Entertainment
Diddy ordered to pay NBCUniversal nearly $500K in fees
A judge ordered Sean Combs to pay NBCUniversal nearly $478,000 in legal fees after his defamation lawsuit over a Peacock documentary was dismissed.
Studio Hub
Universal
Universal Pictures movies, TV and studio news.
Total Apex Take
Theme parks, not films, are where Universal has made its boldest and most successful recent bets.
Epic Universe opening in Orlando was the biggest theme-park investment of the decade for any studio, and early reception suggests it's a genuine rival to Disney's parks in a way no prior competitor has managed — that's a bigger strategic story for Universal's parent NBCUniversal than any single film release this year.
On the film side, Illumination's Despicable Me and Super Mario properties remain Universal's most dependable box-office engines, while Jurassic World's Rebirth reboot shows the studio still leaning hard on legacy IP rather than new original tentpoles.
Our take: Universal's clearest competitive advantage right now isn't any single franchise, it's that Nintendo partnership — both the Mario films and the theme-park lands — which gives it access to IP loyalty that took Nintendo decades to build and that no other studio can simply license.
About Universal
Universal Pictures was founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, making it one of the oldest continuously operating film studios in Hollywood. It built an early identity around classic monster films in the 1930s (Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy) before growing into a major modern studio behind franchises including Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious, and Despicable Me.
Universal operates today as part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast subsidiary, giving it close ties to Peacock streaming and Universal theme parks, which carry franchise-themed attractions built around the studio's biggest properties.
History
1912
Founded
Carl Laemmle founds Universal Pictures, making it one of the oldest major Hollywood studios.
1930s
Universal Monsters
Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy establish Universal's classic monster-movie identity.
2011
Comcast/NBCUniversal era
Universal operates under NBCUniversal, a Comcast subsidiary, closely tying it to Peacock streaming and Universal theme parks.
2025
Epic Universe opens
Universal opens Epic Universe in Orlando, its largest theme-park investment to date.
Key People
Carl Laemmle Founder
Founded Universal Pictures in 1912, making it one of the oldest major Hollywood studios still operating.
Key Universal Franchises & Films
| Title | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jurassic Park | 1993 | Launched one of the studio's biggest ongoing franchises |
| Fast & Furious | 2001 | Grew into one of the highest-grossing franchises in film history |
| Despicable Me / Minions | 2010 | Illumination's animated franchise became a dependable box-office engine |
| Wicked | 2024 | A major musical adaptation and one of Universal's biggest recent theatrical hits |
Financials
| Jurassic Park franchise | Universal's Jurassic Park/World franchise has grossed over $6 billion worldwide across six films |
|---|---|
| Fast & Furious franchise | The Fast & Furious franchise has grossed over $7 billion worldwide, among the highest-grossing film franchises ever |
| The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) | Illumination's Super Mario film grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing video-game film adaptation and one of the top-grossing animated films ever |
| Parent company | Universal Pictures operates under NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast |
Figures reflect cumulative lifetime theatrical grosses as reported at each film's release and aren't adjusted for inflation.
How It Compares
| Compared To | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| Warner Bros. | Both are century-old Hollywood studios, though Universal's modern slate leans on action and animated franchises while Warner Bros. has centered more on DC and fantasy adaptations. |
Trivia & Fan Culture
Built on classic monsters
Universal's 1930s horror films — including Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy — established a shared 'Universal Monsters' identity decades before modern cinematic universes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Universal Pictures?
Universal was founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, making it one of the oldest continuously operating major film studios.
What franchises is Universal known for?
Universal's modern slate includes Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious, and Despicable Me, alongside its classic 1930s monster films.
Does Universal operate theme parks?
Yes — Universal's theme parks, including the newly opened Epic Universe in Orlando, feature attractions built around the studio's biggest franchises.
Latest Coverage
Latest
Entertainment
NBCUniversal to shop Japanese hit Action Arena worldwide
NBCUniversal Formats has acquired international distribution rights to the Japanese game show Action Arena, marking the first time the long-running hit...
