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CALENDAR E SUNDAY,MARCH 10,2019 :: LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR

POWER MOVEJacob Thomas For The Times

Hollywood braces itself for impact The universe is united. So as an already behemoth Disney gets how will Disney make room for its set to take over galaxy of R-rated superheroes?

By Ryan Faughnder By Josh Rottenberg

Walt Disney Co.’s entertainment kingdom is about to get a whole lot bigger For years, starting with 2000’s “X-Men” and ramping up with Marvel Stu- thanks to its pending purchase of 21st Century Fox assets, and the rest of Hol- dios’ 2012 juggernaut “The Avengers,” do-gooder team-ups have lywood has only just begun to grapple with the consequences of the compa- been all the rage on the big screen. Why have just one hero, the thinking goes, ny’s increasing power. when you can have two (“Batman v Superman”) or six (“Justice League”) — The long-anticipated $71-billion acquisition will put the X-Men, Homer or more than two dozen (“Avengers: Infinity War”)? Simpson, the Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Kylo Ren and the gang from “” With the Co.’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox expected to be under the same roof, giving the Burbank company anunprecedented shareof finalized this month, that trend is about to get supersized with a spandex- and franchises. clad family that many fans thought they’d never live to see. The deal, expected to close in the coming days, would boost Disney’s share In one fell swoop, the blockbuster $71- billion mega-deal brings nearly the of the domestic box office to at least 40% and reinforce its stronghold in toys, entire stable of Marvel superheroes and villains under one owner, with theme parks and cruise lines. The Mouse House will have an unrivaled say marquee Fox-owned characters like the X-Men, and the Fantastic over when and how movies are released. Four now free to be absorbed into the Walt Disney-controlled Marvel Cin- “Basically, they become the 800-pound gorilla in the media landscape,” ematic Universe. (One notable exception is Spider-Man, whose rights are said Lloyd Greif, chief executive of L.A. investment bank Greif & Co. “It gives owned by Pictures, though in recent years that has forged an in- Disney even greater clout from a streaming standpoint and even greater creasingly close and fruitful creative partnership with Marvel.) clout from an exhibitor standpoint.” For comic book devotees, the prospect of seeing, say, , Deadpool Disney’s ambitions have taken on a new urgency with the development of and Mister Fantastic saving the world alongside , Thor and its upcoming streaming service, Disney+, set to launch late this year, and its Black Panther — or perhaps battling it out among themselves — is tantaliz- increased ownership of , both of which will pose a challenge to . All ing. For Marvel President , it’s the fulfillment of a dec- these moves have wide-ranging implications for the [See Disney, E6] ades-long dream. [See Superheroes, E8] LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR SUNDAY, MARCH10, 2019 E3

DISNEY’S FOX TAKEOVER

Twentieth Century Fox FOTAX FILM CORP.,circLESa 1930, set up shop between SantaFRMonica and Pico boulevaOMrds. A 1935 merger with TwentiethACentury PicturesLOwould change the moTvie game. , executives and others reflect on the magic made at the studio over the years

it was sort of in decay; they were By Stacy Perman, Meg James considering selling off the proper- and Ryan Faughnder ty. I had my final meeting with , who was then in Twentieth Century Fox was the administration building. I once known as ’s dream thought it would be immaculate. I factory. Soon, it will be a part of his- walked in and the sign said FOX tory. FI Corp. That was the state of the The studio produced some of studio; no one fixed it. If you the highest-grossing of all wanted to screen a movie you had time (“Avatar,” “Titanic,” “ to rent it back from Sony. The Wars”) and many classics (“The commissary was decrepit. Grapes of Wrath,” “The Sound of Music,” “All About Eve”), catapult- (CEO of FX ing actors (, Mari- Networks and FX Productions): lyn Monroe, Will Rogers and Harri- Ilove the fact that my office looks son Ford) into box office stars. out on New York Street. Ryan Over the years, the studio has Murphy’s office is in the building been run by several owners and where they painted the scrims, moguls and produced an impres- back when we didn’t have green sive run of hits and expensive flops screens. (1963’s “Cleopatra,” starring Eliza- beth Taylor and Richard Burton, That’s show biz nearly sank the studio when its original $4-million budget bal- At its peak, the encom- looned to $44 million). It helped pi- passed 285 acres and had a west- oneer , and launched a ern town, a harbor and Mulberry fourth TV network, cable channels Street — better known as New and a boutique churn- York Street, originally built for ing out a slate of award-winning en- “Hello Dolly” in 1968. Over the tertainment. years much of the backlot was sold And then, in December 2017, the Twentieth Century Fox off, but the 53 remaining acres are Murdoch family, whose company left his venture in 1916 to launch his film empire in L.A. drenched in history. What’s left of has owned Fox since 1985, agreed Sonja Henie’s original ice skating to sell Fox’s film and TV operation popular , led him to Shirley Temple photography epic film on this historic lot. rink is under Stage15, and James and several channels to Disney for marvel that the Fox name could be included production shots and L. Brooks’ offices were once Frank $71billion. The deal is expected to found on screens across the globe. promotion shots in a file called the John Candreva (executive Sinatra’s bungalow, and before close in the coming days. Fox will The studio, originally known as “Star-Head.” The contract players director, Studio Facilities that it was Will Rogers’. retain ownership of the legendary Movietone City, opened to great had them too. They contained all Operations, 1989 to present): lot and such businesses as the Fox fanfare in October 1928 and was the publicity shots, and Shirley’s None of the fire systems on the lot Matt Groening (creator of “The Broadcasting network, hailed as “the newest, largest, and Star-Head took up several boxes. worked. Factory Mutual, the in- Simpsons,” debuted in 19 89): You and . But a chapter in most completely equipped plant There was a portrait of her playing surance underwriters, gave them a know, it’s really fun to drive on to Hollywood history will be over. for the production of motion pic- with her puppies at her bungalow. mandate to fix every fire system the Fox Lot, it’s like an old-fash- The Times spoke tures in the world.” within 30 days or they would lose ioned studio lot and you see those to dozens of actors, executives and By 1930, however, Fox, who’d Susan Perkins (“permanent their insurance. So I got hired to giant soundstages. It feels like, other Fox veterans to reminisce borrowed heavily to expand his temp,” 1967-68, 1973-2008): come in by the facilities depart- “Oh, my God, I’m in Hollywood.” ment. We basically lived here for 30 about the studio’s 10 6-year legacy, empire, lost control of the studio. Istarted in the script department Schawn Belston (executive VP its family atmosphere, its moguls, In 1935, merged with in 1967, taking dictation. When I days, me and my crew. And we did such a good job they just kept us. Media and Library Services, its filmmakers and the magic they Twentieth Century Pictures, turned 40 they wanted me out of 1996): We were going to restore the made. Their comments have been founded by Joseph Schenk and the [temp] pool and in a perma- Suzy Mamann-Greenberg “Seven Year Itch.” I called Billy edited for brevity and clarity. Darryl F. Zanuck. The newly nent job, but I said no. It was much (co-executive producer, “How I Wilder and his secretary said, “He formed Twentieth Century-Fox more fun to wander. I worked with Met Your Mother,” 2005-14 ) : The will never call you back.” I said, On the lot ushered in a golden age of west- writers, producers and directors. I first time I was on the lot was in “That’s too bad, can you tell me erns, musicals, sweeping epics and went to the backlot. In one year I 2004 to produce the Jason Al- why?” She said, “Yeah, if you want The story began in 1915 when the first movie filmed in propri- had 48 jobs. The only department I exander sitcom “Listen Up.” [It] to get a response, write him.” So I William Fox, a Hungarian émigré etary , “The Robe.” never wanted was legal. I wanted was full of movie history. One of wrote him a letter. Then he called. who owned a clutch of New Jersey to be with the creatives. the first things I saw going to the I’ll never forget hearing, “Please nickelodeons, began producing Esmé Perry-Trueheart (senior soundstage was a “Sound of Mu- hold for .” He told me, and distributing films. A year archivist at 21st Century Fox, Marc Wanamaker (film historian sic” mural with Julie Andrews. You “Do whatever you want. I don’t he decamped to Los Angeles and October 2008 to January 2018 ):It and archivist): I was at Los would see things like this all of the care for that picture.” launched the Fox Film Corpora- was one of the best jobs I ever had. Angeles City ’s music de- time, but it never got old. tion, eventually landing on 10 0 The collection goes back to the partment. I was in a marching Candreva: had his acres between Santa Monica and days of Fox Film and 20th Century band when “Hello Dolly” was (chairman and office here for years. Fantastic Pico boulevards. Fox’s1926 pur- Pictures. You are just unearthing casting for extras. They needed 50 CEO of Fox Filmed man. Funnier than crap. You could chase of Movietone, a company these treasures all the time, cre- drummers. I was one of the drum- Entertainment, 1993-96): When I just go in and sit in his office and that successfully wedded sound to ating access for film buffs and mers. All of the talk among every- got to Fox it was probably the talk to him. I used to test fire moving pictures and developed preserving film history. The one was what an honor to be in this weakest studio or close [to it], and [See Oral history, E4]

