‘Game of Thrones’ creators to produce new ‘Star Wars’ film series

Disney+ has taken the streaming world by storm. Disney fans have likely already binged on much of the animation, Star Wars and Marvel content exclusive to the platform. Here are ten of the best films that you might not have known are also available on Disney+.

The Chief Executive of Disney, Bob Iger, has stepped down from the top job at the entertainment giant after fifteen years. It was a surprise move which sees the head of the company's theme parks business, Bob Chapek, take up the role. Iger will stay on as Executive Chairman, where he will focus on the creative element of the business. Also today, we look at some of the latest warnings from businesses on the impact of the coronavirus.

Walt Disney Co will close its Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks in Anaheim, California, starting on Saturday (March 14) amid the global outbreak of coronavirus, a company spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

Hafthor Bjornsson, who played Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane in the Game of Thrones television series, claims a deadlift world record of 501 kilogrammes or 1,104 pounds.

The Walt Disney Company has said its profits in the first three months of the year are $1.4 billion lower because of the coronavirus lockdowns in many parts of the world. The company saw a particular slump in income from its theme parks, which have been shut down due to the virus spreading. Also today: more bad news in the travel industry, as the home rental giant Airbnb cuts 25 percent of its workforce. Our Business Editor Stephen Carroll tells us more.

Disney's new remake of "Mulan" was tailored to appeal to audiences in China. It stars big-name Chinese-born actors like Jet Li, Gong Li and Donnie Yen, and the story itself is based on an old Chinese folk tale. And while the plot is set during the Han dynasty, today's geopolitical issues have added an unexpected bit of drama. The movie is mired in controversy for political reasons ranging from China's human rights record to its crackdown in Hong Kong.

Disney theme Park on Tuesday decided to lay-off 28,000 people in the United States as the coronavirus pandemic hits its parks and resorts business. Around 67 percent employees who are losing their jobs are part-timers, Disney says.

Crowds flock to Taipei's annual Christmas Land lights festival, featuring Disney-themed 3D mapping projections and colourful lighting installations. Taiwan is one of the few places in the world that has not imposed lockdowns during the pandemic. Now in its 10th year, Christmas Land is Taiwan's largest Christmas lights festival, attracting more than 6 million visitors last year.

Disney's shares have rallied after the company reported better than expected results for its latest quarter. Sales came in at €16.2 billion, down 22 percent from the previous year, amid a continuing hit from the pandemic. But its streaming business Disney+ is continuing to grow as people stay home for longer, offsetting losses made at its theme parks that have suffered months of shutdown. Plus, as dining out is not an option for many couples this Valentine's Day, a handful of hotels in Brussels are offering quality time and fancy dinners for two – in guest rooms.

"Black Widow" star Scarlett Johansson has sued Disney over its streaming release of the film, which she claimed deprived her of potential earnings and breached her contract. Disney say she pocketed $20 million to date.

Disney's earnings jumped above pre-pandemic levels in its latest financial results, boosted by the return of visitors to the company's theme parks. The streaming service Disney+ also added almost 12 million subscribers in the last three months of 2021, more than expected, thanks to popular additions including the Beatles documentary "Get Back". Also today, we look ahead to French President Emmanuel Macron's announcements on nuclear power, which is becoming a major issue in April's presidential election.

We look at reaction to how Republican lawmakers in Florida may have just made an expensive mistake by revoking Disney's special status, as retribution for the company's opposition to the state's "Don’t say gay" bill. The papers are also discussing the situation in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol and what the coming weeks could mean for the war. Finally, The New York Times reports on how shaved heads "have people buzzing".