.

The document also alleges kidnapping and sex trafficking, while Diddy was also previously accused of sexually assaulting Parham with a TV remote.

Parham, as well as two other plaintiffs identified only as Jane Doe and John Doe, have now amended that suit to include Beckham and comedian Druski (real name Drew Desbordes).

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Diddy’s lawyers vehemently denied the allegations and said that their client wasn’t at the Orinda, California home at the time of the alleged events.

Beckham and Druski have also denied the allegations in statements posted to social media.

‘This new complaint – brought by an attorney who has already been sued for defaming Mr. Combs – demonstrates the depraved lengths plaintiffs will travel to garner headlines in pursuit of a payday,’ the statement from Diddy’s lawyers began.

‘Mr. Combs was nowhere near Orinda, California on the day Ms. Parham claims she was assaulted there, and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department has already confirmed Ms. Parham’s claims were determined to be unfounded following a thorough investigation.

Comedian Druski and Odell Beckham Jr. are accused of rape in a lawsuit. Both have denied the allegations

Diddy is currently imprisoned on separate federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution

Beckham was playing for the New York Giants at the time of the alleged events in March 2018

‘In an attempt to salvage her claims following the investigation debunking them, Ms. Parham has now invented an even wilder narrative, alleging a vast (and facially implausible) conspiracy between law enforcement, local civilians, and media industry players.

‘Her far-fetched tale contains it all: fake cops, cash bribes, and an alleged victim of the late Michael Jackson who was purportedly kidnapped across state lines and forced to “sign paperwork at gun point” while shepherded through a web of “safe houses”.

‘No sane person reading this complaint could credit this story. Mr. Combs looks forward to having his day in court where these lies – and the perverse motives of those who told them – will be revealed.’

Posting on X in response to Druski’s statement, Beckham said: ‘Boy I’ll tell u what. This world makes absolutely no sense. I am covered by God. He will prevail. I kno who am I , I kno who u are, keep ur head. That name will be cleared. S**** stupid’.

Druski called the allegations a ‘fabricated lie’ in a statement posted to his Instagram story.

‘I wasn’t a public figure in 2018 – I was broke living with my mom without any connections to the entertainment industry at the time of this allegation, so the inclusion of my name is truly outlandish,’ he wrote.

‘My heart breaks for actual victims of abuse, but I’m fully confident that the evidence will expose this falsehood and the individuals who are maliciously trying to game the legal system to peddle false narratives.’

Druski said on a podcast last year that he had been to one of Diddy’s parties. ‘I wasn’t at one of them parties,’ he added.

Druski appears on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” airing February 19, 2025

Read More

Diddy’s behind bars friendship with Sam Bankman-Fried at star-studded jail

Jane Doe and John Doe – who are mother and son – were allegedly witnesses of the gang rape of Parham – and knew Diddy ‘through their connections in the music industry,’ as John Doe was previously a Plaintiff who accused Michael Jackson of sexual assault against a minor.

According to the lawsuit, Beckham was previously identified in the original suit as ‘Defendant Doe Cornelius (Cornelius is the athlete’s middle name, and he was referred to as such during the alleged ordeal by other defendants). Parham later discovered that person was Beckham.

John Doe is alleged to have overheard Diddy and Beckham discussing business and a plan to have Parham return to New York with the NFL player, who played for the New York Giants at the time.

The lawsuit also states that Druski (previously identified as Defendant Doe as well) was instructed to rape Parham by Diddy, and did so.

Before raping Parham, Druski allegedly ‘doused Plaintiff with more oil/lubricant’ and then jumped on top of their body ‘treating it like a slip and slide and knocking the wind out of Plaintiff due to his enormous size.’

Diddy and Druski are alleged to have been ‘manically and hysterically laughing’ at one point during the ordeal.

Parham’s body became ‘more and more limp over the course of the violent rape’ until she lost control of her body, the lawsuit said.

It is also said in the lawsuit that the actions of Diddy, Beckham, Druski and the other defendants caused ‘physical injury’ and ‘severe mental and emotional distress’ to Parham.