Kirk McKoy Myung J. Chun Los Angeles Times Al Seib Los Angeles Times Willy Sanjuan Invision / Presley Ann Getty Images NEIL Patrick Harris got early JOHN Candreva heads up BILL Mechanic, 1993-96 CEO MATT Groening’s “Simpsons” , first wom- in “Doogie Howser, M.D.” Studio Facilities Operations. of Fox Filmed Entertainment. debuted on Fox in 1989. an to run a major movie studio. E4 SUNDAY,MARCH 10 ,2019 LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR SUNDAY,MARCH 10 ,2019 E5

DISNEY’S FOX TAKEOVER

20th Century Fox Twentieth Century Fox SHIRLEY Temple shot to ,left, and director George Lucas in 1976 on MARTY FELDMAN on the set of “Young Frankenstein,” re- stardom at 20th Century Fox. the set of “Star Wa rs,” which launched a mega franchise. leased in 1974. Director Mel Brooks had his office on the lot.

20th Century Fox Twentieth Century Fox THE 1965 MUSICAL The Sound of Music,” built around -life Vo n Trapp family of singers /20th Century Fox TOM EWELL and shoot the skirt-blowing and starring Julie Andrews as the songbird governess, has become one of the most beloved films. “ON PAPER it was not an easy decision until you heard Jim Cameron’s vision for it,” says former Fox film studio executive Jim Gianopolus of the global blockbuster “Titanic.” scene for the 1955 movie “The Seven Ye ar Itch” in New Yo rk.

