Venice News Today — July 31, 2026
‘Black Zombie’ Review: An Engaging Doc on How the Flesh-Eating Hordes of Screen Fame Obscured Painful Real-Life History and more — today's venice signal.
The entertainment world is buzzing today with a mix of fresh releases, surprising moves, and major deals. In music, new albums and singles are making waves - Ariana Grande's 'Petal' is out now, showcasing a new angry and angular side of the artist, while Jae Stephens' single 'Sugar Trap' is turning heads with its powerful sound. Meanwhile, Boy George has made a sudden exit from 'Jesus Christ Superstar' following the release of a pro-Israel song, sparking conversations about art and activism.
Beyond music, the media landscape is seeing significant shifts. Disney is reportedly selling a 50% stake in A+E to Hearst for over $1 billion, marking a major deal in the industry. In film and television, a new documentary 'Black Zombie' explores how fictional depictions of zombies have overshadowed real-life historical events. On a lighter note, Barbie fans have something to look forward to - the 2026 holiday doll is now available online, boasting what might be the doll's best festive look yet. These stories and more are shaping the cultural conversation in Venice and beyond.
Today's signal:
• ‘Black Zombie’ Review: An Engaging Doc on How the Flesh-Eating Hordes of Screen Fame Obscured Painful Real-Life History (variety.com)
• Ariana Grande’s ‘Petal’ Introduces an Angry and Angular Ari: Album Review (variety.com)
• Power Tastes So Sweet on New Jae Stephens Single ‘Sugar Trap’ (rollingstone.com)
• Boy George Drops Out of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ After Pro-Israel Song Release (rollingstone.com)
• Disney Expected to Sell 50% Stake in A+E to Hearst for More Than $1 Billion (variety.com)
• Barbie’s Best Festive Look Yet? Meet the 2026 Holiday Doll That’s Now Available Online (rollingstone.com)