Even Tom Holland is unaware of the exact plot of the new movie Oppenheimer director has publicized that he is coming up with a new film, however, he has been tight-lipped about the plot of the movie. The only thing clear about the upcoming project is its star-studded cast which includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne…
Home»Features»Maddock Films Didn’t Just Follow Trends In 2024 — They Set Them»BEFORE Pushpa 2 arrived on screens and dominated the average Indian cinegoer’s attention, the biggest hit of the year was Stree 2, with Rs 586 crore at the domestic box office, beating giants like Jawan. Nobody was surprised at the film’s massive success, but a finger-pointing exercise did follow it. Who was responsible for these massive numbers? Was it the Stree IP that germinated genuine interest in audiences who loved the first part? Was it Rajkummar Rao and his growing popularity as the Actor-Next-Door? Was it Shraddha Kapoor’s heartland popularity finally catching up? Was it the virality of the blockbuster song, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’?The diplomatic answer you may hear in interviews is that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to success, and that audiences are unpredictable with what they like. The real answer, though, is: Maddock Films.Promo poster for Stree 2.Maddock’s winning “formula”
They seem to have a pulse on the Indian audiences even more so than some legacy film studios have, and the films that were released in 2024 under their banner are proof of this. Further, they’ve made smart financial choices in terms of film budgets and how much to spend on talent versus marketing of a film (Munjya). They’ve put their bets on seemingly “unconventional” content, whether that is in mainstreaming the “horror” genre (Stree 2) or having your female lead play a robot (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya).In a year when Bollywood saw “blockbusters” like Singham 2 and Bhool Bhulaiya 3 be the choice for the big-ticket Diwali release, Maddock presented audiences with a small hit, a medium-sized hit and a blockbuster. This is no mean feat (ask Dharma Productions).By embracing new narratives, championing creative risks, and tapping into the ever-changing zeitgeist of Hindi entertainment, Maddock Films managed to captivate audiences across demographics. There’s a little something for everyone in a Maddock production. Their success hasn’t just been commercial but also critical, with films and series that ignited conversations. At the core of Maddock Films’ achievements lies its vision—a commitment to stories that blend the unique quirks of Indian culture with universal themes that fit into the mould of its genre archetypes. This vision is deeply rooted in their ability to remain audience-focused. The studio’s success lies in its understanding of the cultural, emotional, and intellectual shifts occurring within society and weaving these elements into compelling scripts.Promo poster for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.The 2024 line-up
Maddock’s penchant for romance saw a refreshing take in one of their standout releases of 2024, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Breaking away from conventional Bollywood love stories, but also giving us a few mainstream breadcrumbs (cough* Akhiyan Gulab cough) the film presented flawed yet relatable characters navigating modern-day relationships. Shahid played the “soft boi” quite aptly, falling for a robot in Kriti Sanon, and full marks must be given to the novel casting. The film’s humour, the music and its thought-provoking premise catapulted the film into a legitimate success, with a Rs 86 crore box-office collection.
In a year when Stree 2 was such a massive theatrical success, Maddock managed to find a relatively tinier success in Munjya, a unique and technically sound horror film with some deeply local conflict themes that pulled audiences of different demographics to the cinemas. It’s not their first film to blend horror and comedy elements, but through their word-of-mouth publicity and understated casting (with Sharvari and Abay Verma), Munjya was what is commonly referred to as a “sleeper hit.”Still from Munjya.One of the biggest reasons Stree 2 was such a huge phenomenon was that it masterfully blended escapist elements with commercial cliches. Maddock dared to think outside the box in 2018 with Stree and took it a step further with its sequel (with or without Raj and DK) offering audiences an imaginative world while grounding the story in relatable emotions. The gamble paid off, and how.Right vs More Right
Apart from its theatrical releases, Maddock also released Sector 36 and Murder Mubarak on Netflix India, but their more note-worthy successes have been their theatrical films. Naysayers may call this spate of successes “lucky” but it takes gumption to stand out while taking risks. Maddock’s mantra this year has been: the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. And if there was ever a year to try this out, it is 2024. The Hindi film industry seems to be undergoing an identity shift. The tides are changing, and Maddock seems to have gotten the memo before anyone else.The studio has been at the cusp of redefining Hindi entertainment for years now, and 2024 was the final nail in the coffin. Their success this year went beyond box-office numbers or streaming metrics—it represented a shift in how stories are told and consumed. The winning combination of masala stories, rooted in desi flavours, but with thought-provoking writing. Before readers announce this as a puff piece, this writer wants to remind everyone that it doesn’t take a bribe to call a spade a spade. 2024 has been Maddock’s year, there’s no debate.Promo poster for Sector 36.But their remarkable year was no accident. It was the result of a clear vision and bold creative choices — whether in casting choices or quality storytelling. From being known as the “production house that made Stree” they are now known for their sharp eye for detail, cultural resonance, and knack for merging realism with cinematic grandeur. 2024 solidified their reputation as one of India’s most innovative production houses. It’s no wonder that top actors are lining up to work with them. With Chhava and Skyforce coming up in early 2025, the stage is set, the lights are bright and the odds are ever in their favour.
