Reuters Entertainment News Summary

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Liam Hemsworth leads 'The Witcher' in season four 'refresh'

Netflix fantasy series "The Witcher" returns to screens after more than two years with a new lead actor and a fresh tone, its makers say. The new instalment, which starts streaming on Thursday, sees Australian actor Liam Hemsworth taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill, who played the monster hunter since the series began in 2019 and stepped down after 2023's season three.

Drake appeals defamation loss against UMG over Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

The superstar rapper Drake is appealing the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us," according to a court filing on Wednesday. Drake will ask the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to overturn the October 9 dismissal by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas.

UK 'Fawlty Towers' actress Prunella Scales dies age 93

British actress Prunella Scales, best known for playing the formidable Sybil Fawlty in comedy show "Fawlty Towers", has died age 93, her sons said in a statement on Tuesday. Sybil was the wife of John Cleese's Basil Fawlty, in the show's two series made in 1975 and 1979. Set in a dysfunctional hotel in the seaside resort of Torquay, it became one of Britain's best-known comedies and was shown around the world.

Universal Music settles copyright dispute with AI firm Udio

Universal Music Group said on Wednesday it has settled a copyright infringement case with artificial intelligence company Udio and that the two firms will collaborate on a new suite of creative products. Under the agreement, the companies will launch a platform next year that leverages generative AI trained on authorized and licensed music.

Robin Hood returns to screens with new gen 'origin story' series

New TV series "Robin Hood" explores the legendary outlaw's origins with a personal take and previously unseen historical authenticity, the show's creators say. The latest reimagining tells the tale of how Robin Hood came to be the medieval English folk hero who robbed the rich to feed the poor. Known simply as "Rob", it sees the Saxon forester's son and skilled archer transform into a rebel after experiencing devastating losses and injustices.

Olympics-Flavor Flav takes hype man role for US bobsleigh team at Winter Games

Rapper Flavor Flav has been tasked with keeping the American bobsleigh and skeleton team's spirits high at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, following his high-profile support of the country's water polo team at last year's Paris Games. Flav, a founding member of hip hop group Public Enemy, was appointed official sponsor and hype man for USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) on Tuesday.