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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Tudum 2025 recap: All the trailers and release dates you missed for 'Stranger Things,' 'Squid Game,' 'Wednesday' and more
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Netflix's Tudum 2025 event kicked off tonight, May 31 at 8pm Eastern Time (5pm Pacific), streaming live worldwide from a sold-out IRL event at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. And with it came exclusive sneak peaks and starry cast appearances from some of the streaming service's most anticipated titles. We're talking beloved returning series like "Squid Game", "Wednesday" and the final installment of "Stranger Things", as well as high-profile films like Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", the "Happy Gilmore" sequel and "Wake Up Dead Man", the latest entry into the "Knives Out" universe. As has become tradition at the annual Tudum event, fans got fresh intel like release dates, new trailers, first looks and the latest news on those Netflix properties—along with plenty of surprises, too. (Two words: Lady Gaga!] Tom's Guide chronicled all of the action so you didn't miss a thing — before, during and after the Tudum live event. Check out all of the latest news on your favorite Netflix shows, movies and more. Given that Tudum 2025 is Netflix's biggest live event of the year, the organizers are unsurprisingly pulling out the big names for tonight's fandom fest. Here are a full list of the series and films participating in Tudum 2025: Movies: Frankenstein Happy Gilmore 2 My Oxford Year The Life List The RIP Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Series: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Season 2) Emily in Paris (Season 5) Forever (Season 1) Ginny & Georgia (Season 3) Love is Blind My Life with the Walter Boys (Season 2) Nobody Wants This (Season 2) ONE PIECE (Season 2) Outer Banks (Season 5) Squid Game (Season 3) Stranger Things (Season 5) Wednesday (Season 2) WWE And as well as major updates and exciting reveals from Netflix's biggest franchises, the global fandom event will include high-energy live performances, with musical headliner Lady Gaga (who has been confirmed to star in the second season of 'Wednesday') and Indian hip-hop sensation Hanumankind taking the stage. The whole proceedings will be hosted by actress Sofia Carson, known to Netflix fans for her roles in "Purple Hearts" and "The Life List". For fans of 'Stranger Things', Tudum 2025 is going to be a must-see event — with the Duffer Brothers' sci-fi juggernaut set to premiere its fifth and final season this year, there's certainly going to be plenty to talk about where the Upside Down is concerned. And given that longtime fans of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Will (Noah Schnapps) and the rest of the Hawkins crew still don't have an official release date for the new episodes — nor trailers and clips teasing what's to come in the series' last chapter — excitement is high to see what updates the creators and cast member unveil during tonight's live event. Speaking of updates, a viral audio clip linked to 'Stranger Things' season 5 dropped on May 30 ahead of Netflix's Tudum event, a grainy mix of loud bangs, radio status, muffled voices and other disturbing noises that has generated much speculation among fans about the significance of the eerie sounds therein. Is the cryptic 30-second clip connected to Vecna, the murderous big bad portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower and formerly known as Henry Creel? 'Stranger Things' fans will likely get insights into what that creepy new audio clip is all about during tonight's fandom event, as well as other titillating tidbits that will hopefully hold them over until the fifth and final season of the horror hit premieres on Netflix later this year. Check back here to find out all the latest 'Stranger Things' news coming out of the Tudum 2025 event! Calling all outcasts! 'Wednesday' will return for another season of supernatural adventures this summer in a two-part premiere, with four episodes debuting on August 6 and another four to follow on September 3. Fans of the spooky mystery-comedy — which stars Jenna Ortega as the titular Addams girl — have also already gotten to see a teaser trailer of what's to come for Wednesday, roommate Enid (Emma Myers), frenemy Bianca (Joy Sunday) and the rest of the Nevermore Academy gang. And we already know that there will be several fresh faces joining the main cast this season, including Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Owen Painter and Noah B. Taylor. And yes, pop icon Lady Gaga is also set to cameo in season 2, though specific details about Mother Monster's role are still under wraps. So, what can we hope for 'Wednesday'-wise from the Tudum 2025 event? Potentially, a new full-length trailer, exciting plot points, behind-the-scenes details, insights on how filming season 2 differed from its predecessor and plenty more gloomy goodness. Stay tuned! Fans of Rian Johnson's 'Knives Out' film franchise (which includes 2019's 'Knives Out' and its 2022 sequel 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery') have been