Movies
Snoop Biopic: Snoop Dogg’s life story is officially headed to the big screen, with Universal locking in a Summer 2027 release that already has fans buzzing.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to turn one of hip‑hop’s most recognizable voices into a full cinematic experience, Universal just…
Books & Comics
Free Comic Book Day 2026: Lunar/Universal vs. Penguin — How the Split Will Work
Calling all comic book fans— Free Comic Book Day 2026(FCBD) looks very different. After years of being the unifying “free comics for all” weekend,…
Entertainment
Taylor Sheridan to Begin Lucrative Production Deal with NBCUniversal
In a move that’s shaking up Hollywood more than a Dutton family dinner, Taylor Sheridan, the undisputed king of Paramount’s content empire, is packing…
Entertainment
Baz Luhrmann Brings Elvis Back to the Big Screen with 2026 Neon/Universal Release
Following the global success of his Oscar-nominated biopic “Elvis,” Baz Luhrmann is diving back into the world of the King of Rock and Roll.…
Movies
Universal Developing Young Bela Lugosi Biopic Penned by Ed Wood Scribes
Who would have guessed that there has not yet been a Bela Lugosi biopic? As the original actor to embody Bram Stoker’s Dracula onscreen,…
Entertainment
Universal Music Group Wins Copyright Lawsuit Over Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love”
A U.S. federal court has dismissed a copyright lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the use of a sample in Mary J. Blige’s…
Travel
Halloween Horror Nights 2025: Universal Orlando Dates, Tickets, and Haunted House Lineup
So, yes, Halloween Horror Nights has technically been underway since the end of August. Everyone has their opinions as to when spooky season really…
Movies
NBCUniversal Secures Rights to Jason Bourne Franchise and Treadstone
Looks like NBCUniversal just pulled off what might be the most predictable plot twist in Hollywood history. After a brief moment where Jason Bourne’s…
Movies
Universal Developing New & Thrilling ‘Archie’ Movie
Comic book fans were treated to news that Archie and his friends will be heading to the big screen. Spider-Verse franchise producers Christopher Miller and…
Gaming News
Europa Universalis 5 Release Date Revealed—Here’s What’s Actually New
Look who decided to finally show up to the party. Europa Universalis 5 just dropped its official release date at Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night…
Movies
Movies
Snoop Biopic: Snoop Dogg’s life story is officially headed to the big screen, with Universal locking in a Summer 2027 release that already has fans buzzing.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to turn one of hip‑hop’s most recognizable voices into a full cinematic experience, Universal just…
Movies
Universal Developing Young Bela Lugosi Biopic Penned by Ed Wood Scribes
Who would have guessed that there has not yet been a Bela Lugosi biopic? As the original actor to embody Bram Stoker’s Dracula onscreen,…
Movies
NBCUniversal Secures Rights to Jason Bourne Franchise and Treadstone
Looks like NBCUniversal just pulled off what might be the most predictable plot twist in Hollywood history. After a brief moment where Jason Bourne’s…
Movies
Universal Developing New & Thrilling ‘Archie’ Movie
Comic book fans were treated to news that Archie and his friends will be heading to the big screen. Spider-Verse franchise producers Christopher Miller and…
Entertainment
Exorcist: Martyrs Trailer Unveils Scarlett Johansson’s Character
Mike Flanagan's Exorcist: Martyrs trailer stars Scarlett Johansson as a detective hunting a demonic killer. Coming to theaters March 12, 2027.
Entertainment
NBC Fires Gail Lerner as Newlyweds Showrunner 2 Weeks Before Premiere
NBC has fired Gail Lerner as showrunner of its upcoming sitcom Newlyweds, removing the co-creator from the project less than two weeks before the…
Entertainment
Horror movies: 6 thrilling October 2026 highlights
October 2026 brings six horror releases to theaters and streaming: Jessica Chastain's dual role in Other Mommy, Josh Hartnett's sea creature series, and more.
Entertainment
Skydance TV studios get 1 powerful boss in George Cheeks
The Skydance TV studios will report to George Cheeks, who adds Warner Bros. TV and Paramount TV Studios to CBS Studios. Here's the new…
Entertainment
Jurassic World Sequel Director: Bayona Eyed After $870M Win
J.A. Bayona is the frontrunner to be the Jurassic World sequel director after Gareth Edwards left over creative differences.
Entertainment
Sony in talks for Battlefield movie with McQuarrie, Jordan
Sony is the frontrunner in talks to acquire the Battlefield movie package from Christopher McQuarrie and Michael B. Jordan after a multi-studio bidding war.
Entertainment
Greenstein and Goldberg to lead Paramount Warner Bros film
Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg will lead the combined Paramount Warner Bros film unit, as the $111 billion Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros.
Entertainment
Night of the Living Dead Microdrama: 10 Scary Plans
Room418 is adapting the 1968 zombie classic Night of the Living Dead as a vertical microdrama for its new horror-focused mobile app launching this…
TV & Streaming
Entertainment
NBCUniversal to shop Japanese hit Action Arena worldwide
NBCUniversal Formats has acquired international distribution rights to the Japanese game show Action Arena, marking the first time the long-running hit...
TV & Streaming
Dungeon Crawler Carl TV Series to Begin Shooting in 2027
The live-action adaptation of Dungeon Crawler Carl will begin shooting in 2027, according to Variety. Author Matt Dinniman and Universal Television…
Entertainment
‘Pass the Salt’ earns early Season 2 renewal before debut
Pass the Salt has already earned a second season, with development underway before the queer interfaith comedy's first episode even airs, The Hollywood...
Entertainment
The Voice: 7.8 million viewers fuel a powerful ratings win
The Voice season 30 premiere drew 7.8 million viewers across NBC and Peacock in its first seven days. According to Variety , that total…
Entertainment
Landman season 3 cast lands 4 exciting promotions
The Landman season 3 cast promotes Colm Feore, Mustafa Speaks, Bobbi Salvör Menuez and Francesca Xuereb to series regulars as filming starts in Fort…
Entertainment
Fast & Furious TV series finally wins a 2028 green light
The Fast & Furious TV series is a go at Peacock, with Vin Diesel producing and a 2028 debut planned. Meet the showrunners and…
Entertainment
Eddie Murphy Peacock series sets up a remarkable TV 1st
The Eddie Murphy Peacock series "The Chairman," from "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner, would be his first live-action scripted show. Here is what we…
Entertainment
Future Housewives: 1 huge sci-fi swing for Ariana Madix
Future Housewives puts Ariana Madix in a satirical sci-fi drama from Brannon Braga and Seth MacFarlane's Fuzzy Door at Peacock. Here's the plot and…
TV & Streaming
Ted animated series cast: 4 huge stars return for Peacock
Ted: The Animated Series premiere Dec. 17 on Peacock with eight episodes. Seth MacFarlane reunites with Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth.
