Cannes Keeps the Industry on Its Toes; Netflix Invests Big in Argentina; Exploring ‘The Testaments’
CANNES, France — The Cannes Film Festival has unveiled its selection for 2026, prompting excitement and speculation within the industry. While some details are clear, many aspects remain uncertain, sparking questions about the festival’s future direction.
Cannes Unveils 2026 Selection But Keeps Biz Guessing
Netflix Bets House On Argentina
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No need to cry for me: Netflix is doubling down on Argentina. The company’s international ambitions remain strong despite setbacks, highlighted by the recent opening of its new office in Buenos Aires. This move coincides with the launch of four new shows and a potential third season of the sci-fi hit The Eternaut. As part of its expansion in Latin America, Netflix has also established new bases in Brazil and Mexico. Francisco Ramos, Netflix’s Latin America content chief, emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, “We are signaling that we are here to stay because all of these have one thing in common, they have been tailor-made for us.” While Netflix has been more aggressive in funding international content compared to competitors like Disney and HBO, it continues to affirm its dedication to the region.
Breaking Baz Meets Ann Dowd
A ‘Testament’ to good adaptations: Recently, I watched Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s sequel to Handmaid’s Tale, titled The Testaments. The series, set 15 years after the original, delivers a compelling narrative. Ann Dowd reprises her role as Aunt Lydia, who undergoes significant character development in this new storyline. Dowd describes her character’s transformation, stating she has become a “changed person,” allowing her to establish a school. “She enters as a gentler self; that fierceness, that wall is no longer present,” she noted in an interview, highlighting the interesting arc Aunt Lydia takes in this adaptation.
The Essentials
🌶️ Hot One: Apple TV and A24’s The Husbands has cast Joe Alwyn, Richard Gadd, and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
🌶️ Another One: Canada’s first-ever movie, Evangeline, has inspired a new feature directed by Brent Crowell.
🤝 Done deal: Paramount Skydance has secured funding commitments from several Gulf nation sovereign wealth funds to support its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
🎤 Gig confirmed: Celine Dion announced six additional dates for her upcoming concert season in Paris.
❌ Gig canceled: The planned performance by Kanye West at the Wireless Festival has been scrapped after he was barred from entering the UK.
🏪 Setting up shop: Former Concourse executive Grant Mohrman has launched Gravel Lake Entertainment, collaborating with Cannes regular Arnaud Desplechin on the film The Thing That Hurts.
🤖 Robots are coming: A platform allowing actors to clone their likeness has sparked debate within the UK film industry.
🍿 Box office: Dune: Part Three is selling out IMAX shows eight months in advance in North America and London.
🎥 Trailer: Watch the trailer for Half Man, Richard Gadd’s new show for the BBC and HBO.
International Insider was written by Max Goldbart and edited by Zac Ntim. Melanie Goodfellow contributed.