[Oral history, from E3] edge your existence is cool enough, been by committee. Now it’s be- right?” He said, “Well, they’re 1995-2013 ; and before that at Fox alarms late at night. I’d always do but when he acknowledges your come a business of, how much do going to get into the television Channel 11 ): When I joined Fox it my work at 2 or 3 in the morning, talents too, ayyyy. you think it will make domes- business.” I said, “Oh, good luck.” was still considered the maverick right? And Mel was always in his tically as well as foreign? People They said that it was a called network. I was willing to do shows office. And, boy, he’d call you in Mechanic: I’m a vegetarian and are making all kinds of decisions “Married … With Children.” I said, with crazy titles [“When Animals and he would bounce jokes off you. that’s where the veggie burger at of what to do with films. And I “Sounds like a horrible name for a Attack,” “Temptation Island,” He was a riot. the commissary came from; it gave didn’t have that problem. It was a show.” Somebody messengered a “Joe Millionaire,” “The Simple me something I could eat. very nice time when I was there. script over and I read it in the Life”] and wild concepts. And I Perkins: One guy I worked for was locker room at the Y. I thought it would take the heat of the critics. the producer Stan Cherry. He Family business (producer, was funny, I thought, ‘Oh, this is We were the only network to put asked me for plywood boards to “Young Frankenstein,” 1974): never going to go because it’s just stuff like that on in prime time. It put on his desk. I said, “What do Long before the Murdochs One of the biggest tributes to too raunchy.” There were fat- felt like we were the new kid on the you need those for?” He said, “Tap moved in, Fox was described as a Laddie [Alan Ladd Jr.] was that women jokes, and they made fun block, and they were open to try dancing.” I took dictation while he “family,” which was reflected in the he hired female executives: Paula of a midget. “It’s funny, but it’s anything. Controversy was good tap-danced. collegiality of the lot, the meritoc- Weinstein, Sherry Lansing and never going to see the light of day.” —there was a boldness to the racy of rubbing elbows with every- Cheryl Boone Isaacs. I asked him place. The Commissary one on the entertainment spec- once why the majority of the exe- (co-creator, writer trum and the number of multi- cutives were becoming all female. and producer of “It’s Garry Seth MacFarlane (, creator In 1930, two of the studio’s big- generational employees who’ve He said that he discovered on Shandling’s Show,” 1986-90): of “” and “The gest stars, Will Rogers and Fifi worked at the studio for years. Friday that each executive had Garry was doing “It’s Garry Shan- Orville”): There was a Christmas D’Orsay, opened the Café de Paris. scripts to evaluate. He found out dling’s Show” on Showtime and no party about seven years ago where It was built on part of the semi- Jason Perkins (prop maker, on Monday mornings that when one was watching it. It got the abunch of us after a few drinks permanent French Restaurant started in1998): My grandfather he went to discuss the project the greatest reviews ever and won all said, “How crazy would it be to cap set, hence the name. The studio’s ran the mill [in the prop depart- female executives had read all five sorts of awards, but a lot of places this night off in San Francisco?” scenic painters created the fa- ment]. My father ran the mill after of the scripts while the males weren’t even wired to get Show- So we got on the Fox jet and drove mous murals of world capitals and that and my brother and I worked maybe read three, and the females time. A lot of my friends in New it all the way up the 5. It took 48 Hollywood stars that adorn the on the sticker machine. When the had made synopses on each one York City had to take my word that hours, but it showed me that Fox walls. During World War II, mill closed down, I moved over to and they were more detailed. Icreated a TV show. Garry was will always do whatever it takes to was painted over, replaced by the cabinet shop. This studio, it frustrated, everyone knew it was a get there. Lansing: When I started, Marvin Athens in a nod to then studio keeps my family employed. [He great show, but there wasn’t a Davis asked to see the head of the chief . points to a decades-old photo of a huge audience.When Fox came woman during a family day on the studio and I went in to see him. He into existence it was just us and End of an era Sherry Lansing (former lot.] See, I’m in my mom’s stomach said, ‘No, no, no, honey, I don’t Tracey Ullman on Sunday nights. president of 20th Century Fox right there, so I was even on this need any coffee.’ I said, “No, I’m Rumors began swirling in Studios, 1980-83, the first woman lot before I was born. And my wife Sherry Lansing.” He said, “I want Harris: I remember when I first November 2017 that the Walt Dis- to head a Hollywood movie works here. I met her at a Christ- to see Jerry Lansing, head of the got the job [Doogie Howser]. I met ney Co. was planning to buy much studio): We had a board meeting mas party. She works in domestic studio.” I said, “No, I am Sherry with Steven Bochco in one of the of Fox’s Los Angeles business. in the commissary after Marvin distribution. Lansing.” He said, “Oh, a girl.” bungalows at the studio. This was Disney made two bids, the first in Davis bought the studio. The After that he was fine. before he’d completed the script December 2017 and a much larger board was very distinguished. Perry-Trueheart: Randy New- for the pilot and he was resistant one in June 2018. Shareholders of Tom Rothman (ran the studio 20th Century Fox There was former President Ger- man and his son came down, and to me being cast in the role. I don’t both companies agreed to the with Jim Gianopulos, 2000-12): 1963’S “CLEOPATRA,” starring and Richard Burton, nearly upended the studio’s reign when its original budget of $4 million jumped to $44 million. ald Ford, Henry Kissinger and his uncles [Lionel and Alfred know why. He liked me but then merger in separate ballrooms at Istill have somewhere in my files Grace Kelly. and Newman] scored music. We were did a massive casting search for the Hilton Hotel in the three-page business plan for fighting, and women became the costs how much?” It was not an Gianopulos: Rupert didn’t always players there. During one leader- keeping the show. We knew it was came to the lunch, looking at some photos, and the character. It was only when I in July 2018. running [Fox] Searchlight stars. easy decision until you heard Jim love the movie business, but he ship session, someone got up and special, and Rupert never stood in they must have been filming. We Randy Newman pointed to a man went over to ABC and read for it [founded in 19 94]. I typed it up Cameron’s vision, and then we was incredibly supportive even in said the company needed an exe- the way of decisions like that. He sat at a round table and there was and said, “That’s my dad.” Gruskoff: “Young Frankenstein” that they green-lit me. I remember Snider: I learned about the sale when I was running the Samuel read the script, and it seemed a lot the darkest hours of “Titanic” and cutive committee to oversee the let us do our jobs. silence, and then Walter said, was originally a Columbia picture, Iwent to wardrobe and the crew the day it was announced. There Danny DeVito (actor, Goldwyn Co., in the heyday when easier. It was the same way with “Avatar.” He just kept asking, “Will various businesses. People started “President Ford, I have something but they turned Mel [Brooks] was walking around with T-shirts was no advance notice. All my “Romancing the Stone,” and indies were indies. We were all “Avatar.” The costs mounted, but it be great?” It paid off for him. shouting him down, saying, “We Peter Chernin (. that I’ve always wanted to ask down after he wanted to do it in that read “I’ll play Doogie.” That colleagues started to look down at director, “The War of the competing with each other on a just when you got worried, Jim don’t need any stinking executive president, chief executive of the you.” He said, “Of course, Walter, black and white, and so we were Mechanic: On “,” Mur- search went so long. our phones. We were in a senior Roses”): I love going to that lot, it’s level playing field, and then one Cameron would show you a few committee.” We didn’t want bu- Fox Group; worked at Fox, what is it?” He said, “Could you allowed to take it to Fox. Mel took doch said to me, “I don’t know 1989-2009): Rupert was fun, he was staff meeting, maybe 30 or 40 of us. just a comfortable place to be.The day I woke up and Disney had minutes of film and you’d go, “OK, reaucracy to weigh us down. Dan McDermott (head of current please pass the cookies?” it to Laddie, and he green-lit the what kind of sick human being wild — he wanted to do really bold It got quiet and everyone’s head nice thing, the great thing about it paid $80 million for , and Isee what this is going to be, this is programming at Fox movie. When the grosses of would make that kind of movie, things. The real story about Fox is went down into their phones. I got Groening: I love going to the is it’s like a family, tight knit, and Iknew the world had changed. going to be incredible.” Stacey Snider (chairman and Broadcasting, 19 90-95): [“Beverly “Young Frankenstein” came in meaning me, not David that there was a broad, overarch- called out of the meeting to go talk classy old Art Deco-style commis- once in a while there’ll be a bump But I had an idea, and the idea CEO of 20th Century Fox Film Hills, 90210 ”] became super popu- that first weekend we went down Vicki Snow (head of the [Fincher].” I didn’t say anything. ing vision and we were allowed to to Lachlan [Murdoch]. sary, sitting there and seeing big in the road and with people you was that you didn’t have to do 2016 to present): That was the fun lar, especially with kids. At to see Laddie, and everyone was costume/wardrobe department, innovate constantly. stars and Fox executives. Rather can rely on, it’s a lot easier to navi- that, that you could create within and challenging draw of the place. of the first season, the characters very happy. It was a fantastic, since19 92): They closed and Dana Walden (chairman and John Landgraf (chief executive than bothering people for a meet- gate them. the larger infrastructure of a ma- As long as you could make “Bohe- Brenda [Shannen Doherty] and terrific figure, a beautiful number. reopened the costume depart- CEO, Fox Television Group, officer of FX Networks and FX ing, I often just waited in the com- jor studio, an independent aes- mian Rhapsody” for the right price Dylan [Luke Perry] decided that We did everything, except we did ment in the ’70s when they realized joined Fox in 1992): You would TV land Productions): Until we knew that missary until somebody I wanted thetic. If you designed it right, you for what the intended audience at the junior prom, they were going The moguls not jump up and down — we were we needed costumes. We got back have to go into these [strategy the rumors of the deal were true, it to talk to walked by. could have the advantages of a was meant to be, you could make In 1986, the company chal- to lose their virginity. The episode not children. one of Ethel Merman’s dresses sessions at the end of pilot season] had never occurred to me that the From the days of Darryl F. major and the advantages of an what we thought was a double or a lenged decades of supremacy of was done respectfully, you just saw from “There’s No Business Like super prepared, and no one likes Murdochs would be sellers rather Neil Patrick Harris (actor, Zanuck, the studio has had a indie. triple. But if we had to start it by ABC, CBS and NBC by launching them closing the door to their DeVito: I was screening “The War Show Business” from an auction to be second guessed. But Rupert than buyers. starred on “Doogie Howser, number of colorful studio chiefs promising it was a home run, we afourth network, Fox Broadcast- suite. By the time the season finale of the Roses” with Tom Sherak, house. We traded a Murdoch is very instinctive, and MD,” 1989-93 and “How I Met that have each made their mark, wouldn’t have been able to make it. ing, with “The Late Show With airs — and we got the biggest Behind the scenes the head of marketing at Fox. We shirt from “Speed,” a shirt from he’s a disruptive person. Occa- Your Mother,” 2005-14 ): Oh, the not just on movies but Hollywood. .” ratings of the year. I arrived at the were thinking how are we going to Banana Republic, for an Ethel sionally, he would go up to the commissary was very exciting. It Fox’s legacy comprises the Bob Greenblatt (WarnerMedia network and went up to my office. sell it? It’s a very dark movie, and Merman dress. [scheduling] boardand move the was a quintessential who’s who of Alan Ladd Jr. (head of creative many memorable films and TV he came up with the log line, “Ev- pieces around. You could almost Entertainment chairman, Fox Ed O’Neill, (actor, starred as Al Suddenly, the door opens and it With the deal almost done, the Hollywood backlot. Producers affairs1973, president of Fox’s programs it has produced — but ery once in a while a movie comes hear a gasp in the room, and he Broadcasting, 1989-97): The Bundy on the Fox network’s first was . I was terrified of everyone is anxiously waiting to had certain tables. I remember film division 1976-79; green-lit behind every hit is a back story. along that makes you fall in love. Down Under thunder would just laugh. I’ll miss is the network was one of the big enter- hit, “Married … With Children,” Barry, but I thought, “Wow, Barry see how out it will all play out. Fox sitting with Steven Bochco once at such films as “,” “Star This is not that movie.” rebellious spirit of the Fox brand. prises that he was involved with. and currently stars as Jay Diller is going to congratulate me is in the past, the big question is lunch and up walked Henry Wink- Wars,” “Silent Movie” and “The Ladd Jr.: I made certain changes Oil man Marvin Davis and This was before Fox News was Pritchett on the Fox television in person.” But no, he said: ‘You what will the future look like? ler. He was so effusive and so kind Rocky Horror Picture Show”): to help the chances of [“Alien”] Jim Gianopolus (ran Fox film financier bought the Gary Newman (chairman and launched. He [Rupert] would studio’s hit ABC comedy have single-handedly destroyed and complimentary and I just Fortunately, I was in a position working, making Ripley from male studio from 2000-12 with Tom studio in 1981 for $722 million. By CEO of the Fox Television Group, come in and talk about what “”): I got a call this show and possibly brought Snider: After the Mueller investi- couldn’t believe he was so nice. where they really let me do what I to female. Sigourney [Weaver] was Rothman; ran it solo until 2016) : I 19 85 Rich was a fugitive, and Ru- joined Fox in 1990): In the mid-’90s shows he liked or that he didn’t from my agent, and he said a cou- about the destruction of the entire gation, there’s been no group Seeing someone who I literally wanted to do and make pictures I perfect for the role. I don’t know do remember the decisions about pert Murdoch and his News Corp. we had a News Corp. retreat at an like. One of the shows he didn’t like ple of producers wanted to see me network.” more tight-lipped than Disney. grew up thinking was the coolest wanted to make. It was not corpo- where Ridley [Scott] found her. I “Titanic” and “Avatar,” especially. bought him out for $250 million. island that Rupert owned, Hay- was “Party of Five.” He would be about a show that was going to be man to have ever been on TV. I rate in any way. Quite frankly I just figured … I was brought up at “Titanic” was, “Are we seriously Later that year, Murdoch scooped man Island, off the coast of Aus- like: “Let’s get rid of it, the ratings on this new network called Fox. Of Mike Darnell (Fox Broadcasting, Landgraf: There will be a Fox, but mean, the Fonz’s leather jacket is don’t think anybody would’ve acertain time during the war making this movie again? Every- up Davis’ stake for $325 million tralia. There were 200 to 300 [busi- are terrible. Let’s get rid of it.” But course, I had never heard of it. I including as president of it won’t be the Fox as we have in the Smithsonian; to acknowl- made “” again if it had years when all the men were out one knows how it ends, and it and put his stamp on the studio. ness] leaders and major political everyone else was so fervent about said, “Well, Fox makes movies alternative programming, known it.

