Weekly International Movie & TV Show News Roundup (Dec 12-19, 2025)
What a week it's been for entertainment news! From box office records being smashed to exciting new trailers dropping, December 12-19 has delivered some seriously exciting updates for movie and TV fans. Let's dive into all the biggest stories that have everyone talking.
Zootopia 2 Breaks All the Records
The biggest story this week? Zootopia 2 has officially become 2025's highest-earning film, raking in an incredible $1.13 billion globally. But here's the really impressive part – it's now the fastest PG-rated film to ever hit the $1 billion mark.
What's driving this success? International markets are absolutely loving it. While the film performed well domestically, it's the overseas box office that's really pushed it into record-breaking territory. Families worldwide have embraced the return to the animal metropolis, and the merchandise sales have been through the roof too.
Speaking of merchandise, we've seen a massive surge in animated movie-themed apparel at Rock Universe. From character tees to collectible items, fans can't get enough of bringing their favorite animated characters into their everyday style.
Avatar: Fire and Ash Sets Up Holiday Blockbuster
James Cameron's highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash is projected to open next week with over $100 million, setting the stage for what could be the holiday season's biggest blockbuster. The third installment in the Avatar franchise has been generating serious buzz, and early tracking suggests audiences are ready to return to Pandora.
The film's marketing campaign has been building momentum throughout December, and industry insiders are predicting it could challenge some serious box office records during the holiday period. Cameron's track record speaks for itself, and with the advanced 3D technology and stunning visuals fans expect from the franchise, this could be another game-changer.
The Running Man's Streaming Success Story
Here's a fascinating case study in how streaming can completely transform a film's legacy. Stephen King's The Running Man was considered a box office disappointment, earning just $110 million against its $200 million budget. But here's the twist – it's absolutely soaring on Apple TV, where it's currently sitting at #1.
This shows how the entertainment landscape has completely changed. What doesn't work in theaters can find its perfect audience on streaming platforms. The Running Man's dystopian themes and intense action sequences seem to resonate much better with viewers watching at home, proving that sometimes a film just needs to find its right platform.
Daniel Craig Returns in Wake Up Dead Man
Netflix dropped Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on December 12, bringing Daniel Craig back as the beloved detective Benoit Blanc. The third installment in the Knives Out series has been eagerly anticipated since the massive success of Glass Onion.
Early viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Craig's continued excellent performance and the clever mystery plotting that made the first two films such hits. The film's release timing, right in the middle of the holiday season, seems perfect for family mystery movie nights.
Supergirl Soars into Action
DC fans got their first proper look at the new Supergirl film this week with a trailer that's got everyone talking. Milly Alcock steps into the cape as DC's new space-faring hero, and she looks absolutely perfect for the role.
The trailer showcases some incredible action sequences and gives us our first glimpse of Jason Momoa as Lobo – and he looks like he's having an absolute blast with the role. But perhaps the biggest scene-stealer is Krypto, Superman's dog, who's already generating laughs and warming hearts in the brief clips we've seen.
The visual effects look stunning, and the tone seems to strike a perfect balance between serious superhero action and the kind of fun that's been missing from some recent DC projects. Fans are already speculating about how this fits into the broader DC universe plans.
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Return to Panem
In perhaps the most surprising announcement of the week, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are returning for the next Hunger Games film, Sunrise on the Reaping. This prequel has been in development for a while, but confirming the return of Katniss and Peeta has sent fans into overdrive.
The announcement has reignited interest in the entire Hunger Games franchise. Merchandise sales for the series have spiked, and there's renewed interest in the original films. The timing couldn't be better, with audiences clearly hungry for more dystopian action and the complex characters they fell in love with.
28 Years Later Continues the Zombie Legacy
Horror fans have something major to look forward to with news that 28 Years Later III is moving forward at Sony. Alex Garland is returning to write the script, and there are strong talks about Cillian Murphy reprising his role from the earlier films.
The 28 Days Later franchise has always been a cut above typical zombie movies, focusing on character development and psychological horror as much as the infected chaos. With Garland's writing and potentially Murphy's return, this could be the horror event of next year.
Streaming Highlights of the Week
Beyond the major film news, this week saw some significant streaming releases that are worth noting:
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour – The End of an Era premiered on Disney+ with a two-episode launch, offering fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the record-breaking tour. The six-part series releases over consecutive Fridays, and Episode 1 also aired on ABC.
Emily in Paris Season 5 dropped on Netflix December 18, continuing the adventures of everyone's favorite American in France. Fan reception has been positive, with viewers praising the series for maintaining its charming escapist appeal.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Season 2 launched on Paramount+, bringing more turtle power to streaming audiences who've been eagerly awaiting new episodes.
What This Means for Entertainment Culture
This week's news really highlights how diverse and dynamic the entertainment landscape has become. We've got record-breaking animated sequels, streaming success stories, franchise returns, and exciting new superhero content all happening simultaneously.
For fans and collectors, this variety means there's never been a better time to be passionate about movies and TV. The merchandise opportunities are endless – from Zootopia collectibles to Hunger Games throwback items, and everything in between.
The fact that The Running Man found new life on streaming also shows how audiences consume content differently now. Sometimes the best platform for a story isn't necessarily theaters – and that's opening up new creative possibilities for filmmakers.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the final weeks of 2025, the entertainment industry is clearly ending the year on a high note. With Avatar: Fire and Ash launching next week and all these exciting projects in development, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for movies and television.
The diversity of content – from family-friendly animations to intense horror sequels – shows that there really is something for everyone. And with streaming platforms continuing to provide new opportunities for content to find its audience, we're living in a golden age of entertainment options.
Whether you're team Zootopia, counting down to Avatar, or rewatching The Running Man on Apple TV, this week has delivered something special for every type of fan.