After Druski allegedly raped Parham, she was forced by Diddy to take a pill before he, Beckham and Druski went to the backyard to smoke marijuana and cigarettes, the lawsuit says.

Parham – whose appearance has remained anonymous – later told NewsNation of how she ran at Diddy with a knife and considered slashing him, describing it as ‘a kill or be killed situation’ before she decided not to stab him and escape.

Diddy was also accused in the initial lawsuit of at one point threatening to slash Parham’s face with a knife. The alleged threat was described as retaliation for a previous remark from Parham on a video call, in which she intimated that he was involved with the death of Tupac Shakur in 1996.

Diddy’s lawyers have denied the allegations and said Parham was trying to get a pay day

Diddy also threatened to ‘sell’ Parham for sex, while John and Jane Doe were allegedly trafficked from Las Vegas to various locations in California, eventually ending up at the home in Orinda, California where the gang-rape is said to have happened.

Parham also claims that Diddy offered her money as she was trying to escape, in exchange for saying that the rape was actually consensual.

Ultimately, Parham managed to get out as she fled to a neighbor’s property, though it is alleged that gunshots were fired towards her as she escaped Diddy’s home. Plaintiffs John and Jane Doe were also able to escape.

Parham allegedly went to a hospital and also filed a police report to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, who have not charged Diddy or anyone else allegedly involved that day.

John and Jane Doe were allegedly kidnapped by an associate of Diddy’s as they walked to their vehicle at their residence in Vegas.

In addition to witnessing Parham be assaulted, they allegedly observed Parham having an IUD placed in her vagina by two other defendants.

‘Harry Potter’ actor Simon Fisher-Becker dead at 63

Actor Simon Fisher-Becker, best known for his roles in “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who,” has died at age 63.

Fisher-Becker’s death was confirmed by his manager, Kim Barry of Jaffrey Management, as well as his husband, Tony.

“Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing,” Barry told Metro in a statement.

“I shall never forget the phone call I made to him when he was offered the part of Dorium Moldovar in BBC’s ‘Doctor Who.’”

Barry continued, “Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was kind, gracious and interested in everyone.

“My condolences go to his husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews and his legion of fans.”

Fisher-Becker boasted many film credits, however his most high-profile role was arguably the Fat Friar ghost in the 2001 film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

His character was Hufflepuff House’s resident ghost in the film, which is titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the UK.

On Sunday, the beloved actor’s husband took to social media to confirm the devastating news in a Facebook post.

“Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon’s husband,” he wrote. “I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon Simon passed away.”

“I’ll be keeping this account open for a while. I’m not sure at this point if I’ll be posting again. Thank you,” he added.

In addition to his role in “Harry Potter,” Fisher-Becker was also known for his role as Dorium Maldovar in Seasons 5 and 6 of “Doctor Who.”

He later reprised his role in the podcast series titled, “Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Chronicles and Jenny — The Doctor’s Daughter.”

He also starred in the hit BBC comedy series “Puppy Love,” as well as other several British classics including “One Foot in the Grave,” “The Bill,”m”Love Soup,” and “Afterlife.”

Fisher-Becker also had a role in the 2012 Oscar-winning film, “Les Misérables.”

King Charles III reveals his favorite songs on Apple Music show: Raye, Beyoncé and more

King Charles III resumed public duties after doctors say they were pleased with King’s response to cancer treatment.

Charles hosted an Apple Music broadcast released Monday called “The King’s Music Room,” in which he played a selection of favorite songs and spoke about each one. Charles described this as an “interesting and innovative” way to celebrate Commonwealth Day, as the tracks “originated from across the Commonwealth family and other parts of the world.”

On the show, Charles reflected that music “has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory” and said he would highlight “songs which have brought me joy.” According to Apple Music, the show was recorded in Charles’ office at Buckingham Palace.

The king’s first pick was “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Charles noted that he once met Marley, who had a “marvelous, infectious energy,” “deep sincerity” and “profound concern for his community.” He transitioned into “My Boy Lollipop” from another Jamaican singer, Millie Small.