Frank Trapper Corbis via Getty Images Michael Buckner Getty Images for AFI Michael Caulfield Archive/WireImage Mel Melcon Los Angeles Times Francine Orr Los Angeles Times Chris Pizzello Invision /Associated Press Fox Broadcasting Co. Santiago Felipe Getty Images Danny Moloshok Associated Press Robert Gauthier Los Angeles Times ALAN Ladd Jr., president of TOM Rothman helped run the JIM Gianopolus ran studio DANA Wa lden joined Fox in GARY Newman joined Fox in STACEY Snider, CEO of 20th ED O’Neill, star of the early hit ALAN Zweibel, co-creator of MIKE Darnell started at Fox SETH MacFarlane, creator of Fox’s film division, 1976-79. film studio from 2000-12. with Rothman and until 2016. 1992, CEO of Television Group. 1990, CEO of Television Group. Century Fox Film since 2016. “Married … With Children.” “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.” Channel 11 before his rise. “Family Guy,” “The Orville.” E6 SUNDAY, MARCH 10 ,2019 LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR

DISNEY’S FOX TAKEOVER

Nick Ut Associated Press WALT DISNEY Co., based in Burbank, is expected to close soon on its $71-billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, giving it a massive share of film and TV franchises. BRACING FOR IMPACT

[Disney, from E1] rapidly changing industry in which various stakeholders in entertain- midbudget comedies, adult dra- ment, including movie theaters, mas and thrillers struggle to com- streaming video companies, talent pete with franchise films released agencies and pay-TV operators. by Disney. recently cut “What you have here is the mak- jobs, while CBS Corp. is folding its ings of a behemoth in every sense of modest movies unit into its larger that word,” said Tuna Amobi, a entertainment business to focus media industry analyst with on making content for streaming. CFRA. “It’s hard to think that this The group of companies that dealgivesthem moreleveragethan stands to benefit most from Disney they already have, but it does.” and Fox’s marriage may be the top Some industry insiders are just tier of the remaining major studios: now coming to terms with the likely Corp.’s Universal Pic- fallout of the historic merger, which tures and WarnerMedia’s Warner reduces the number of major stu- Bros. dios from six to five overnight. Having fewer Fox movies in the- “I don’t think the industry has aters could create some room on remotely digested what that’s go- the release calendar for studios like ing to do to the pulse and culture of and Warner the industry,” said one producer, Bros. to distribute their own big who requested anonymity to allow films. Disney has said little about him to speak candidly without fear its strategy for integrating Fox into of reprisals. its film studio business, but Cowen &Co. analyst Creutz estimates the Theater anxiety changes could mean five to seven With a greater share of box of- fewer movies released in theaters fice receipts, Disney could pres- every year. Fox has typically re- sure theater owners to fork over a Kent Nishimura Los Angeles Times leased 12 to 17 movies a year, plus larger portion of the box office for THE MERGER includes not just Fox’s film and TV assets but its 30% stake in streamer Hulu. many more from its Fox Search- its films. Disney already receives light specialty division. more than 60% of box office re- thing. If Disney’s going to put its “These guys are and have been its shows and movies, industry exe- If anything, Creutz says, there ceipts for its biggest movies, in- marketing muscle and theme an IP [intellectual property] jug- cutives said. Unions such as the are too many big movies released cluding the “Avengers” and “Star parks behind new titles, maybe gernaut,” said Rick Kay, head of Writers Guild of America, which every year competing for a more Wars” pictures. That’s higher than that’s worth paying for. You’d MUFG’s Media, Telecom & Sports opposed the deal, could also feel fickle moviegoing audience. That’s the typical 50% split for movies, rather pay 65% for a billion-dollar Finance practice. “Now you’ve got pressure. become a problem for studios that and having more franchises will film than 50% for a $100-million greater capabilities, greater Agencies are waiting to see how have to spend more on marketing improve Disney’s already formida- film.” breadth, wider talent pool and Disney’s purchase of Fox alters its for their pictures to get attention ble negotiating position. But privately, industry execu- even bigger libraries in Disney’s TV strategy. Famously vertically from global audiences. Cinema chains depend on mov- tives caution against wishful think- hands. This will help feed their of- integrated Disney has tradition- “It probably does open up a lit- ies like the upcoming “Star Wars,” ing. Some theaters worry that the ferings and be attraction points for ally made shows that air mostly on tle more room on the slate for the “” and “” sequels number of movies released theat- subscribers.” networks it owns, including ABC other guys,” Creutz said. to fill seats, and denying those rically will shrink dramatically Analysts say Disney’s entry into and Freeform. Fox has been more movies screens is not an at a once the Fox deal closes. Disney fo- the streaming wars could slow Net- open to producing shows for other Cord-cutters, rejoice time when attendance is under cuses almost exclusively on expen- flix’s growth. Disney is also pulling networks, creating competition Even before the Fox deal, Dis- long-term pressure from TV, sive productions that draw huge its movies from Netflix, a blow for that boosts revenues for agencies. ney has enjoyed considerable streaming and video games. Ad- global audiences, and Fox’s more the company that has benefited That’s less likely to happen under power in negotiations with pay-TV missions rose 5% to1.3billion in the midlevel films may be scrapped. from being the streaming home of Disney. distributors because of its owner- U.S. and last year but was Then there’s the looming films such as “Black Panther.” A “When competition goes down, ship of ESPN, which is a must-have still down slightly from 2016. How- specter of Disney+, which will fea- streaming service with Disney you’ve got to think those fees are for cable and satellite providers. ever, to the surprise of some cine- ture original Disney content that family content may be a no-brainer going to change,” said one pro- Because of its clout, the com- ma operators, the U.S. Depart- bypasses theaters. The advent of investment for parents of kids who ducer who asked to remain anony- pany has largely avoided the high- ment of Justice approved the Disney’s streaming offering and watch Disney and movies. mous to protect relationships. profile carriage disputes that have merger last year with no mention of the continued rise of Netflix could Disney has also said it will boost But agencies are taking solace embroiled other programmers try- how its clout could impact exhib- accelerate the push by studios to investment in programming for that overall job opportunities for ing to squeeze cable and satellite itors. collapse the traditional 90-day gap Hulu, one of Netflix’s biggest com- talent are increasing because of firms for higher fees. In late De- “This is unquestionably bad for between a movie’s theatrical re- petitors. Disney will own 60% of growing players such as Netflix, cember, Disney and Verizon en- the theater companies,” said Doug lease and its availability for home Hulu after it acquires Fox’s 30% and Apple looking to buy gaged in a brief spat over licensing Creutz, a media and entertain- viewing. While theaters have long stake in the Santa Monica shows and movies for their plat- fees that would have blacked out ment industry analyst with Cowen protested any changes to so-called streamer as part of the deal. Dis- forms. The battle for talent has led ABC, ESPN and other Disney- &Co. “Disney has been dominant, windowing, fearing damage to ney is expected to bolster Hulu to some blockbuster producer owned channels, but the two sides and they will dominate more now.” their business model, the prolifera- with edgier Fox programming deals, including those for Shonda reached a deal before the deadline. Disney and the theaters have tion of streaming services makes from channels such as FX Net- Rhimes and Ryan Murphy at Net- Analysts don’t expect the Dis- come to blows before. With the re- the decline of theatrical exclusivity works. flix. Agents also are counting on ney-Fox merger to result in more lease of 2015’s “Avengers: Age of Ul- all but inevitable. “The leg up Disney and 20th Disney and other traditional play- blackouts. Yes, Disney’s Fox deal ,” the company’s demands on Century Fox have over the newer ers — such as AT&T-owned Warn- will add valuable channels such as exhibitors provoked a rare re- A blow for Netflix? streamers is they have a historical erMedia — to invest heavily in pro- FX and FXX to its roster, giving it sponse from the National Assn. of Los Gatos, Calif.-based Netflix knowledge of the television busi- ductions to fill their own streaming an even better hand to play in nego- Theatre Owners, which represents has used its debt-financed war ness, and they have been more services with new content. tiations. the exhibition industry. In 2013, chest to create a jaw-dropping open to being creative than ever “I know there’s been a lot of con- But it’s evident to most that AMC stopped advance ticket sales amount of film and TV content, before,” said Kevin Crotty, head of cern, with people saying we’re los- Disney doesn’t need “” and for “ 3” during a dispute tightening its grip on the viewing TV lit for talent agency ICM Part- ing a studio, and that’s going to “American Horror Story” to in- over revenue splits. public by amassing more than 14 0 ners. hurt our business,” said ICM’s crease its leverage when it already Anxiety has been tempered by million global subscribers. It flexed But Netflix executives insist Crotty. “I don’t look at it that way. has the leading voice in live sports. the belief that Disney will avoid ex- its power recently by raising prices they’re not worried. The company There’s going to be more distribu- The more likely long-term effect tracting terms so draconian that by $1 to $2 a month. recently said it faces more screen- tion platforms at the end of the day. will be a quickening of the pace of they draw the notice of regulators. But Disney is about to mount a time competition from online vi- There are real deals for showrun- cord cutting in the U.S., analysts Some exhibitors argue that they serious challenge to Netflix’s deo game “Fortnite” than other ners. Thereare many opportuni- say. The growth of Netflix and the will benefit from Disney having a streaming dominance with the streaming services. ties to succeed and lots of money to arrival of Disney+ and WarnerMe- greater share of the box office, be- launch of Disney+, which it is ex- “We compete so broadly with all be made.” dia’s streaming service will give cause the company has a strong pected to preview for investors at of these different providers that consumers more ways to avoid tra- track record of producing popular an April meeting. any one provider entering only How to adapt? ditional TV packages, which are al- entertainment. Theaters should Disney hasn’t revealed its pric- makes a difference on the margin,” The combination of Disney and ready in decline. make up ground lost on box office ing plan but has slowly unveiled de- said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in Fox will affect other studios on Cable and satellite giants are al- by generating more revenue from tails, saying it will include a live-ac- arecent video call with analysts. multiple fronts. ready trying to adapt with smaller concessions. tion series starring Diego Luna Smaller studios like Lionsgate, “skinny bundles.” Comcast re- “Obviously, it’s an industry- that will take place before the Making agencies sweat Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, cently announced it is working on changing event,” said Adam Aron, events of “Rogue One: A Star Wars The consolidation of the stu- and Paramount Pic- an NBCUniversal streaming offer- CEO of AMC Entertainment. “But Story,” along with a Marvel show dios will also have ramifications for tures increasingly look like minor- ing free for its pay-TV subscribers, we think it’s an event that will be about , the popular trickster talent agencies. Having five major league players, and many of those in a move to preserve subscriptions good for consumers, good for thea- god from “Thor” played by Tom film companies instead of six — companies may eventually sell to a and expand its digital business. ters and good for movie makers.” Hiddleston. The service will in- and fewer theatrical films in the in- content-hungry tech giant or “This is all about people not Eric Wold, an entertainment clude movies and shows from five dustry — means Disney will be able mobile phone carrier. wanting to pay their cable bill and analyst with B. Riley FBR, said he brands: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star to extract better deal terms from Some distributors have already to get more content for less mon- would be “surprised if they push up Wars and Fox’s National Geo- talent agencies trying to get their tried to downsize, or even rethink ey,” Creutz said. “How that plays rates across the board for every- graphic. filmmaker and actor clients jobs in their strategies, to adapt to the out is the big unknown.” LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR SUNDAY,MARCH 10 ,2019 E7