waiting with bated breath for a deeper look into the upcoming third title of the murder-mystery movie series, especially after that deliberately vague teaser dropped earlier this week. The mysterious new clip for 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' — which will see Daniel Craig reprise the role of investigator Benoit Blanc, joined by a splashy ensemble that includes Josh O'Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny and Kerry Washington — opens on a gloomy church, with bells ringing louder and louder until the screen cuts to black. The caption reads: 'The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.' It's not a whole lot to go off on, but we'll surely get more extensive reveals during tonight's Tudum event. Maybe the mystery of exactly when fans can watch 'Wake Up Dead Man' on Netflix will get solved! Season five of 'Emily in Paris' sees a lot of change ahead for our titular heroine: Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) is switching up her hometown (benvenuti a Roma!), her hot beau (she's now dating Italian cashmere heir Marcello Muratori, played by Eugenio Franceschini) and even her haircut in the fifth installment of the (usually) French-set romantic comedy series. Plus, joining returning favorites like Mindy (Ashley Park), Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), we'll also have some new character to meet in season 5, including Oscar-nominated actress Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, a friend of Sylvie's who married into a royal family. However, 'Emily in Paris' fans are still missing key points of intel regarding the upcoming fifth season, including the official release date, a full-length trailer and some fun Italian production stills. Here's hoping there's plenty of la dolce vita to go around during the 'Emily in Paris' segment of Netflix Tudum 2025. Get ready for more hilarious hijinks on the golf green — "Happy Gilmore" is back in a soon-to-come sequel, which is scheduled to hit Netflix on July 25, 2025. Along with a set release date, fans of the original sports comedy (which sees Adam Sandler play a titular hockey player-turned-competitive golfer) also already got to see a full-length teaser trailer for 'Happy Gilmore 2', which will have Sandler reunite on screen with several O.G. cast members, including Julie Bowen as Happy's longtime love Virginia Venit and Christopher McDonald as his golf nemesis Shooter McGavin. Those familiar faces will be joined by franchise newcomers including Bad Bunny, Ben Stiller, Travis Kelce and Sandler's own daughters Sadie and Sunny, along with IRL professional golfers like Jordan Spieth and Jack Nicklaus. Given how much of a fan-favorite the 1996 comedy is, we're sure that some special insights about the long-awaited sequel film will tee off tonight during the live Netflix event. It's been a good time as of late to be a 'Squid Game' fan — there's been a lot of news dropping recently ahead of the third and, sadly, final season of the South Korean dystopian hit. For one, we know that the new episodes will premiere on Netflix on Friday, June 27, and that season 3 will have six episodes in total, down one from its previous installment. 'Squid Game' fans also got an official teaser of the new season earlier this month, picking up in the aftermath of season 2's bloody cliffhanger: What challenges will Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Co. face in their struggles to shut down the torturous games for once and for all? Netflix subscribers will likely get to hear even more chilling revelations about exactly how brutal this final chapter of the story will be during the soon-to-start Tudum event. Netflix Tudum 2025 is kicking off at 8pm Eastern Time, which means this is your last call for bathroom breaks, snack runs, dog walks and the like. There's a lot to come from the streamer this evening, so sit back and get comfortable — Tom's Guide is here to, well, guide you through all of the Netflix news as it happens live. Let's get into it! Our big show opening sees host Sofia Carson parody her recent Netflix hit "The Life List", as she ticks off several bucket-list activities like dancing "like Nicole Kidman is watching" and saving the world from an explosive suitcase à la Taron Egerton in "Carry-On". However, her on-screen mom Connie Briton reminds her that she still has one item left on her list: "Fly!" Thus, Carson does her best "Mission Impossible" and descends from the ceiling of the Tudum 2025 ceremonies dressed in a tuxedo. "Tonight is for you, because this is the place where the biggest stars on Netflix get to connect with you!" our host announces to the excited studio audience, citing A-listers like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jenna Ortega, Lady Gaga and more among the evening's high-profile attendees. Let the show officially begin! After Hanumankind performed alongside the show's signature pink guards, the cast of "Squid Game" (led by Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun) took to the stage to tease the upcoming final installment of the South Korean sensation. "This huge reaction is so amazing, we're so happy to see all of you in one place," Byung-hun announced. And though Lee