David Daut
@davidmdaut.com
Movie fan. Animation enthusiast. One-time pretend cowboy. Features writer & producer for the SOC’s Camera Operator magazine and co-creator of Hollow Medium. (He/him)
davidmdaut.com
davidmdaut.com
Reposted by David Daut
Announcing the merger with Titanic footage is an incredible bit
October 2, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Announcing the merger with Titanic footage is an incredible bit
All told, this was probably the strongest showing for Hollywood’s event in years, but that’s not an especially high bar. Sinners is about as good as you can expect from HHN—not breaking any new ground, but all their usual tricks executed quite well.
Making my annual check in on Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood, and man, this has really become the cell phone event. Some neat gags and one pretty killer animatronic in the Ozzy maze, but *everyone* has their phones out, slowing to a dead stop to get video of everything.
October 1, 2026 at 5:36 PM
All told, this was probably the strongest showing for Hollywood’s event in years, but that’s not an especially high bar. Sinners is about as good as you can expect from HHN—not breaking any new ground, but all their usual tricks executed quite well.
Making my annual check in on Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood, and man, this has really become the cell phone event. Some neat gags and one pretty killer animatronic in the Ozzy maze, but *everyone* has their phones out, slowing to a dead stop to get video of everything.
October 1, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Making my annual check in on Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood, and man, this has really become the cell phone event. Some neat gags and one pretty killer animatronic in the Ozzy maze, but *everyone* has their phones out, slowing to a dead stop to get video of everything.
Reposted by David Daut
That’s when they unleash the bees.
Marvel fans need to prepare for "a very surprising ending" to Avengers: Doomsday, directors Joe and Anthony Russo have teased. https://bit.ly/4z1aMtK
September 30, 2026 at 11:25 PM
That’s when they unleash the bees.
Chapek's framing of Iger in his new book rings true to me, but it's important to remember he still absolutely sucks the moon out of the sky. He perhaps permanently broke the experience of the Disney parks, and—with Disney+ kicking off the streaming arms race—also arguably broke the film/TV industry.
Love him or hate him, Bob Chapek forever changed the Disneyland experience. I was critical of many of these moves and told Chapek so. He pushed back: “How about demand? Do people stop coming?”
www.latimes.com/travel/newsl...
www.latimes.com/travel/newsl...
He aggressively raised Disneyland prices. Bob Chapek has no regrets
While he knows his reputation among Disney fans, the former Walt Disney Co. CEO says he wasn't 'just a maniacal, money-optimizing machine.'
www.latimes.com
September 29, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Chapek's framing of Iger in his new book rings true to me, but it's important to remember he still absolutely sucks the moon out of the sky. He perhaps permanently broke the experience of the Disney parks, and—with Disney+ kicking off the streaming arms race—also arguably broke the film/TV industry.
Ultimately, I still (selfishly) contend that it’s probably better that Starcruiser was killed before it had a chance to die a slow death, gradually and systemically having everything special stripped from it (see: Galaxy’s Edge).
Its unceremonious execution saved it from enshittification.
Its unceremonious execution saved it from enshittification.
September 28, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Ultimately, I still (selfishly) contend that it’s probably better that Starcruiser was killed before it had a chance to die a slow death, gradually and systemically having everything special stripped from it (see: Galaxy’s Edge).
Its unceremonious execution saved it from enshittification.
Its unceremonious execution saved it from enshittification.
There’s increasingly evidence of penny pinching and corner cutting in this post-acquisition era, but Knott’s remains unbeatable in the Haunt scene. No one does better scare zones/entertainment (The Hanging excepted), and Inked proves they’ve still got the juice when it comes to clever maze design.
The look of pure enjoyment on everyone’s faces as they stop to watch the Blind Tiger performance in Gore-ing 20s is the reason this event is the best of the theme park haunts. The only emotion HHN regularly evokes is frustration.
September 26, 2026 at 9:06 PM
There’s increasingly evidence of penny pinching and corner cutting in this post-acquisition era, but Knott’s remains unbeatable in the Haunt scene. No one does better scare zones/entertainment (The Hanging excepted), and Inked proves they’ve still got the juice when it comes to clever maze design.
I know the definition is fuzzy, but for me, the acknowledgement of time passing in-fiction as well as a new group of protagonists for the “legacy” characters to play off of are essential. By my count, FURY ROAD, PUSS IN BOOTS, and INCREDIBLES 2 don’t count. TOY STORY 3 is an edge case.
The Consensus for Showdown № 244 is in 🗳️
Here are the top twenty best legacy sequels with a decade gap, as voted by the Letterboxd community.