DISNEY’S FOX TAKEOVER THE ACQUISITION

Walt Disney Co’s. planned $71.3-billion purchase of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets is one of the biggest media consolidations in Hollywood history. The deal is Disney CEO ’s boldest move yet to expand the Burbank company’s footprint, putting the Avengers, X-Men, Homer Simpson, Kylo Ren, Deadpool, Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Glover’s ‘Atlanta’ crew under one roof.

ABC Disney Network Theme ‘Jimmy Kimmel,’ ESPN Parks ‘Good Morning ESPN+ Disney America’ Channels ‘DuckTales,’ ‘Doc McStuffins’ Freeform ‘Grown-ish’

Consumer Marvel Products Entertainment ‘Iron Man,’ ‘Black Panther’

Pixar Studios

Lucasfilm ‘Star Wa rs’

WELCOME TO THE DISNEYEMPIRE

20th Blue Sky Century Fox FX Studios movie studio Networks, ‘’ ‘Deadpool’ ‘Atlanta,’ FX ‘Fargo’ Productions ‘’

Fox Searchlight ‘The Shape of Water’

FOX HOLDINGS Fox 2000Pictures ‘’ 20th CenturyFox Television ‘,’ ‘ThisisUs’ National Geographic Fox21 Channels* Hulu* ‘The Studios Handmaid’s ‘Homeland’ Tale’

*Disneywill ownamajoritystake afterdealcloses. Reported by Meg James Illustration by Robert Carter For The Times E8 SUNDAY,MARCH 10 ,2019 LATIMES.COM/CALENDAR

DISNEY’S FOX TAKEOVER

Jay Maidment Marvel CHRIS EVANS stars as Captain America a.k.a. Steve Rogers in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age Of Ultron,” rated PG-13 like most of the Disney-owned company’s movies.

20th Century Fox RYAAN REYNOLDSUNIVERSEplays Deadpool, a character whose raunchy humor and proclivity for violence have draUNITESwn an R rating for the franchise’s two installments.