Jung-jae, who plays Player 456 in the series, nearly slipped up with a spoiler ("I'm not saying anything else!"), the actors did give some fresh details, including a brand-new trailer that looks like Gi-hun will be put through the ringer in the new episodes. "Why didn't you kill me? Why did you keep me alive?" we see him roaring to guards. Along with flashes of bloody corpses, jump rope games and murderous dolls, the trailer spotlights a final showdown between Gi-hun and Front Man, with the former bloodied and dressed in a tuxedo. Check out the new clip below! "I love a good surprise," director Rian Johnson takes the stage to begin the "Wake Up Dead Man" segment. "We strive to keep the audience guessing, so just when you think you have it figured it, something comes along that you weren't expecting". Enter Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, a T-shirt gun-wielding Kerry Washington, a double T-shirt gun-wielding Jeremy Renner and seven-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close, who calls in from her car to tell everyone that she's actually "eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close". But that's not all: "Daniel Craig was supposed to be doing these lines and he couldn't be here," Johnson announces, before the man himself comes out to announce an exclusive sneak peek of the movie. In the new teaser, we see Craig and Josh O'Conner in a church, with Mila Kunis as law enforcement investigation a crime. "This is the holy grail," Craig's Benoit declares. "This was dressed as a miracle It's just a murder And I solve murders". We'll see how it all plays out when "Wake Up Dead Man" premieres on Netflix on December 12, 2025! Netflix Tudum 2025 is the first time the event is being held in the United States (taking place in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum) and streamed live on Netflix. And to celebrate, the streamer brought out the stars of some of its biggest and most beloved titles, including "Ginny & Georgia", "Outer Banks", "Forever" and "My Life with the Walter Boys". Led by lead Pogue Chase Stokes, the actors all came together sweetly for a "class photo" to commemorate the momentous occasion. "One Piece" fans got a sweet look back at adventures past during the Netflix Tudum 2025 event, as well as exciting peeks on all of the "big" things to expect next. And that includes an adorable introduction to Tony Tony Chopper, who will be voiced in the new season by Mikaela Hoover. "The biggest thing we get to tell you: you know what's up, the crew gets a little bigger this season", actor Iñaki Godoy teased to the screaming audience "And we get to introduce you to him right now. The reindeer you always wanted: Tony Tony Chopper." After a cookie-filled cameo from The Cookie Monster, big-screen best buddies Ben Affleck and Matt Damon rose from the Netflix "N" to crowd cheers and lots of iPhone-camera flashing to introduce their new crime drama "The Rip", which if coming to the streamer on January 16, 2027. Joined by fellow "The Rip" castmates Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor and Catalina Sandino Moreno, the actors explain that a "rip" is something you pull from a crime scene. In the film's case, it's cash, and a lot of it. And speaking of ripping, the famous buds hilariously ripped into each other during the presentation of a never-before-seen clip of the upcoming film (alas, Netflix hasn't published the video online), which channels some of their favorite movies, including "Heat" and "Training Day". "Ben would turn on all of these guys for a cookie," Matt quipped, with Affleck biting back about his bushy-bearded pal: "I trusted Matt would shave the beard before Tudum but here we are!" If there's anyone we trust to bring an excellently spooky "Frankenstein" adaptation to the big screen, it's Guillermo del Toro! With her fifth movie set for Netflix, we're officially entering the "Sarah Carson Universe" — the Netflix Tudum 2025 host will next be seen in the romantic title "My Oxford Year" for the streamer. And keeping with the tradition of having a hunky co-star (Carson cutely name-dropped Taron, Nicholas, Wolfgang and Kyle), the actress announced that she will be joined by "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" heartthrob Corey Mylchreest, who showed up alongside Carson onstage to announce that "My Oxford Year" will hit Netflix on August 1, 2025. As anticipated, a fresh full-length trailer for the long-awaited "Happy Gilmore" sequel is officially here, announced by original cast mates Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald during tonight's Tudum showcase. In case you want to immediately feel old, "Stranger Things" actors Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Caleb McLaughlin took to the Tudum stage to share some adorable behind-the-scenes clips from the sci-fi hit's early days. (If you need an IRL marker of how much time has gone by since the first season, lead actress Millie Bobby Brown is an actual married woman at this point.) Gaten Matarazzo, who couldn't be there live at the Tudum event, videoed in to share this one of his favorite on-set memories was filming the graveyard "Dear Billy" scene. Brown also videoed in from "the void" (i.e. the