Venice News Today — October 28, 2026

The city of Venice is abuzz with creative energy, as evidenced by the news that Camila Mendes and Leslie Bibb are currently shooting the romantic comedy 'Upgraded 2' in the city. The film's storyline will incorporate the Biennale Art Show, highlighting the intersection of art and entertainment. This blend of high culture and popular entertainment is a hallmark of the city's vibrant cultural scene. Meanwhile, in the world of television, Melanie Lynskey has been cast in a new limited series at Paramount+, 'Mushroom Murders', and a documentary about Matthew Perry's life is also making waves.

Across the globe, innovative storytelling is also on display. In the Himalayas, a new drama called 'Shirjara: Song of Grandmother' is exploring the intersection of ancestral memory and AI. The project is set to be presented at the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, highlighting the city's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge media. In other entertainment news, actress Jessica Biel is speaking out about her approach to parenting her children, emphasizing that they will not be given acting roles simply because of their family connections. These stories showcase the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of culture, style, and media.

Today's signal:
• Camila Mendes, Leslie Bibb Shooting ‘Upgraded 2’ in Venice, Where Biennale Art Show Is Part of Rom-Com’s Storyline (variety.com)
• Jessica Biel Says She Won’t Hand Her Son Acting Roles Just ‘Because You’re Part of This Family’: ‘We’re Not Doing That’ (variety.com)
• Melanie Lynskey to Play Erin Patterson in ‘Mushroom Murders’ Limited Series at Paramount+ (variety.com)
• Ancestral Memory Meets AI in Himalayan Drama ‘Shirjara: Song of Grandmother’ at Tokyo Gap-Financing Market (variety.com)
• ‘The One About Matthew Perry’ Director on Gaining His Sister’s Trust, Explaining How He Died and More (variety.com)
• ’60 Minutes’ Audience Sinks to Surprising Low Without Football (variety.com)