View the list: https://boxd.it/XxGly
Here are the top twenty best legacy sequels with a decade gap, as voted by the Letterboxd community.
View the list: https://boxd.it/XxGly
September 26, 2026 at 8:35 PM
I know the definition is fuzzy, but for me, the acknowledgement of time passing in-fiction as well as a new group of protagonists for the “legacy” characters to play off of are essential. By my count, FURY ROAD, PUSS IN BOOTS, and INCREDIBLES 2 don’t count. TOY STORY 3 is an edge case.
Overheard at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank: “Is that Jordan Peele in drag? No, that’s Ritchie Valens.”
September 23, 2026 at 5:18 AM
Overheard at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank: “Is that Jordan Peele in drag? No, that’s Ritchie Valens.”
As ever, Gavin Newsom, get fucked.
September 21, 2026 at 8:36 PM
As ever, Gavin Newsom, get fucked.
Reposted by David Daut
The State AGs were on pace to kill the Paramount/Warner Bros by litigation and delay until Gavin Newsom stepped in and turned the tide. Now the Trump loyalist Ellisons will control CNN and HBO. Don't ever, ever forget that Newsom stabbed us in the back
www.wsj.com/business/med...
www.wsj.com/business/med...
Exclusive | Newsom Expresses Concerns About State Antitrust Suit Against Paramount
The California governor has told people involved in the suit that blocking the $81 billion deal could harm Hollywood jobs.
www.wsj.com
September 21, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The State AGs were on pace to kill the Paramount/Warner Bros by litigation and delay until Gavin Newsom stepped in and turned the tide. Now the Trump loyalist Ellisons will control CNN and HBO. Don't ever, ever forget that Newsom stabbed us in the back
www.wsj.com/business/med...
www.wsj.com/business/med...
Reposted by David Daut
Catastrophe is right. Settling like this is also saying "Yes, we think it's antitrust, but if you pay enough we'll let you do it anyway."
This will be a catastrophe for both filmed entertainment and news, and it's a great shame that the California AG caved. Trump and his people will celebrate this news today. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/b...
Paramount to Resolve Antitrust Lawsuit, Clearing the Way for Warner Bros. Acquisition (Gift Article)
The deal would remove the last significant hurdle the media mogul David Ellison faced to create a news and entertainment empire, home to movie studios, HBO, CBS and CNN.
www.nytimes.com
September 21, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Catastrophe is right. Settling like this is also saying "Yes, we think it's antitrust, but if you pay enough we'll let you do it anyway."
Reposted by David Daut
Bonta after detailing the terms of the deal: "I don't think these two companies should merge...I still don't." I mean, Jesus wept. I doubt this is the end of Newsom's 2028 ambitions, but it certainly should be. He got played by DAVID ELLISON!
September 21, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Bonta after detailing the terms of the deal: "I don't think these two companies should merge...I still don't." I mean, Jesus wept. I doubt this is the end of Newsom's 2028 ambitions, but it certainly should be. He got played by DAVID ELLISON!
Yet again, Apple weirdly burying essential features inside of options menus. In iOS 27, Apple Maps no longer automatically surfaces the “leave by/arrive by” buttons. Instead, they’re hidden behind a non-obvious route options button.
September 20, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Yet again, Apple weirdly burying essential features inside of options menus. In iOS 27, Apple Maps no longer automatically surfaces the “leave by/arrive by” buttons. Instead, they’re hidden behind a non-obvious route options button.
This week’s episode of STRANGE NEW WORLDS seems to indicate that Medieval Times continues to be operation into the 23rd century.
September 18, 2026 at 9:36 PM
This week’s episode of STRANGE NEW WORLDS seems to indicate that Medieval Times continues to be operation into the 23rd century.
Inked, one of the new mazes at Knott’s Scary Farm this year, is terrific! One of the best new mazes they’ve produced in years. Clever and inventive and fun. Some gags and effects unlike anything I’ve ever seen at a haunt.
September 18, 2026 at 4:11 AM
Inked, one of the new mazes at Knott’s Scary Farm this year, is terrific! One of the best new mazes they’ve produced in years. Clever and inventive and fun. Some gags and effects unlike anything I’ve ever seen at a haunt.
Reposted by David Daut
it really does feel as if Democrats en masse are telling trans ppl that they don't want us as part of their coalition. if you disagree with them – if you *want* trans ppl to be a part of the coalition – then please call these trans-exclusionary Dems DIVISIVE because they are DIVIDING OUR COALITION!
🧵 of excerpts from my latest essay “On Democrats Who Cave in Response to Anti-Trans Attack Ads.” it makes several points I haven't seen others making. here's a main one: many cis reactions reveal they don't actually view trans ppl as part of their coalition... juliaserano.medium.com/on-democrats...