set of "Enola Holmes") to reveal that her own personal fave was the scene where Eleven mind-controls the helicopter in that heart-racing scene in season 4. The final season of "Stranger Things" will be a big one: a three-parter, in fact. Along with a high-octane new teaser, the show's Netflix Tudum 2025 segment revealed the release dates of each installment of the final season: Volume one will drop on November 26 at 5pm PT, volume two on December 25 at 5pm PT and volume three on December 31 at 5pm PT. Consider your holiday plans set! "It's been an eventful summer," Jenna Ortega's character Wednesday Addams announces in the first six minutes of "Wednesday" season 2, which Ortega and the rest of the cast debuted during this evening's Tudum showcase. Proving that the show hasn't lost a drop of its dark humor, the goth teen quickly adds: "I'm tied up in a serial killer's basement." And it looks like that serial killer will be played by none other than "The Sixth Sense" great Haley Joel Osment. Misery loves company, so gather your moodiest pals in excitement for the upcoming season, scheduled to hit Netflix in two parts on August 6 and September 3, respectively. We think you'll enjoy the experience way more than Wednesday enjoys going through airport security lines! The "Wednesday" cast shared the audience's clear excitement about welcoming a very special guest to both the series and the stage: the one and only Lady Gaga, who pulled out her gothic best during a medley of her songs "Zombieboy", "Bloody Mary" and "Abracadabra", along with The Cramp's "Goo Goo Muck" and, of course, "The Addams Family" theme song. Because, honestly, how could you possibly follow up a performance like that?! Stay tuned, though, for further insights on everything that went down tonight during the Netflix Tudum 2025 live event. Sure, we got a quick, silly clip of star Lily Collins (with her pre-season 5 longer locks, mind you) acting as our beloved marketing maven, humorously pitching a new promo campaign for "Stranger Things". But other than that, Netflix Tudum 2025 saw no major updates or announcements regarding "Emily in Paris" season 5. Sacré bleu! Aside from that spirited cameo by "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton story" actor Corey Mylchreest, Netflix Tudum 2025 didn't offer much from the "Bridgerton" Cinematic Universe either. However, fans of the Ton can't be too pressed, as we did recently get a fresh teaser trailer for "Bridgerton' season 4" during Netflix's 2025 upfronts earlier this month. 1. "Stranger Things" three-part releaseThe fifth and final season will debut in three volumes, the first on November 26, the second on Christmas Day and the third on New Year's Eve. 2. The official trailer for "Squid Game" season 3Fans of the South Korean series got a sneak peek on all of the bloody action to come in the show's final chapter. 3. The introduction of Tony Tony Chopper on "One Piece"The straw hats crew gave an adorable first look at the live-action series' anticipated newcomer, Tony Tony Chopper, voiced by Mikaela Hoover. 4. An official teaser was unveiled for Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein"Horror lovers can see Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster this November. 5. Speaking of horror, the first six minutes of "Wednesday" season 2 are out!We got to see all of the horrible hijinks Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) gets into in the new season, which sees Haley Joel Osment play a murderous bad guy. 6. "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" got a December 12 premiere dateThe release news was announced by the flick's A-list cast, including Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner and Cailee Spaeny. 7. And Ben Affleck and Matt Damon gave a first look at their crime thriller "The Rip"Alas, for now, the clip of the new drama was exclusive to Netflix Tudum 2025 viewers only, and has not yet been made available online. However, Tom's Guide will keep you posted if and when the sneak peek of the January 2026 title hits the internet! While "Nobody Wants This" wasn't part of this year's Tudum event, some exciting news emerged about the second season of the romantic comedy just a day later. At a Netflix For Your Consideration event, the cast revealed that "Nobody Wants This" season will premiere on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Geek Tyrant
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
New Trailer for DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH - "The Story So Far" — GeekTyrant