[Superheroes, from E1] spearean movies. A lot of super- “Well, it’s simple. When it all hero movies now, including ones I comes together, Marvel will have love, are wittier and more contem- access to almost all of its charac- porary in their feel. But ‘X-Men’ is ters, and that’s something that more theatrical.” most companies that have intel- Given the number of “X-Men” lectual property characters have and Marvel projects already in the always had,” Feige, the primary works, “X-Men” producer Lauren weaver of Marvel’s ever-growing Shuler Donner warned at the Tele- cinematic tapestry, told The vision Critics Association last Times. “Marvel, in a very unique month against the dangers of over- way over the years, has not had ac- crowding. cess to all of its characters, and now “You cannot have too many it will. That just seems like some- Marvel, ‘X-Men’ movies thing that’s very appropriate and out there: We’ll cancel each other exciting for me — at the potential out,” she said, even as she ex- and the possibilities to come.” pressed her hope that Disney will But while the union of these dis- follow through with a theatrical re- parate superhero franchises may lease for “New Mutants” amid ru- sound simple in theory, sorting out mors it could go directly to Hulu. exactly how it will work in reality “Each one has to be distinctive.” may be anything but. As the oft- 20th Century Fox Zade Rosenthal That said, Shuler Donner af- quoted Spider-Man aphorism plays Logan a.k.a. Wolver- CHRIS HEMSWORTH stars as Thor in Mar- firmed her full confidence in Feige goes, with great power comes great ine in Fox’s long-running “X-Men” franchise. vel Studio’s “Avengers” series of movies. and the powers that be at Disney to responsibility — and, in this case, a shape the expanding universe. “It’s lot of tricky creative problems to ures out how he wants to rearrange grosser easy.” superhero movie, you’d best be do- all in Disney’s playground, and solve. the pieces on his chessboard. Indeed, some have wondered ing it in a Deadpool movie.” they get to decide,” she said. Much remains unknown about Speaking to The Times in Sep- how easily Fox’s superhero fran- In a conference call with in- The one thing Iger has made how the Fox and Disney Marvel tember, , slated to chises — which tend to be darker in vestors last year, Disney CEO Bob abundantly clear is that — whatev- characters may be integrated go- direct “X-Force” — a spinoff of the tone and, in the cases of “Dead- Iger left the door open for Dead- er tonal and storytelling challenges ing forward. With the “Avengers” “Deadpool” franchise — expressed pool” and “Logan,” have carried R pool to stay true to his raunchy, ir- may be involved in integrating this series coming to a head in April’s his eagerness to dive into the proj- ratings for violence and language reverent self even after the merger. wide and diverse array of super- “Endgame,” the Marvel Cinematic ect. “[‘Deadpool’ star and co-writ- —will blend into the generally sun- “There may be an opportunity for heroes and villains — there will not Universe is already embarking on er] Ryan [Reynolds] and I came up nier, decidedly PG-13 Marvel Cin- an R-rated Marvel brand as long as be a wall separating the former Fox its Phase 4, with the just-released with some really good ideas, ideas ematic Universe. we let audiences know what’s com- characters from the current Mar- “Captain Marvel” and films includ- that got me really excited,” God- Will a gleefully profane charac- ing,” Iger said. vel characters. All of them will be ing “The ” and “Black Wid- dard said. ter like Deadpool — who lops off Similarly, the “X-Men” fran- fully absorbed into Feige’s expand- ow” on the runway. But other holes In the wake of the merger, heads with a katana, cracks filthy chise as we’ve come to know it over ing domain. are clearly left to be filled. though, the project is in limbo, if jokes and at one point in the last the years has often been heavier “It only makes sense for Marvel Fox has two final superhero not dead. film took a massive hit of cocaine — and headier in tone than the Mar- to be supervised by one entity,” films in its pipeline, presumably to Goddard declined to comment be able to let his freak flag fly under vel Cinematic Universe films, mak- Iger told be released under the Disney ban- as did several other key players in aregime that has never before re- ing it unclear how the two would be last year. “There shouldn’t be two ner: the “X-Men” spinoffs “Dark Fox’s superhero universe, includ- leased an R-rated film? meshed. Marvels.” Phoenix,” slated for a June release, ing producers Hutch Parker and “Deadpool as a comic character “What’s different about the ‘X- The fact is, with literally hun- and “New Mutants.” But beyond . But Rob Liefeld, breaks all the rules,” Men’ movies is that they’re op- dreds of characters suddenly to those, it seems likely that several who created “Deadpool” and “X- , who co-wrote the eratic,” Kinberg, who has pro- tend to, managing just the one will comic book projects in devel- Force,” dampened fans’ hopes two hit “Deadpool” films with duced three “X-Men” films as well be a tough enough job for anyone. opment at Fox — including “Gam- when he wrote on in Janu- Rhett Reese and Reynolds, told as “Logan,” “,” “Dark bit,” “X-Force” and “Doctor Doom” ary, “Pour one out for ol’ X-Force. The Times last year. “We always Phoenix” and “New Mutants,” told Times staff writer Jen Yamato —may be shelved while Feige fig- Victim of the merger. $800 million say if you can’t do it in another The Times in 2016. “They’re Shake- contributed to this report. $3.66 DESIGNATED AREAS HIGHER ©2019 WST SUNDAY,MARCH 17,2019 latimes.com New Zealand reels as sorrow settles in after mosque attack

its modern history. Police Tales of heroism and Commissioner Mike Bush said the death toll rose to 50. heartbreak begin to Asense of overwhelming emerge, and another sadness enveloped Christchurch, a city of body’s discovery 388,000, as well as anger over brings the toll to 50. amanifesto in which a racist extremist and outsider de- scribed plans to engineer a By Rong-Gong Lin II, horrific attack, targeting a Wendy Lee place where immigrants and Melissa Etehad said they felt welcome. “End of innocence,” said CHRISTCHURCH, New the lead headline of Zealand — Moments after Christchurch’s Press news- dozens of people were shot paper Saturday, above a dead at Al Noor Mosque in photo of a survivor from the Cam McLaren Getty Images New Zealand’s third-largest Linwood Mosque, his IN AUCKLAND,crowds gather on Takapuna Beach for a vigil in memory of the victims. A witness to the city, prayers were underway clothes stained with blood. shooting at Linwood Mosque described a hero who confronted the attacker and grabbed his weapon. at another mosque to the “I don’t know why you east, just three miles away. would attack Christchurch,” Inside the Linwood said Anthony Chui, 25, who Mosque, 30-year-old Faisal grew up in the city and now Sayed heard a banging lives in Wellington, the capi- sound. He and another wor- tal. “You think New Zealand shiper broke prayer and is one of the safest countries AN OFFER HE CAN’T REFUSE rushed to look out a window. in the world,” said his part- Two congregants who ner, Jessica Roche, 28, a na- had been running late to the tive of France. Rupert Murdoch, the scrappy Fox boss who transformed an industry, service had been shot out- The attacks at the two side, he said. A gunman Christchurch mosques were begins his Hollywood goodbye by dismantling his trailblazing empire dressed in military-style [See New Zealand, A6] clothing was headed inside, firing at worshipers. apart. Walt Disney Co. will ab- One person was shot By Meg James sorb Fox’s legendary movie and dead, as was a woman who Sharing television production studios, had given up her spot to an- Thirty-four years ago, Ru- with their deep trove of titles that other congregant just before pert Murdoch showed up in includes “Avatar,” “Deadpool,” services began. A third per- racist Hollywood with $250 million, “Family Guy” and “The Simp- son was shot in the shoulder. buying a stake in the 20th Cen- sons.” The Murdoch family will Atotal of seven would be tury Fox film studio — even create a new entity, simply slain at the Linwood though he had little interest in known as Fox, that will include Mosque. ideas on making movies. Fox News Channel, the Fox Amid the chaos, one of The scrappy Australian broadcast network, national Fox the congregants confronted newsman, then known for his Sports channels, TV stations the attacker and grabbed his clamorous tabloids, was viewed and the 50-acre Fox studio lot in weapon, Sayed said in an in- ‘Dingo with suspicion. Skeptics as- . terview. sumed he was a corporate raider The landmark sale seemed “He held the rifle,” Sayed intent on stripping value from unthinkable to many. But the 88- said of the man who fought Twitter’ the studio. Instead, Murdoch year-old mogul was never enam- back. The gunman eventu- rescued a threadbare operation ored of the clubby movie busi- ally fled. from financial ruin and turned it ness. He wanted the film studio “If this guy was not into the centerpiece of a growing to support his global push into there,” Sayed said, “I don’t Australia’s far right empire that has reshaped the television, where he has left a think I would be talking to has a powerful voice entertainment industry. more indelible mark. Along the you right now.” He did not Now, Murdoch is dismantling way, he has relished his influence identify the man. online — with echoes his life’s work: a kingdom worth Drew Angerer Getty Images and his image as an outsider, a New Zealand remained in in the real world. more than $100 billion. On Tues- RUPERT MURDOCH is most associated rascal who took big swings acollective state of shock day, his largest company, 21st with Fox News, but he also is a towering and thumbed his nose at the Sunday as the reality set in Century Fox, will be broken presence at Fox Studios in Los Angeles. [See Murdoch, A14] of the worst mass killing in By Robyn Dixon

