Pop Culture
Are Live-Action Adaptations a Risky Bet for Studios?

Join us as we dissect the streaming giant’s bold foray into transforming beloved stories into live-action adaptations, and try to understand if this strategy is actually working.
Netflix has had a tumultuous relationship with live-action adaptations, often encountering criticism and skepticism from both fans and critics. From controversial casting choices to diverging significantly from source material, Netflix has faced numerous challenges in translating beloved animated series or popular books into live-action formats. We all can’t forget how poorly they did with the adaptations of “Death Note” and “Cowboy Bebop,” which made us question if live-action adaptations can actually be good. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is the most recent adaptation Netflix released, and the show received some mixed reviews. They tried to reimagine the story a little and made it all serious, as the story deals with subjects of war and political tension. While taking the fun part of ATLA out itself wasn’t a very good idea, they also rushed the pacing and didn’t give enough time to characters around Aang to develop and have stories of their own. Aang does most of the important jobs in the show, and it rarely shows how having reliable friends by your side saves the day. At some point, they mixed some plot points together, and it felt as if they were just trying to cover everything from the original ATLA series while taking away the most important parts of it. Though Netflix’s version of ATLA couldn’t replicate the enchantment of the original, it was still an enjoyable show.

Talking about what Netflix is doing well with live-action, we can’t avoid mentioning how well they did with the live-action adaptation of “One Piece.” Not only fans, but people who have never watched “One Piece,” also enjoyed the show. Talking about these recent projects, it makes us wonder if Netflix has figured out what makes the original shows so interesting? But even then, we never had an adaptation that could match the energy and the magic of its source material. Then, why would Netflix be so eager to make these big-budget adaptations? Despite these setbacks, Netflix continues to pursue live-action adaptations. According to ‘Collider,’ “Avatar: The Last Airbender” dominated Netflix with getting more than 22.2 Million views just within 4 days of its release. The live-action adaptation of “One Piece” cost around $18 million per episode, and the show made staggering commercial profit, which also confirmed its second season. This makes it clear that making live-action shows is definitely not a cheap affair, but if it’s done right, it has potential to make profits if it becomes critically and commercially successful.

Well, Netflix is not the only one that confidently produces live-action adaptations of popular shows. Talking about how Disney reimagines its popular shows, a few of them have given a very mediocre return to the studio, but overall, making live-action adaptations has proven to be lucrative for the studio. Disney has been making live-action for years now, and they don’t seem to have any plans of stopping, despite some adaptations facing dispute and mixed reviews. Some of the adaptations have done incredibly well and found their spot in the $1 billion club. Such adaptations include “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” etc. Also, the way Disney reimagines its old stories could be a reason why fans don’t find them as appealing as their predecessors. “Mulan” (2020) is one of the biggest live-action flops of Disney, despite the fact that it was released when Disney+ was incredibly popular; it didn’t get much in terms of economical success. There were many things wrong about the reimagined “Mulan,” but most importantly, the live-action adaptation couldn’t capture the heart of the original. People loved the original “Mulan” because of how dedicated, hardworking, smart, and brave she was. Despite not being physically as strong as men and with no combat training, she makes a tough choice and goes to war. The kind of strength she has shown in the original film was inspiring for many kids who grew up with this story. On the other hand, the live-action “Mulan” was just not relatable. They copied the original and still managed to leave behind the stuff that made the original source beautiful.

Is the live-action strategy actually working?
It all brings us back to the question if making live-action adaptations of popular shows is actually worth it? The reimagined version often tries to distinguish itself from the source material to make the representation more entertaining and relatable to newer audiences, but often it leads them to miss the charm that made the original show popular. Despite bad performances of these films and shows, studios don’t seem to be ditching this strategy anytime soon. Maybe it’s easier to bet on the shows that have an established audience. Stories that have been already written, watched, and loved. But that also means that the makers of these live actions have a standard to reach, and hence, it remains a double-edged sword. Is it worth taking the risk? Is this strategy actually working? Well, it depends on the particular aspect we are talking about. If we talk about financial success, then, most of the adaptations, especially the ones that have been produced recently, have performed well financially. But as far as critical acclaim is concerned, opinions might differ.
Also Read: Bollywood films on Mental health to be watched for their right representation
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Fashion
Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Donatella Versace has resigned as Versace’s Chief Creative Officer, BLACKPINK’s Lisa is branching out with her graphic novel, ALTER-EGO.