Kojima Productions has dropped another trailer for Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding 2: On The Beach . This is 'The Story So Far' trailer, and it's a little over six minutes long. It offers more insight into the story and show off some more stunning visuals. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach sees the return of Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Guillermo del Toro, and they are joined by newcomers Elle Fanning, George Miller, Fatih Akin, Luca Marinelli, and Shioli Kutsuna. This is an open-world action-adventure walking simulation 'Strand' game and players will 'become reacquainted with the story of 2019's original Death Stranding, as Sam Porter Bridges embarks on his journey to reconnect the isolated Cities of America to form the United Cities of America by traversing to and connecting all of them to the Chiral Network.' The logline reads: 'Eleven months after the birth of the UCA servers line the beach. Deliveries have been automated. A Plate gate connects the continents. A new ship ride the tar currents. Currents the shake the Earth. A mysterious faction spreads. Chiralium warps the environment. The unending sixth extinction. A final journey with the dead.' There's no doubt that this is going to be another great, hard, and unique gaming experience for fans. The game is set to be released on June 26, 2025 on PlayStation 5.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why the Netflix Stock (NFLX) Rally Isn't Done Yet
Netflix (NFLX) has soared almost 80% over the past year, recently topping $1,200 per share, prompting concerns that the stock may be overextended. Critics point to its sharp rally, driven by strong subscriber growth and bold strategic pivots, as a sign of potential overvaluation. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter But this momentum may be more than just a temporary surge. With growing strength in AI, live content, and multiple revenue streams, Netflix appears well-positioned for sustained growth. While a near-term pullback is possible given its valuation, a drop below $1,000 is unlikely. I'm strongly bullish on the cord-cutting stock that consistently disproves the naysayers. One of Netflix's most significant successes lately is the progress made in AI-powered recommendations. You're firing up Netflix and are likely to land on a show that feels like it was made for you, a great stride given that this was one aspect the company was struggling with in the past. That's the magic of Netflix's AI-driven recommendation engine, which drove 80% of content consumption last year, with subscribers averaging two hours of watch time daily. AI refines these Netflix algorithms, analyzing viewing patterns to serve up hits like Squid Game Season 2, which smashed records with 68 million views in its first week. This is great for customer satisfaction and should translate to higher retention. This is evident in churn rates holding steady despite price hikes. By personalizing content at scale, Netflix ensures subscribers stay, while, along with new cohorts coming in by the quarter, its membership and ad revenues both increase. AI is also playing a key role in driving investor enthusiasm for Netflix, as it's already transforming how content is developed and produced. From analyzing scripts for audience appeal to optimizing shooting schedules and streamlining post-production, AI allows Netflix to cut costs without compromising quality. A recent example is Carry-On, the holiday thriller that garnered 42 million views in its first week—AI helped refine its pacing to maximize viewer engagement. At the MoffettNathanson Media Conference, Netflix management emphasized how these efficiencies enable the company to deliver a wide-ranging content slate—from Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein to Happy Gilmore 2—without inflating budgets. As Netflix plans to invest $18 billion in content in 2025, its ability to stretch production dollars through AI gives it a competitive edge. While other streamers continue to grapple with platform scalability, Netflix's proven ability to deliver high-quality originals efficiently reinforces its position as a leader in the space. Then you have Netflix's ad-supported tier, launched in 2022, which has been a runaway success, reaching 94 million monthly active users by early 2025, up from 40 million the year prior. AI is the secret sauce here, crafting ads that feel less like interruptions and more like part of the experience. You're pausing Stranger Things and seeing an advertisement for a retro diner that matches the show's vibe. AI's targeting makes that happen. We could also see Netflix rolling out AI-generated ads by next year, hyper-targeting viewers with cinematic precision. Management projects this tier could double ad revenue this year. With 45% of new sign-ups in ad-tier markets opting for this plan, Netflix is tapping a goldmine that rivals can't match. The risk here is overloading viewers with ads, which could spark backlash. However, I trust management's execution skills in this regard. Despite the excitement around Netflix's AI-driven efficiencies, the stock now trades at over 47x this year's consensus EPS estimate—an elevated valuation, even for a category leader with double-digit growth. Bears argue that a correction is overdue, and there's merit to that view. I agree that Netflix could experience a healthy pullback. However, investors waiting for a significant drop—particularly below $1,000 per share—may be waiting in vain. With consistent top-line growth and AI poised to drive long-term margin expansion, Netflix is well-positioned to sustain 20%+ annual EPS growth for the foreseeable future. Coupled with its consumer-staple-like attributes—namely, highly predictable cash flows—the company is likely to continue commanding a premium valuation. For long-term investors, Netflix remains a