Entertainment

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Carol Choi as president of its Asia-Pacific operations, with the executive set to take over from Luke Kang on December 1, 2026. Disney announced the leadership change on Tuesday, October 20, following Kang’s decision to retire after 16 years with the entertainment company. Choi currently serves as executive vice-president of Disney’s Asia-Pacific business. In her new role, she will oversee Disney Entertainment’s operations across Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The appointment was confirmed in “Disney’s official announcement” and reported by “Variety” Choi to Oversee Film, Streaming, and Regional Content  Choi’s responsibilities will cover Disney’s studio operations, Disney+, locally produced original content, consumer products, media networks, and content sales across the region. The executive brings more than 20 years of experience at Disney. Before her appointment, she oversaw regional studio operations, original content strategy, and integrated marketing. She has also served as managing director for Disney in Japan and South Korea and held senior leadership positions in Greater China. During her career, Choi has contributed to the expansion of Disney+ in the region, the development of the company’s studio business, and relationships with local creative talent. Disney Entertainment Studios chairman Alan Bergman and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro described Choi as an experienced leader with a strong understanding of the region in their statement announcing the appointment. Kang to Retire After 16 Years Kang joined Disney in 2011 as managing director of its South Korean business before taking on leadership responsibilities in Greater China and North Asia. He later became president of the wider Asia-Pacific region, overseeing the company’s operations and expansion across key markets. During his tenure, Disney increased its regional streaming presence, invested in locally produced content, and expanded its consumer-facing businesses. Kang said he was proud to have led the company through a period of growth and transformation, adding that Choi was well positioned to build on the existing foundation. What the Appointment Means for Disney in Asia The leadership transition places Choi in charge of a broad portfolio spanning theatrical releases, streaming, regional productions, and consumer businesses across several major entertainment markets. Her experience in local content strategy and regional operations could be relevant as Disney continues to serve audiences with different languages, viewing habits, and creative industries across Asia-Pacific. However, the appointment announcement did not specify new investment targets or announce a change in Disney’s regional content strategy. Choi’s immediate task will be to assume leadership of the existing business when the transition takes effect in December.

Jenna Ortega’s new film Klara and the Sun has premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, bringing a story about artificial intelligence, loneliness, and family relationships to the screen ahead of its cinema release. The film, directed by Taika Waititi, was presented at the London festival on Thursday, 15 October 2026. It is based on the 2021

Nigerian faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return has grossed more than ₦307.2 million at the box office, according to figures announced by its distributor, Nile Group, on Friday, 16 October 2026. The distributor said the film had become the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood title released in 2026 and the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever released in October.

Netflix has announced plans to cut approximately 1,000 jobs worldwide, affecting about 6% of its workforce in its largest round of layoffs since 2022. The reductions will mainly affect employees in product development, technology, legal, and human resources as the streaming company reorganises its operations and concentrates spending on areas it considers important for future growth.

American actor RJ Mitte, who played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the television drama Breaking Bad, died on Monday, 12 October 2026, in Brownsville, Texas. He was 34. According to Reuters, his death was announced by the talent management agency representing him. The agency remembered Mitte as an actor, philanthropist, and disability rights advocate. Mitte became