A week of major shifts and fresh projects! Get the latest scoop in this week’s pop culture recap.
This week has been full of interesting changes and updates. There have been some big shifts and exciting moves that have caught everyone’s attention. Let’s take a look at what’s been happening this week!
Donatella Versace’s Departure
Donatella Versace, 69, has stepped down as Chief Creative Officer of Versace after nearly three decades due to disputes over declining sales. She will transition to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador effective April 1, 2025, and is restricted from using her family name for future ventures. Dario Vitale, formerly the Design and Image Director at Miu Miu, will replace her as the new Creative Director.
Donatella will now focus on supporting Versace’s philanthropic efforts and promoting the brand globally, while Dario Vitale aims to preserve Versace’s legacy while embracing modern innovation.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa Expands Creative Horizons with Graphic Novel ALTER-EGO
Lisa from BLACKPINK has launched her own comic brand, Lalisa Comics, in partnership with Zero Zero Entertainment, releasing a 56-page graphic novel titled ALTER-EGO: The Official Comic alongside her debut solo album, Alter Ego. Created by Lisa and illustrated by Japanese artist Minomiyabi, the comic follows five alter egos—Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi—each representing different aspects of Lisa’s personality. The storyline features Vixi trapped in a virtual reality nightmare by bullies, with her friends stepping in to rescue her. Available for pre-order on the Lalisa Comics website, the release demonstrates Lisa’s creative expansion beyond music.
Frank & Eileen Launches “House of Frank & Eileen” with Julianne Moore
Frank & Eileen, a woman-owned and led fashion brand, has introduced the House of Frank & Eileen, a community design initiative collaborating with iconic women. The inaugural collection features “Waverly,” superluxe button-up co-created with award-winning actress and author Julianne Moore. This collaboration reflects Frank & Eileen’s commitment to authenticity and celebrates female entrepreneurship..
In a conversation about the partnership, Moore described her personal style as modern, easy, and fairly monochromatic, influenced by her profession’s frequent costumes and red carpet appearances. She found common ground with Frank & Eileen’s founder, Audrey, noting shared values of devotion to family and work, and a mutual appreciation for authenticity.
Lily Allen’s Musical Comeback
After a seven-year hiatus since her 2018 album “No Shame,” British singer Lily Allen is preparing a return to music. She’s collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, known for their previous hits like “Smile” and “The Fear.” Major labels, including BMG, have shown interest in her new material. Allen has also been active with her podcast “Miss Me?” and is set to star in the play “Hedda” at the Theatre Royal in Bath. Additionally, she’s developing a new musical but plans to focus on her current commitments before releasing new music.
All We Imagine as Light’ Triumphs at Asian Film Awards
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” won Best Film at the Asian Film Awards. The movie, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes, continues to receive international acclaim.
Passing of Oscar-Winning Producer Stanley Jaffe
Stanley Jaffe, renowned for producing films like “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “The Accused,” has died at 84. His work earned him an Academy Award, and he held leadership roles at Paramount Pictures.
Also Read: Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Leadership
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Events
Weekly Pop-Culture Recap: Louis Vuitton to Launch Its Own Makeup Line Led by Pat McGrath, TikTok Expands Into Local Services to Boost Small Business Engagement.

From trends in fashion to big changes in entertainment and social media, we’ve rounded up the highlights you won’t want to miss. Check out the biggest happenings of the week!
With major brands making bold moves and new trends emerging, there’s been plenty to talk about. In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest happenings of the week that made it to our conversations.
Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2025
Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2025, which is ongoing from March 3 to March 11, 2025, has already delivered a series of impactful collections. The collections demonstrate how Paris Fashion Week continues to push the envelope in creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting the tone for the future of fashion.
Louis Vuitton Launches Its First Makeup Line
Louis Vuitton has officially announced its first-ever makeup line, La Beauté Louis Vuitton, set to launch in Fall 2025. The collection, revealed during Paris Fashion Week, marks the brand’s expansion into beauty and is led by renowned makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath as its Creative Director. The lineup will include 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms, and 8 eyeshadow palettes, reflecting Louis Vuitton’s commitment to luxury and quality. While details about the formulations remain under wraps, the collection is expected to embody the house’s signature craftsmanship and innovation. This highly anticipated launch is poised to elevate Louis Vuitton’s presence in the global beauty industry, solidifying its status as a leader in luxury beyond fashion and accessories.
Lollapalooza India 2025
Lollapalooza India 2025 brought an electrifying weekend to Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on March 8 and 9, with a lineup that had something for everyone. Green Day, Shawn Mendes, and Louis Tomlinson headlined the festival, making it a dream come true for rock and pop fans. EDM lovers weren’t left out, with Zedd and Alok turning the venue into a massive dance party. Indie and alternative fans got their fix with Glass Animals, Nothing But Thieves, and AURORA. Raftaar x Kr$na, Hanumankind, Niladri Kumar, Lisa Mishra, Talwiinder, and Anushka added their own energy to the mix.
TikTok Expands Into Local Services to Boost Small Business Engagement
TikTok is expanding its services in the U.S. by building a dedicated team to help small businesses connect with creators and users on the platform. The company has posted job openings in key cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, aiming to strengthen the relationship between local merchants and TikTok’s vast creator community. This move follows a similar approach used in Southeast Asia, where TikTok collaborated with creators to offer deals for restaurants, hotels, and travel. Through this expansion, TikTok intends to further support small businesses and improve the user experience, even as the platform faces ongoing legal challenges in the U.S.
Disney Cancels ‘Tiana’ Series
Disney has canceled the planned ‘Tiana’ animated series, which was to be based on characters from ‘The Princess and the Frog.’ Instead, the studio is developing a short-form special inspired by the original movie, with new storytelling overseen by Joyce Sherri and Steve Anderson. This shift is part of Disney’s strategy to move away from long-form streaming content.
Also Read: Milan Fashion Week 2025: The Biggest Highlights and Trends
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Events
The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.
The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking.
Historic Wins for Anora
The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.
Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers
The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.
Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.
Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win
Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.
A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.
Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment
In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.
Controversies and Unexpected Upsets
Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.
Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.
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