Australia, the home of the suspected New Zealand mosque mass murderer, has long fostered a strain of race- Elite schools are based, anti-immigrant ex- tremism. Settled as a white British outpost in Asia, originally as disheartened by aconvict prison, its govern- ment adopted what became known as the White Austral- admissions scandal ia Policy to restrict non-Eu- ropean immigration soon af- ter the founding of the na- tion in 1901. its founding mission to serve It was not until nearly 75 For top universities “indigent young men,” years later that laws were which has long since been passed to ban race from fighting perceptions of widened to include all gen- playing a part in immigra- exclusivity, a setback. ders and has only grown tion policy — but from the stronger. Now nearly a third immigration again be- of its students are low- came one of the nation’s By Teresa Watanabe income, a percentage that most contentious issues. nearly doubled in the last John Howard, elected in Far from the California decade. Such news gets bur- 19 96 and eventually the na- epicenter of the massive col- ied in the scandal story line tion’s second-longest-serv- lege cheating scandal, Matt that top-tier colleges remain ing prime minister, demon- McGann has followed the the province of the rich. ized asylum seekers to win news with more than casual “It’s disheartening,” Mc- one election in 2001. Ahead of concern. Gann said. “No one in ad- Saeed Khan AFP/Getty Images ahard-fought campaign, McGann is dean of ad- missions likes to see this CASTER SEMENYA competes in 2018. The federation governing track and Howard whipped up fear mission and financial aid kind of gaming. It erodes the field determined that she possessed both male and female characteristics. when a Norwegian cargo at Amherst College, which public trust in the work we boat, Tampa, rescued hun- has a $2-billion endowment do.” dreds of asylum seekers and a 13 % admission rate. Officials at many leading Uncertainty chases after from a sinking Indonesian The Massachusetts private colleges and uni- fishing boat. His govern- campus, founded nearly 200 versities say they are work- ment sent the survivors to years ago, is the kind of rich, ing harder than ever to seek detention centers on the tiny elite private college that the out, recruit, enroll and sup- star South African runner island country of Nauru, es- wealthy parents ensnared in port high-achieving low- tablishing Australia’s con- the scandal sought for their income students. They are troversial offshore detention children — and allegedly increasingly tapping their policy for asylum seekers. tried to get them into using vast resources to try to lift Does Caster Semenya have an unfair advantage? Critics say the sort of huge payments, bribes and those on the bottom. dog-whistle racism that ech- lies. Julian Hernandez, the natural but unusually high testosterone oes in the political main- Amherst takes pride in [See Scandal, A12] By David Wharton levels give her an unfair advantage over stream has also served as a competitors. tacit nod enabling even From the moment she burst into the Track has long wrestled with issues more extreme views to take spotlight as a teenager, sprinting to vic- surrounding hyperandrogenism, the root and be amplified. Nadal can’t go; Midwest flooding tory at the 2009 track and field world term applied to a small percentage of fe- “The biggest problem Federer advances called ‘historic’ championships, Caster Semenya faced male athletes who do not fit neatly into and technological challenge anger and suspicion. predetermined gender classifications. [See Australia, A4] The much-anticipated Governors of several It wasn’t just her precocious The primary question: Should sports offi- BNP Paribas Open states declare emergen- over 800 meters. It was her broad shoul- cials determine who is — or is not — a men’s semifinal is called cies after a powerful ders, the set of her jaw and muscular woman? off because of the Span- . NATION, A18 Children, seniors, build. Focusing on testosterone, a hormone iard’s injury. SPORTS, D1 One of her rivals, Italian runner Elisa responsible for strength and mass, the in- breadwinners Weather Cusma Piccione, told reporters: “Just ternational track federation recently A look at the lives of Sunny and warm. look at her.” proposed that females exhibiting a “dif- some of those lost in the L.A. Basin: 82/56. B10 For much of the last decade, Semenya ference of sexual development” — mean- mosque massacre in New has faced claims that her physique and [See Semenya, A16] Zealand. WORLD, A8 A14 SUNDAY,MARCH 17 ,2019 WST LATIMES.COM Murdoch begins Hollywood goodbye