Next up was Kylie Minogue’s “The Loco-Motion,” which Charles described as “music for dancing” that has “that infectious energy” that makes it “incredibly hard to sit still.” Moving back to the 1920s, Charles said Al Bowlly’s “The Very Thought of You” is a tune that his “much-loved grandmother” used to play.

“This was an era of songs made memorable by brilliant lyrics, incredible bands and unstoppable rhythm,” he said.

Before next playing “the superb” Grace Jones’ version of “La Vie En Rose,” Charles asked, “Is it possible to improve on such a classic song? See what you think.”

The king subsequently praised Raye, who was nominated for best new artist at the 2025 Grammys, as “one of our most exciting and acclaimed contemporary singer-songwriters” and played her song “Love Me Again.”

“Anyone who saw Raye perform at the Grammy Awards will know that she is a great ambassador for British music,” he said.

After remembering his visits to Ghana over the years, Charles played “Mpempem Do Me” by Daddy Lumba, “who is regarded by some as the greatest musician Ghana has ever produced,” and also selected “KANTE” by Davido and “The Click Song” by Miriam Makeba.

Charles also said he has been “more than fortunate to know the incredibly talented” Jools Holland and played his and Ruby Turner’s song “My Country Man,” calling Turner “another unstoppable phenomenon.” He followed this up with “Indian Summer” by Anoushka Shankar, “Anta Permana” by Siti Nurhaliza and “E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)” by Kiri Te Kanawa.

Charles closed the show with “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé, “Hot Hot Hot” by Arrow, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and finally “Upside Down” by Diana Ross. He said Beyoncé is “so exceptional” that he “just could not resist including her music,” and he also congratulated her for winning album of the year for the first time at the Grammys last month.

Charles added that Ross’ “Upside Down” is “one of my particular favorites” and recalled that when he was younger, “it was absolutely impossible not to get up and dance when it was played.”

“I wonder if I can still just manage it,” he joked.

Near the end of the show, Charles said that he hopes listeners discovered some “new and interesting” songs from “the wonderfully diverse tapestry that makes up the modern Commonwealth, with its rich pattern of cultures that it continues to share with peoples across the entire world.”

King Charles’ full Apple Music playlist

Here are all the songs Charles highlighted on his Apple Music show:

In Michelle Obama’s New Podcast Series With Her Brother Craig Robinson, Former First Lady Is ‘at Her Most Relaxed and Honest’

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Michelle Obama and her older brother Craig Robinson sit down together for a new podcast series to “uncover the shared experiences that connect us all.”

The two Chicago-native siblings are the hosts of “IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” from Higher Ground, the media company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. On the podcast, the former First Lady and Robinson, who is executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, will discuss “everyday questions” about life, relationships and the world at large. Each week, they will be joined by a special guest to tackle audience questions and offer advice, anecdotes and plenty of laughs.

“From resilience in the face of life’s challenges to navigating relationships, parenting, family and faith, ‘IMO’ sees the First Lady at her most relaxed and honest,” according to Higher Ground’s announcement.

The first two episodes of “IMO” will launch March 12, with new episodes released weekly. The available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. After the introductory premiere episode, the first guest on the show is actor-writer-producer Issa Rae, who in episode 2 talks about navigating the challenges of “mismatched expectations in adult friendships.” In addition, Obama and Robinson will take the stage at SXSW in Austin on Thursday (March 13) at 1 p.m. CT to record a special episode of their new podcast live in front of an audience.

Guests on upcoming episodes are scheduled to include Tyler Perry, Keke Palmer, Tracee Ellis Ross, Seth and Lauren Rogen, Jay Shetty, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, Elaine Welteroth, Angie Martinez, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Logan Ury and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.

“With everything going on in the world, we’re all looking for answers and people to turn to,” Michelle Obama said in announcing the series. “My brother Craig and I launched the ‘IMO’ podcast to create a space for people to come as they are, ask honest questions, give their opinions and have thoughtful conversations about life. There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing — whether it’s family, faith or our personal relationships — but taking the time to open up and talk about these issues can provide hope.”