Entertainment
Ted: The Animated Series finally sets fun Dec. 17 premiere
Ted: The Animated Series premieres Dec. 17 on Peacock with eight episodes. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg and Amanda Seyfried reprise film roles.
TV & Streaming
‘The Boys’ Finale Explained: Homelander’s Fate and Eric Kripke’s Endgame Vision
(Spoilers ahead for “The Boys” series finale) The ending of “The Boys” has never been just another season wrap-up. It’s a pressure valve for…
TV & Streaming
“Fallout” Crew Lost Homes in California Wildfires — Yet Production Survived Thanks to Unity
The smoky irony is so thick you could cut it with a rusty shiv. The production of “Fallout,” a show about surviving a nuclear…
News
Entertainment
Diddy ordered to pay NBCUniversal nearly $500K in fees
A judge ordered Sean Combs to pay NBCUniversal nearly $478,000 in legal fees after his defamation lawsuit over a Peacock documentary was dismissed.
Entertainment
007: First Light Hires a Strong Silent Type from TikTok, No Words Needed
007: First Light just revealed its full cast of voice actors, and one name sticks out like a sore thumb. That name belongs to…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
William Daniels & Bonnie Bartlett Reveal Truth Behind 75-Year Hollywood Romance
In a recent interview, William Daniels and his wife, Bonnie Bartlett, explain what kept them together for almost 75 years. The golden age actors…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Devastating News: “Columbo” Star Peter Falk’s Daughter Jacqueline Dead at 60 After Suicide
Losing someone is always a rupture, but losing them this way feels like the ground gives out beneath you. Jacqueline Falk, the daughter of…
Entertainment
Invincible VS Drops Original Story Details
Invincible VS just dropped some fresh story details, and the game will feature an original narrative cooked up by the same team behind the…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
The Daily Drop — Your Dose of Celebs & Pop Culture: April 21, 2026
From trends to tea—we’ve got you covered! Tuesday’s daily Drop drags itself into the room like someone who hit snooze too many times, spilled…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
What These 10 Celebrity DUI and DWI Cases Reveal About Accountability
Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated isn’t just a bad call behind the wheel—it’s a statistically predictable disaster with a legal paper…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Bruce Campbell Reveals Treatable Cancer Diagnosis in Emotional Post
Bruce Campbell, the beloved cult icon behind Ash Williams in the Evil Dead franchise, dropped a shocking announcement on Monday, March 3, 2026. In…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Jennifer Garner Drops Hilariously Brutal Confession: Her Kids Think She’s ‘Fully Cringe’
Jennifer Garner may be America’s sweetheart, but at home, she’s just Mom — and apparently a deeply embarrassing one. In a moment of pure…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Heartwarming Twist: Angie Harmon Reunites With Former Flame in Valentine’s Day Post
Valentine’s Day always has a way of stirring up old feelings, but for Angie Harmon, it did something even bigger — it brought an…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Infidelity Accusations Ignite Power Storm Around Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s Relationship
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner are not shaking off the rumors anytime soon, with speculation that their relationship is genuine. The latest topic in…
Celebrities & Pop Culture
Ice Spice Exits NYC Club With Assistance After Wild Birthday
If there is one universal truth in the entertainment industry, it’s that nobody celebrates a birthday quite like a Leo… or in this case,…
More From Total Apex Entertainment
Lifestyles
Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
Navanethem "Navi" Pillay, an 85-year-old South African judge and human rights lawyer, won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Oct. 9, according to CBS…
Entertainment
2026 Nobel Prize: 3 scientists win for powerful brain tool
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing optogenetics, a light-based technique.
Spirituality
Colorado preschool Supreme Court case: critical Nov. 3 clash
The Colorado preschool Supreme Court case goes to argument Nov. 3. Here's what two Catholic parishes and the state are fighting over.
Entertainment
Erica Campbell royalties lawsuit ends in 15 days, a shock
The Erica Campbell royalties lawsuit against SRG ended in a settlement after two weeks. Here's what the filing says and what's left unresolved.
Hobbies & Interests
Ford Fathom Price: $29,945 Truck Faces Bold 2027 Test
The Ford Fathom price starts at $29,945 with destination. See how Ford plans to build its cheap electric pickup and what it hasn't said…
Entertainment
The Game lawsuit UMG: Shocking 2022 album claim revealed
The Game's 100 Entertainment sued UMG on Sept. 30, claiming Virgin Music Group spent only $179,000 of a promised $500,000 marketing budget for Drillmatic.