[Murdoch, from A1] broad strategy to get into establishment. the media industry — the “Rupert has been the heart of the media industry.” most influential person in For Murdoch, “buying Hollywood in the last 25 the [Fox] studio wasn’t years,” Peter Chernin, Mur- about rubbing elbows with doch’s former deputy who Hollywood stars. Fox, for now owns his own media him, was always a business company, said in an inter- deal,” Block said in an inter- view. “He has been the key view. “He recognized that driver of trends that now de- compelling content was key fine the industry.” to gaining economic and political power.” :: In September 1985, Mur- doch’s News Corp. bought On the Fox Studios lot, oilman Marvin Rupert Murdoch is the Davis’ 50% stake in the stu- godfather. dio for $325 million, gaining Athrowback to an earlier full control. era, he’s the only boss most Because he was a for- employees can remember. eigner, Murdoch wasn’t Murdoch’s original com- allowed to own television pany, News Corp., pur- stations. That obstacle was chased the historic film stu- expeditiously removed, also dio in 19 85, midway through in September 1985, when the mogul’s long campaign he became a U.S. citizen in to buy and launch proper- afederal courthouse in ties that now span the globe with 185 other and touch the lives of hun- immigrants. dreds of millions of people. His company quickly Murdoch in 2013 divided snapped up an independent his holdingsinto two sepa- TV station group and scur- rate companies: News Corp., ried to launch the fourth net- the publishing unit that in- work, Fox Broadcasting Co. cludes the “When the Fox network and ; first went on the air, a lot of and 21st Century Fox, the en- Walt Disney Co. people didn’t even get the tertainment arm. The Mur- RUPERT MURDOCH,right, shown with Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger in 2017, is dismantling his life’s station. People would put tin doch Family Trust controls work. Wa lt Disney Co. on Tuesday will absorb Fox’s legendary movie and television production studios. foil on their antenna, and both through its ownership move it around to try to get a of 39% of the companies’ vot- acorporate family with Fox Rupert Murdoch character, liked, or what shows he picture,” said Ed O’Neill, ing shares. Murdoch agreed ‘Rupert has been News. introducing himself in one didn’t like,” Greenblatt said. who starred as Al Bundy in to the corporate split to ap- “I do not remotely share episode as “the billionaire One particular show, “Party “Married … With Children,” pease Wall Street, which agi- the most Rupert’s politics, but he was tyrant.” of Five,” about five siblings one of Fox’s original hits. tated for him to sell his news- an excellent boss of a cre- “He was a good sport. He trying to make it after their “When I’d go back to visit my papers — something he re- influential person ative operation because cre- liked the show, so that was a parents were killed by a family [in Ohio], no one fused to do. in Hollywood in ativity involves risk, and Ru- help,” Groening said. (Dis- drunk driver, didn’t escape knew I had a television show. So when word leaked, in pert understood risk,” said ney will own “The Simp- Murdoch’s critique. They saw me in a couple beer late 2017 , that Murdoch was the last 25 years. Tom Rothman, a former Fox sons,” but the show will con- “He would be like, ‘Let’s commercials — that’s what planning to unload much of movie chief who now is chair- tinue to air on Fox.) get rid of it; the ratings are made me famous.” his Hollywood operation, He has been the man of Sony Pictures Enter- Murdoch shrugged off terrible,’ ” Greenblatt re- Fox didn’t become a force many were stunned. Staff key driver of tainment’s Motion Picture problems that might have called. “But everyone else in television until it lured an members cried as they Group. “And I admire him rattled others. When the was so fervent about keep- NFL football package away struggled to process the trends that now for that.” budget for James Cameron’s ing the show. Rupert never from CBS in 19 93 in an eye- news. The heaviness satu- Rothman and other Fox epic “Titanic” was balloon- stood in the way of decisions popping $1.6 billion, four- rated Fox’s annual holiday define the veterans credit Murdoch for ing, Murdoch told Chernin: like that. He let us do our year deal. Then came the party that December, which industry.’ encouraging them to take “Don’t let it overwhelm you. jobs.” edgy FX cable channel, the was held on the studio back- risks. And, they say, his con- Keep your head down and launch of Fox News and the lot known as New York —Peter Chernin, servative politics didn’t in- keep going.” :: purchase of the Los Angeles Street. Strings of lights fluence programming deci- He had strong opinions, Dodgers baseball team, Murdoch’s former deputy stretched between the worn sions — unlike at his publica- and he made them known. Murdoch’s career began which Murdoch used to facades, lending a surreal tions and Fox News. At the 2002 Super Bowl in unexpectedly in 19 52 upon launch regional sports feel to the night. John Candreva, execu- “Rupert was never a mi- New Orleans, Murdoch was the death of his father, a re- networks before selling the “It was really reminiscent tive director of Fox’s studio cromanaging boss,” said frustrated that Fox network spected Australian news- team in 2004. of the Vito Corleone back- facilities, recalled that Mur- Chernin, who worked with programmers hadn’t or- paper editor. Sir Keith Mur- The company bought the story that takes place in doch used to walk four miles Murdoch from 1989 to 2009. dered a TV show that his doch controlled two news- social network Myspace in Little Italy,” said John from his home, then in Bev- His rebellious spirit in- daughter in , Elisa- papers, but one was sold — 2005 for $580 million, which Landgraf, chief executive of erly Hills, to the Pico Boule- fused the company’s DNA. beth, had recommended. over Rupert’s objections — famously crashed. Murdoch FX Networks, referring to vard lot. “He was fun, he was wild, “What’s going on with that to satisfy tax obligations. unloaded it six years later for the titular character in “The “Who walks to work from and he really wanted to do show?” Murdoch de- (Rupert’s mother, Dame just $35 million. In 2007, Mur- Godfather.” Beverly Hills?” Candreva bold things,” Chernin said. manded. He ordered his Elisabeth Murdoch, was 103 doch claimed the Wall Street “I remember just stand- said with a laugh. He re- “If you presented him with a lieutenants to buy the rights when she died in 2012.) Journal through the $5-bil- ing there thinking that this called a morning when he plan, Rupert would say, and told them not to change Murdoch, then 22, re- lion acquisition of Dow has been a place in which was at Murdoch’s house, ‘Great, let’s do it.’ ” the format. It became Fox’s turned from Oxford Uni- Jones & Co. Within two films have been made for a checking his security sys- His appreciation for sto- biggest hit, “.” versity (where he kept a bust years, Murdoch’s company long time,” Landgraf said. tem. rytelling and controversy Murdoch didn’t hide his of Lenin in his room to culti- took a write-down of nearly “And even though Fox will “He said, ‘Hey, sit down was honed as a youth and disdain for the film business. vate a rebel image) to run $3 billion on that invest- still exist, this Fox isn’t going and have breakfast with during his early career when “Murdoch was always the Adelaide News, earning ment. to exist in the same way.” us,’ ” Candreva said. “He’s he was a newspaper editor, railing against Hollywood in the nickname “boy pub- Fox also teamed with Murdoch was not avail- just a phenomenal person, several people said. our weekly meetings with all lisher.” He would thunder NBC to launch the stream- able for comment. Bloom- he really is. It was him and “Fox has always had a the heads of the company,” around town in a bulky ing service Hulu, which Dis- berg News estimates the the bodyguard … and I am pugnacious attitude,” Land- said Bill Mechanic, who ran American car with a Great ney will soon control. mogul’s fortune (including sitting there. And, of course, graf said. “And Rupert is not the Fox movie studio in the Dane named Webster. “To say he’s a driven man family trust holdings) at what did he want to discuss? someone who operates out mid-19 90s. “He’d attack me Soon, he was on a buying is an understatement,” $19.5 billion, putting him at Politics.” of fear. He really believes in or the movie business. He spree of newspapers around Rothman, the former studio No. 46 on Bloomberg’s bil- In liberal-leaning Holly- the value of making bets. We said, ‘You guys never take Australia as well as TV sta- chief, said. “The thing he lionaires list. wood, there are plenty of de- are not a box company.” any chances.’ That was tions. In 19 68, Murdoch re- would say to me the morning He is most associated tractors who disagree with Matt Groening, creator of crazy, considering the mov- turned to Britain and after a big hit was, ‘What’s with Fox News, the conser- Murdoch’s politics and re- “The Simpsons,” said he’s ies I was making.” bought his first London tab- next?’ ” vative-leaning outlet, which sent Fox News’ influence in grateful for Murdoch’s sup- Bob Greenblatt, who is loid, News of the World, and With the future in mind, he has helped run since American politics. port for his show, the long- now chairman of Warner- then a second, the Sun. In Murdoch concluded nearly Roger Ailes was forced out Last summer, Steve Levi- est-running scripted series Media Entertainment, the ’70s, he had crossed over two years ago that his com- in 2016 amid a sexual tan, co-creator of the hit in prime time. Other net- worked at Fox in the early to America, buying maga- pany would be too small to harassment scandal. But ABC show “Modern Family” works wouldn’t have tou- 19 90s when he was a young zines and papers, including effectively compete with Murdoch also is a towering (a Fox production), wrote in ched such an unorthodox TV executive. the New York Post, the Chi- rising tech giants such as presence at Fox Studios in aTwitter message that he cartoon, he said. The mogul “He would come in and cago Sun-Times and the Vil- Netflix, Amazon and Apple. Los Angeles. was “disgusted” to be part of even voiced the animated talk about what shows he lage Voice. A 1977 Time mag- The Murdoch family will be- azine cover portrayed Mur- come among Disney’s larg- doch as a gorilla stomping est shareholders, giving it an across the New York skyline, interest in yet another major under the headline: “Extra!!! entertainment company. COMICS &COMIC ARTAUCTION Aussie Press Lord Terrifies The asset sale to Disney URBANART Gotham.” also helps alleviate a thorny May16-18,2019| |Live&Online He used his media out- issue of succession. Mur- March 18 |Dallas |Live&Online lets to amass enormous po- doch’s two sons no longer SEEKING CONSIGNMENTS, litical powerand was instru- will have to share manage- DELIVERING RESULTS! mental in breaking the print ment of the enterprise. In- unions in London in the stead, his oldest son, Lach- mid-19 80s. Later, he helped lan, will oversee the launch a satellite TV service, slimmed-down Foxas its now known as Sky, to chal- chairman and chief execu- lenge the venerable BBC. tive. And his younger son, He collected friends and James, plans to strike out on enemies in the British Par- his own after two decades of liament. When his tabloids working for his father. got caught in a cellphone Afew weeks after the sale hacking scandal nearly a was announced, Murdoch decade ago, a committee of fell on his son Lachlan’s Parliament called Murdoch yacht in the Caribbean, “unfit” to run a news organi- where the family was vaca- zation. He would later be- tioning. He suffered a back come an unofficial advisor to injury and was bedridden for President Trump, a devoted weeks at his Moraga - Fox News viewer. yards estate, which hugs the Murdoch was the first to hills above Bel-Air. There he build a truly international was accompanied by his . wife, former model Jerry “He was the first person Hall, who has four children RETNA(American,b.1979) who really understood the with Mick Jagger. Serenityofthe mindStatesMoments of dark days allows power of combining content Hall, whom he married in Soaring likeasearch light-High-, 2012 creation and distribution,” 2016, is his fourth wife. His Acrylic, enamel andcrystallineoncanvas Chernin said. Fox was a ma- previous marriages pro- 97 x103 inches jor investor in Sky until duced six children: Pru- Estimate: $60,000 -$80,000 last fall (when Comcast dence (with wife Patricia Corp. won a hard-fought Booker); Elisabeth, Lachlan bidding war for the service). and James (with second wife FrF ankFk Frazetttta His company controlled Anna Murdoch Mann); and VIEW |TRACK |BID Famous Funnies #209 Cover HA.com/URBAN DirecTV for two years in the Grace and Chloe (with third OriginalArt (Eastern Color, 1953) early aughts and built the wife Wendi Deng). Sold for$552,000 Star television service From Moraga Vineyards, Inquiries: into a juggernaut. he still will be able to over- Seeall prices realized from our February auction Leon Benrimon Explaining his Holly- look his corporate domin- 310.492.8676 |[email protected] at HA.com/7204. wood strategy in the 1990 ion. It just will be a lot INQUIRIES: 877-HERITAGE (437-4824) book “Outfoxed: Marvin smaller. “We’ve disrupted Ed Jaster |Ext.1288|[email protected] Davis, Barry Diller, Rupert things in our time,” he told Murdoch, Joan Rivers, and Sky News in December 2017. the Inside Story of Ameri- “You can’t complain.” ca’s Fourth Network” by Al- ex Ben Block, Murdoch said: Times staff writers Ryan DALLAS |NEW YORK |BEVERLY HILLS|SAN FRANCISCO |CHICAGO |PALMBEACH “I went [into] entertain- Faughnder and Stacy LONDON |PARIS |GENEVA |AMSTERDAM |HONG KONG ment not to get into enter- Perman contributed to this tainment. It was part of a report. Paul R. Minshull #16591. BP 12-25%; see HA.com 54020 Paul R. Minshull #16591. BP 20%; see HA.com. 54047