Robinson added, “We grew up talking through life’s big and small questions together. And now, we’re inviting listeners into that conversation, with the hope that it sparks new ideas, new perspectives, and creates the connection we could all use right now.”

The former First Lady previously hosted “Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast,” an Audible original podcast featuring her conversations with friends including Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Conan O’Brien and Oprah Winfrey. That was the first project under the recently formed multiyear first-look production deal between Audible and Higher Ground after the Obamas and Spotify ended their partnership. Before that, she hosted an exclusive Spotify series, “The Michelle Obama Podcast.”

Other Higher Ground podcasts include “The Wonder of Stevie,” a seven-episode series that covers Stevie Wonder’s legacy; “Your Mama’s Kitchen” hosted by journalist Michele Norris; “The Big Hit Show,” a series of pop-culture documentaries hosted by Alex Pappademas; “Tell Them, I Am,” a collection of stories from Muslim voices; “Renegades: Born in the USA,” a series of conversations between President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen; and “The Sum of Us” series based on Heather McGhee’s bestselling book.

Higher Ground produces scripted and unscripted TV series, feature films, podcasts and digital series. In addition to its pact with Audible, the company has a first-look deal for film and television with Netflix.

‘Moana’ has her origins questioned at trial where man says his surfer boy led to the Disney hit

Lawyers for a New Mexico writer and animator will say at closing arguments at his federal trial in Los Angeles on Monday that his work was stolen to create the Walt Disney Co.’s 2016 hit about a questing Polynesian princess, whose sequel was among the biggest hits of last year.

Buck Woodall wrote a script, whose various titles have included “Bucky the Surfer Boy,” about a teenager vacationing in Hawaii with his parents who befriends a group of Native Hawaiian youth and goes on a quest that involves time travel to the ancient islands and interactions with demigods to save a sacred part of the islands from a developer.

Woodall said he first gave the script to a distant relative by marriage who worked for another company on the Disney lot in about 2004, and a dozen years later was stunned when he saw so many of his ideas in “Moana.”

Here are some of the many similarities his lawsuit alleges:

Both “tell the story about a teenager who defies parental warnings and embarks on a dangerous voyage across Polynesian waters to save the endangered land of a Polynesian island.”

Both “involve a main character who encounters a demigod with a giant hook and tattoos.”

Both “involve protagonists who learn about ancient Polynesian culture during a sea voyage” and “a recurring theme of the Polynesian belief in spiritual ancestors” who “manifested as animals which guide and guard the living.”

Defense lawyers and witnesses — including the woman Woodall gave the script to — said no one at Disney saw his work, and that “Moana” was developed through the same cultural research and internal collaboration as its other films.

A judge ruled that Woodall filed the 2020 lawsuit too late to have a claim on the nearly $700 global box office of “Moana.” What remains are the film’s DVD and Blu-ray sales — worth $31.4 million gross with a net profit of $10.4 million. The only remaining defendant is Disney subsidiary Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

“Moana” was co-directed, along with two others, by John Musker and Ron Clements, a duo that was essential to the 1990s Disney animation renaissance that made the company a global powerhouse.

At times with other collaborators, Musker and Clements co-wrote and co-directed 1989’s “The Little Mermaid,” 1992’s “Aladdin,” 1997’s “Hercules” and 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

Musker testified that they had never plagiarized, and he was angered by the accusation.

The relatively young jury of six women and two men watched “Moana” in its entirety while sitting in the courtroom and were also shown scenes from “The Little Mermaid” and other Musker and Clements films.

Musker testified that Moana’s relationship with her chief father was much like the mermaid Ariel’s with her father, King Triton.

A defense expert said that the relationship between Moana and the shapeshifting demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, reflects Aladdin and his shapeshifting Genie, voiced by Robin Williams.

“So many of the extrinsic elements of ‘Moana’ have been in previous Musker and Clements films, indeed in Disney films going back a century,” the expert, Jeffrey Rovin testified at trial.

Woodall’s attorneys must prove the works had substantial similarity and that the defendants had access to the copyrighted work.