September 17, 2026 at 7:35 PM
it really does feel as if Democrats en masse are telling trans ppl that they don't want us as part of their coalition. if you disagree with them – if you *want* trans ppl to be a part of the coalition – then please call these trans-exclusionary Dems DIVISIVE because they are DIVIDING OUR COALITION!
Somehow it escaped my notice that Gerwig is starting with THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW.
EXCLUSIVE 🪩
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is a rock inspired fantasy nodding to David Bowie and The Who.
“Narnia is literally a world made out of music,” she tells Empire. “And rock ’n’ roll to me felt like a world made out of music.”
Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies/news/...
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is a rock inspired fantasy nodding to David Bowie and The Who.
“Narnia is literally a world made out of music,” she tells Empire. “And rock ’n’ roll to me felt like a world made out of music.”
Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies/news/...
September 17, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Somehow it escaped my notice that Gerwig is starting with THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW.
“If I can’t own it forever, I will destroy it.” People are worried about the midterms, but I think the safe bet is it all plays out relatively normally because Trump fundamentally doesn’t care about Republicans. 2028, though. That’s where things are going to get ugly.
Give me what I want or I'll tear it down.
He's demanding ransom and holding the nation hostage.
He's demanding ransom and holding the nation hostage.
September 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM
“If I can’t own it forever, I will destroy it.” People are worried about the midterms, but I think the safe bet is it all plays out relatively normally because Trump fundamentally doesn’t care about Republicans. 2028, though. That’s where things are going to get ugly.
Reposted by David Daut
A full in-browser offline archive of the Batuu experiences, stories, transmissions, and experiences of Star Wars: Datapad has been uploaded to the Internet Archive:
archive.org/details/pdp_...
archive.org/details/pdp_...
Play Disney Parks: Star Wars Datapad - Batuu Offline Archive - 1.0.0
A digital preservation and offline standalone archive of the interactive Star Wars: Datapad experience from Disney's retired Play Disney Parks mobile application.Originally introduced in 2019 alongsid...
archive.org
September 17, 2026 at 4:30 AM
A full in-browser offline archive of the Batuu experiences, stories, transmissions, and experiences of Star Wars: Datapad has been uploaded to the Internet Archive:
archive.org/details/pdp_...
archive.org/details/pdp_...
Reposted by David Daut
We lost Bob Mackie today.
I will always be amazed at how intuitively he understood and contributed to Star Wars costume design in his work on the Holiday Special.
Goodnight, but not goodbye.
I will always be amazed at how intuitively he understood and contributed to Star Wars costume design in his work on the Holiday Special.
Goodnight, but not goodbye.
September 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
We lost Bob Mackie today.
I will always be amazed at how intuitively he understood and contributed to Star Wars costume design in his work on the Holiday Special.
Goodnight, but not goodbye.
I will always be amazed at how intuitively he understood and contributed to Star Wars costume design in his work on the Holiday Special.
Goodnight, but not goodbye.
Barring some other tectonic breakthrough, AI super intelligence is not actually achievable with the current technology. It’s all hype, including the portents of doom.
I wrote this quickly at a bus stop and didn't realize it would go viral, or else I would have worded it better. But the point is that the media is too credulous about AI killing everyone in 10 years (how?) when climate change is killing people now and will only get worse (we know exactly how).
I resigned from ExxonMobil today. I spent the last three years doing fossil fuel extraction research at both BP and ExxonMobil. Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing to maximize extraction while the window to act closes, and gambling with our lives. More below.
September 13, 2026 at 2:26 AM
Barring some other tectonic breakthrough, AI super intelligence is not actually achievable with the current technology. It’s all hype, including the portents of doom.
Nice of STRANGE NEW WORLDS to give us a non-gimmick, honest-to-goodness episode of STAR TREK this week for the 60th anniversary.
September 13, 2026 at 1:28 AM
Nice of STRANGE NEW WORLDS to give us a non-gimmick, honest-to-goodness episode of STAR TREK this week for the 60th anniversary.
Had my second trip to the Lucas Museum today for my actual member preview (as opposed to the opening party on the 5th). Just an incredible collection of work, and a huge boon for Los Angeles (sorry SF and Chicago). Still some operational hiccups, but to be fair they’re still not technically open.
September 12, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Had my second trip to the Lucas Museum today for my actual member preview (as opposed to the opening party on the 5th). Just an incredible collection of work, and a huge boon for Los Angeles (sorry SF and Chicago). Still some operational hiccups, but to be fair they’re still not technically open.