The Surprising Moments That Changed Film and TV in 2025
As the entertainment industry bids farewell to another eventful year, 2025 will be marked by significant stories that shaped the landscape of film and television. Key events included Karla Sofía Gascón’s tumultuous awards season campaign, the controversial exit of top BBC executives, and a new chapter for the James Bond franchise. Here is a review of the standout moments that reverberated through the global showbiz community.
January
Karla Sofía Gascón attends the 2025 Netflix Oscar party. Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Netflix
January 2025 will be remembered for the devastating wildfires in Hollywood that claimed the lives of 31 individuals. The tragedy impacted not only Los Angeles but also affected international celebrities such as Anthony Hopkins and Eugene Levy, both of whom lost their homes. Hopkins encapsulated the painful reality, stating, “The only thing we take with us is the love we give.”
In a contrasting turn of events, the Oscars campaign for Karla Sofía Gascón unraveled when disturbing historical tweets surfaced, revealing her past comments about Muslims and George Floyd. Once a frontrunner for Best Actress, she ultimately skipped the red carpet and faced criticism from host Conan O’Brien, who exclaimed, “YOU TWEETED WHAT?” This incident significantly impacted Netflix’s promotional efforts.
February
‘Skyfall’
February brought significant shifts for the James Bond franchise as Amazon MGM Studios secured a $1 billion deal to take control of the character. This pivotal change saw Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli step back from their roles, initiating the development of Bond 26 four years after Daniel Craig starred in No Time to Die. Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the director for the upcoming film.
The month also witnessed a viral moment from Spain’s version of Temptation Island, where contestant José Carlos Montoya dramatically confronted his girlfriend, creating a social media frenzy.
March
The Netflix series Adolescence gained widespread acclaim in March 2025, transforming from a low-key production to one of the platform’s most-watched shows. Following the story of a British teenager radicalized by online influence, the series garnered critical respect and eight Emmy Awards, alongside a decision by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stream it in secondary schools.
However, this success contrasted sharply with a funding crisis facing British drama producers concerned about the industry’s sustainability.
April
Russell Brand
April was marked by troubling news as Russell Brand faced serious allegations stemming from two years of accusations regarding sexual assault. The former actor and comedian was formally charged by London’s Metropolitan Police. As he navigated these legal challenges, he publicly stated his intention to contest the charges.
Additionally, actor Micheal Ward was also charged with similar offenses, further highlighting a critical moment for accountability in the entertainment industry.
May
Donald Trump
May surprised the industry as former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on film imports, framing overseas productions as a “national security threat.” This potential action raised concerns among international producers, specifically those reliant on U.S. film industry partnerships.
The month also saw the casting of young actor Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming adaptation of the beloved franchise, alongside Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton in supporting roles.
June
(L-R) Netflix’s Greg Peters and TF1’s Rodolphe Belmer at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
Netflix made headlines in June with a strategic partnership with French commercial network TF1, adding 30,000 hours of its content to the streaming giant. Meanwhile, punk rap band Bob Vylan became a sensation at the Glastonbury Festival for controversial remarks made during their live performance, placing additional scrutiny on BBC leadership.
July
Christopher Nolan
July featured notable shifts within the entertainment landscape, including allegations of misconduct against Gregg Wallace from *MasterChef*. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey stirred controversy over its filming in politically sensitive Western Sahara, drawing criticism from the Sahrawi community. Additionally, author Raynor Winn faced scrutiny over discrepancies in her memoir following a film adaptation.
August
In August, the animated feature KPop Demon Hunters claimed the title of Netflix’s most popular movie ever, following a successful box office run. The film’s popularity prompted early discussions about a potential sequel.
September
October
StudioCanal’s Paddington Bear vs the ‘Spitting Image’ puppet
October brought a legal battle involving Spitting Image, which humorously addressed a dispute with StudioCanal regarding its depiction of Paddington Bear. This creative response ignited discussions about artistic freedom.
November
BBC director general Tim Davie
In November, the BBC faced controversy after its flagship program Panorama was accused of misleading edits in a segment featuring Donald Trump. The fallout resulted in the resignation of BBC executives, including its director-general. Trump’s subsequent legal threats introduced a significant challenge for the broadcaster.
December
(L-R) Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, WBD CEO David Zaslav & Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters
December culminated in intensified discussions around a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix. While analysts suggest regulatory hurdles may not impede the deal, the uncertainty of how this will impact global operations remains a focal point of concern.