Both judge and jury will decide on substantial similarity, with the judge using the so-called “extrinsic test” of comparing individual elements and the jury using the “intrinsic test” of the “total concept and feel” of the two works.

Woodall in January filed a second lawsuit over “Moana 2,” which was an even bigger hit that brought in more than $1 billion globally. But the judge declined to combine the lawsuits, and the newer one, seeking as much as $10 billion, will be dealt with separately.

James Bond Will Reportedly Remain a Man and Still Be British or From the Commonwealth, Pierce Brosnan Insists 007 Must Not Be American, and Longlegs Director Says ‘F**k Jeff Bezos’

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The James Bond rumor mill continues following the shock news that Amazon had taken full creative control over 007, and we’re no closer to knowing who will play the famous spy in whatever’s next.

However, according to a new report, James Bond will remain a man and still be British or from the Commonwealth, ruling out the likes of Ryan Gosling.

The Mail on Sunday said that Amazon circulated an internal memo stipulating James Bond would not change gender or nationality under its tenure.

That’s sure to please Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day from 1995 to 2002. Speaking to The Telegraph, Brosnan said ‘it’s a given’ that 007 should be British.

However, if an actor from the Commonwealth is possible, that leaves the door open to Australian Chris Hemsworth, who has expressed his interest in playing the character in the past. In 2019, the Thor and Extraction star told Balance magazine, after the publication pointed out his performance as British Formula One driver James Hunt made him a perfect candidate: “When we were shooting Rush someone had said that and I thought, ‘Cool, if this is my audition tape, then great.’ I don’t think you’ll ever meet anyone who doesn’t want to have a crack at James Bond. I’d love to do it.

“But that’s up to so many elements and is way beyond myself; it’s not one you can pitch yourself on to either. It’s something that the community of Bond fans, Barbara Broccoli and the whole crew there agree on, and it has to be a very organic decision from them. There have been a lot of names thrown out there and a lot of brilliant people can tackle that one.”

Hemsworth’s comments have now resurfaced following the Mail on Sunday’s report and word that a man from the Commonwealth could play Bond. The Today Show Australia took the speculation and declared: “It’s a surety. He is in.”

There is a degree of concern about the future of James Bond following Amazon’s acquisition and the stepping back of long-term 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.

Amid speculation that Amazon may decide to go with a Bond TV series, Variety reported that a new Bond film is still the “top priority.” As for what’s next, Amazon will allegedly first look for a producer for the franchise. Apparently David Heyman, who shepherded the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films with a cohesive vision, is the kind of producer Amazon is looking for.

Christopher Nolan reportedly “expressed interest” in directing a Bond movie after Tenet, but Broccoli allegedly insisted no director would have “final cut” while she was in charge of the franchise and turned him down. Nolan went on to make Oppenheimer, which made nearly $1 billion at the global box office and won the best picture and best director (Nolan) Oscars.

Amazon’s control over Bond hasn’t gone down well with some. Longlegs and The Monkey director was asked during a recent Reddit AMA whether he’d be op-en to directing a Bond movie, and his answer was loud and clear: “No, because f**k Jeff Bezos.”

Fans are particularly keen to know who will play Bond next. While some are calling for the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, the MCU’s Idris Elba, Professor X actor James McAvoy, Magneto actor Michael Fassbender, and Kraven’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who was previously rumored to be top of the list), the clear fan-favorite is Superman and The Witcher star Henry Cavill.

According to Variety, Amazon is unable to hire anyone on Bond until the closure of its Broccoli-Wilson deal, which is expected at some point this year. The news followed an explosive report that alleged the future of the James Bond franchise was “on pause” amid what was described as an “ugly” stalemate between the Broccoli family and Amazon.

The behind-the-scenes battle between Barbara Broccoli, who had retained creative control over Bond and decided who played the iconic British spy, and Amazon, which acquired the right to release Bond movies after it bought Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in a deal worth $8.45 billion back in 2021, had left Bond “trapped,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

Amazon and Eon have yet to issue a comment.

Photo by Tuane Fernandes/picture alliance via Getty Images.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

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