high-quality name that the market will be willing to pay up for. Wall Street remains highly bullish on Netflix, with a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy and nine Hold ratings over the past three months, and notably, no Sell ratings. However, the average 12-month price target of $1,239.76 suggests a modest 2.2% upside from current levels. In my view, this reflects a continued underappreciation of Netflix's earnings growth potential, particularly as AI-driven efficiencies and strong content performance support long-term margin expansion. In April, Netflix reported earnings per share of $6.61, highlighting the company's current business strength with over $40 billion in revenue, more than 300 million paid households, and an audience of over 700 million individuals. Looking ahead, analysts expect NFLX to report EPS of $7.03 at its next meeting on July 17. Netflix's impressive share price rally reflects growing investor confidence in its ability to harness AI to boost revenue and reduce costs. From AI-enhanced user engagement and efficient content production to the rapid growth of its ad-supported tier, Netflix is increasingly viewed as the undisputed leader in the streaming space, with the potential for even greater dominance ahead. While the stock's valuation is undeniably elevated, the company's strong earnings trajectory suggests that a significant pullback is unlikely in the near term. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Why the Netflix Stock (NFLX) Rally Isn't Done Yet
Netflix (NFLX) has soared almost 80% over the past year, recently topping $1,200 per share, prompting concerns that the stock may be overextended. Critics point to its sharp rally, driven by strong subscriber growth and bold strategic pivots, as a sign of potential overvaluation. Confident Investing Starts Here: But this momentum may be more than just a temporary surge. With growing strength in AI, live content, and multiple revenue streams, Netflix appears well-positioned for sustained growth. While a near-term pullback is possible given its valuation, a drop below $1,000 is unlikely. I'm strongly bullish on the cord-cutting stock that consistently disproves the naysayers. AI-Powered Recommendations: Keeping You Hooked Longer One of Netflix's most significant successes lately is the progress made in AI-powered recommendations. You're firing up Netflix and are likely to land on a show that feels like it was made for you, a great stride given that this was one aspect the company was struggling with in the past. That's the magic of Netflix's AI-driven recommendation engine, which drove 80% of content consumption last year, with subscribers averaging two hours of watch time daily. AI refines these Netflix algorithms, analyzing viewing patterns to serve up hits like Squid Game Season 2, which smashed records with 68 million views in its first week. This is great for customer satisfaction and should translate to higher retention. This is evident in churn rates holding steady despite price hikes. By personalizing content at scale, Netflix ensures subscribers stay, while, along with new cohorts coming in by the quarter, its membership and ad revenues both increase. AI Empowerment Begins to Deliver AI is also playing a key role in driving investor enthusiasm for Netflix, as it's already transforming how content is developed and produced. From analyzing scripts for audience appeal to optimizing shooting schedules and streamlining post-production, AI allows Netflix to cut costs without compromising quality. A recent example is Carry-On, the holiday thriller that garnered 42 million views in its first week—AI helped refine its pacing to maximize viewer engagement. At the MoffettNathanson Media Conference, Netflix management emphasized how these efficiencies enable the company to deliver a wide-ranging content slate—from Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein to Happy Gilmore 2 —without inflating budgets. As Netflix plans to invest $18 billion in content in 2025, its ability to stretch production dollars through AI gives it a competitive edge. While other streamers continue to grapple with platform scalability, Netflix's proven ability to deliver high-quality originals efficiently reinforces its position as a leader in the space. AI-Driven Ads Haul in Big Bucks Then you have Netflix's ad-supported tier, launched in 2022, which has been a runaway success, reaching 94 million monthly active users by early 2025, up from 40 million the year prior. AI is the secret sauce here, crafting ads that feel less like interruptions and more like part of the experience. You're pausing Stranger Things and seeing an advertisement for a retro diner that matches the show's vibe. AI's targeting makes that happen. We could also see Netflix rolling out AI-generated ads by next year, hyper-targeting viewers with cinematic precision. Management projects this tier could double ad revenue this year. With 45% of new sign-ups in ad-tier markets opting for this plan, Netflix is tapping a goldmine that rivals can't match. The risk here is overloading viewers with ads, which could spark backlash. However, I trust management's execution skills in this regard. Stretched Valuation Justified