The box office performance of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” soared to remarkable heights during its second weekend in theaters. The sequel, produced by Universal and Illumination, generated $69 million in the U.S. and Canada from 4,284 theaters, bringing its total domestic earnings to $308.1 million and its global revenue to $629 million. Market analyst Paul Dergarabedian described the film’s success as impressive, especially considering that a significant portion of tickets were likely sold at discounted rates for children.

This achievement marks the strongest opening of 2026 and contributes to a notable trend of success in the box office, representing the most robust start since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, this success is not solely driven by franchises but also by original and non-franchise movies that were once thought to be on the decline in Hollywood.

The latest addition to the box office charts was the romantic comedy “You, Me & Tuscany,” a Universal release starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, which debuted in fourth place with an estimated $8 million. The film attracted a predominantly female audience. Following closely behind was Amazon MGM Studios’ “Project Hail Mary” in second place and “The Drama” in third, with respectable earnings in their respective weekends.

In the midst of these successes, the animated film “Hoppers” from Disney and Pixar continued to perform well, securing the fifth spot with earnings of $4.1 million in its sixth weekend. Additionally, original films like Youtuber Markiplier’s “Iron Lung” and the Canadian production “Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie” demonstrated that self-funded and original content can still resonate with modern audiences.

Despite these positive developments, the film industry continues to face challenges, including disruptions caused by the pandemic, strikes, and shifts in viewer preferences towards streaming services over traditional theaters. Studios are adapting to these changes by releasing fewer films annually and exploring new distribution models, as seen in the recent acquisition battles between major players like Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

The evolving landscape of the film industry underscores the importance of a diverse range of content offerings to sustain audience interest and support the creative endeavors of filmmakers. As the industry navigates these changes, maintaining a balance between traditional theatrical releases and digital platforms will be crucial for its long-term viability.

[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/box-office-2026-mario-9.7162031)

An investigation is currently underway in connection with Australian actress Ruby Rose’s claim that Katy Perry sexually assaulted her at a Melbourne nightclub many years ago, an allegation Perry denies. Victoria state police in Australia are looking into claims of a “historical sexual assault” that took place in Melbourne in 2010, corresponding to Rose’s assertion of an incident at the Spice Market Nightclub “almost two decades ago.” Rose made the accusation on social media in response to a post about Perry’s reaction to Justin Bieber’s performance at Coachella.

Initially hesitant to report the incident to the police, Rose later mentioned she had visited the police station and would provide details on the reporting process. Representatives for both Rose and Perry have been contacted for comments. Perry’s representative has refuted the accusation, labeling it as false and dangerous. Victoria Police has chosen not to comment further on the matter.

In a series of posts, Rose, 40, described the alleged assault occurring when she was in her early twenties. She claimed that Perry approached her while she was with a friend, forcibly exposing herself and causing Rose to vomit in response. Rose admitted to previously downplaying the incident as a humorous anecdote but revealed that Perry offered assistance with her U.S. visa, leading Rose to keep the assault secret. Rose expressed gratitude for finding her voice after nearly two decades of silence on the matter.

Perry, who recently attended the Coachella music festival with her partner, former prime minister Justin Trudeau, posted on Instagram about Bieber’s performance, joking about YouTube Premium during the show. The incident between Rose and Perry, which has since been removed, has sparked a public dialogue on social media.

Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade, and Joy Division/New Order have been announced as the latest inductees into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the recent episode of American Idol. To qualify for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago. The selection of nominees was determined through a voting process involving over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.

Renowned artist Phil Collins, who is already a member of Genesis in the Hall of Fame, secured his spot with hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “One More Night,” along with winning eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1985 for “No Jacket Required.” Sade, a soul-jazz vocalist and a nominee in 2024, is celebrated for songs like “Smooth Operator” and “The Sweetest Taboo.” Wu-Tang Clan, known for their groundbreaking 1993 debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” also earned their spot this year.

Iron Maiden, a two-time nominee, played a significant role in the British heavy metal scene with iconic albums such as “The Number of the Beast.” Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005 after selling over 25 million albums and producing hits like “Here and Now” and “Any Love,” influenced artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

The Hall of Fame will also welcome post-punk pioneers Joy Division and New Order, as well as the Britpop band Oasis, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. English artist Billy Idol, known for hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” brings a punk edge to pop music.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with a televised broadcast on ABC and Disney+ in December. Special category inductees this year include Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons under the early influence award, and Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin for musical excellence. Additionally, the legendary TV host Ed Sullivan will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award for his significant contributions to the music industry.

Unfortunately, artists like Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, and others did not make the cut this year. Last year’s inductees included Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and several other notable musicians.