by Stability Despite the excitement around Netflix's AI-driven efficiencies, the stock now trades at over 47x this year's consensus EPS estimate—an elevated valuation, even for a category leader with double-digit growth. Bears argue that a correction is overdue, and there's merit to that view. I agree that Netflix could experience a healthy pullback. However, investors waiting for a significant drop—particularly below $1,000 per share—may be waiting in vain. With consistent top-line growth and AI poised to drive long-term margin expansion, Netflix is well-positioned to sustain 20%+ annual EPS growth for the foreseeable future. Coupled with its consumer-staple-like attributes—namely, highly predictable cash flows—the company is likely to continue commanding a premium valuation. For long-term investors, Netflix remains a high-quality name that the market will be willing to pay up for. Is NFLX Stock Expected to Rise? Wall Street remains highly bullish on Netflix, with a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy and nine Hold ratings over the past three months, and notably, no Sell ratings. However, the average 12-month price target of $1,239.76 suggests a modest 2.2% upside from current levels. In my view, this reflects a continued underappreciation of Netflix's earnings growth potential, particularly as AI-driven efficiencies and strong content performance support long-term margin expansion. Netflix's Hopes Aren't Fading Anytime Soon Netflix's impressive share price rally reflects growing investor confidence in its ability to harness AI to boost revenue and reduce costs. From AI-enhanced user engagement and efficient content production to the rapid growth of its ad-supported tier, Netflix is increasingly viewed as the undisputed leader in the streaming space, with the potential for even greater dominance ahead. While the stock's valuation is undeniably elevated, the company's strong earnings trajectory suggests that a significant pullback is unlikely in the near term.
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Every major blockbuster movie being filmed in Scotland this summer
Scotland has become a popular location for Hollywood blockbusters with a number of films being shot in the country and more on the way, including the likes of The Odyssey and Spiderman 4. Scotland has increasingly become a favourite backdrop for Hollywood films over the years, with production companies and crews flocking to the country to discreetly shoot scenes for their latest cinematic offerings. From superhero epics and romantic historical dramas to fresh takes on classic gothic horrors, Scotland is fast becoming the preferred filming location for new releases. Last year, parts of Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire were transformed into a gothic horror setting for Guillermo del Toro's film Frankenstein, which explores the aftermath of Mary Shelley's tale and the fate of her monstrous creation. Glasgow also served as a filming location for the remake of the 80s classic The Running Man, featuring Top Gun Maverick's Glen Powell in the lead role. The much-anticipated reboot of the cult classic Highlander was slated to start shooting last month, with Superman actor Henry Cavill stepping into the shoes of immortal Connor Macleod, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Hollywood has already made its mark on Edinburgh, morphing parts of the city into an 80s sci-fi throwback for the film Ghostwriter, set in a mythical world conjured up by an author that turns out to be real. Details about Star Wars director JJ Abrams' latest project, starring Powell, Samuel Jackson and Jenna Ortega, remain closely guarded. However, production crews have been spotted filming on Glasgow's West College Street, Merchant Street, Candlemaker Row and Chambers Street. Warner Bros set designers are currently hard at work in Glasgow, constructing the sets for their upcoming film. Bothwell Street seems to be a focal point, with cobbled walls being erected and interior work taking place in an empty building next to Launch Coffee. The coffee shop has hinted to locals that it will serve as a filming location, reassuring them that it remains open. In August, roads will once again be closed off for the shooting of Marvel's Spiderman 4: A Brand New Day, leading to further closures around Bothwell, Blythswood and Waterloo Street. Yet, Scotland's run of hosting blockbuster films doesn't end there. Esteemed director Sir Christopher Nolan is poised to begin shooting his adaptation of The Odyssey, based on Homer's legendary epic poem. Matt Damon is set to portray Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, in a star-studded cast retelling the tale of his struggle to return home to his wife Penelope, rumoured to be played by Anne Hathaway, with Tom Holland speculated to be playing his son Telemachus. Nolan and his team plan to transform the dilapidated coastal fortress Findlater Castle in Aberdeenshire into a stand-in for ancient Greece and the Mediterranean. Filming is also expected to take place in Buckie and Cullen in Moray. It comes after 2022 blockbuster The Batman - starring Robert Pattinson and the Brad Pitt led 2013 zombie film World War Z were filmed in Glasgow.