Home»Features»Maddock Films Didn’t Just Follow Trends In 2024 — They Set Them»BEFORE Pushpa 2 arrived on screens and dominated the average Indian cinegoer’s attention, the biggest hit of the year was Stree 2, with Rs 586 crore at the domestic box office, beating giants like Jawan. Nobody was surprised at the film’s massive success, but a finger-pointing exercise did follow it. Who was responsible for these massive numbers? Was it the Stree IP that germinated genuine interest in audiences who loved the first part? Was it Rajkummar Rao and his growing popularity as the Actor-Next-Door? Was it Shraddha Kapoor’s heartland popularity finally catching up? Was it the virality of the blockbuster song, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’?The diplomatic answer you may hear in interviews is that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to success, and that audiences are unpredictable with what they like. The real answer, though, is: Maddock Films.Promo poster for Stree 2.Maddock’s winning “formula”
They seem to have a pulse on the Indian audiences even more so than some legacy film studios have, and the films that were released in 2024 under their banner are proof of this. Further, they’ve made smart financial choices in terms of film budgets and how much to spend on talent versus marketing of a film (Munjya). They’ve put their bets on seemingly “unconventional” content, whether that is in mainstreaming the “horror” genre (Stree 2) or having your female lead play a robot (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya).In a year when Bollywood saw “blockbusters” like Singham 2 and Bhool Bhulaiya 3 be the choice for the big-ticket Diwali release, Maddock presented audiences with a small hit, a medium-sized hit and a blockbuster. This is no mean feat (ask Dharma Productions).By embracing new narratives, championing creative risks, and tapping into the ever-changing zeitgeist of Hindi entertainment, Maddock Films managed to captivate audiences across demographics. There’s a little something for everyone in a Maddock production. Their success hasn’t just been commercial but also critical, with films and series that ignited conversations. At the core of Maddock Films’ achievements lies its vision—a commitment to stories that blend the unique quirks of Indian culture with universal themes that fit into the mould of its genre archetypes. This vision is deeply rooted in their ability to remain audience-focused. The studio’s success lies in its understanding of the cultural, emotional, and intellectual shifts occurring within society and weaving these elements into compelling scripts.Promo poster for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.The 2024 line-up
Maddock’s penchant for romance saw a refreshing take in one of their standout releases of 2024, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Breaking away from conventional Bollywood love stories, but also giving us a few mainstream breadcrumbs (cough* Akhiyan Gulab cough) the film presented flawed yet relatable characters navigating modern-day relationships. Shahid played the “soft boi” quite aptly, falling for a robot in Kriti Sanon, and full marks must be given to the novel casting. The film’s humour, the music and its thought-provoking premise catapulted the film into a legitimate success, with a Rs 86 crore box-office collection.
In a year when Stree 2 was such a massive theatrical success, Maddock managed to find a relatively tinier success in Munjya, a unique and technically sound horror film with some deeply local conflict themes that pulled audiences of different demographics to the cinemas. It’s not their first film to blend horror and comedy elements, but through their word-of-mouth publicity and understated casting (with Sharvari and Abay Verma), Munjya was what is commonly referred to as a “sleeper hit.”Still from Munjya.One of the biggest reasons Stree 2 was such a huge phenomenon was that it masterfully blended escapist elements with commercial cliches. Maddock dared to think outside the box in 2018 with Stree and took it a step further with its sequel (with or without Raj and DK) offering audiences an imaginative world while grounding the story in relatable emotions. The gamble paid off, and how.Right vs More Right
Apart from its theatrical releases, Maddock also released Sector 36 and Murder Mubarak on Netflix India, but their more note-worthy successes have been their theatrical films. Naysayers may call this spate of successes “lucky” but it takes gumption to stand out while taking risks. Maddock’s mantra this year has been: the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. And if there was ever a year to try this out, it is 2024. The Hindi film industry seems to be undergoing an identity shift. The tides are changing, and Maddock seems to have gotten the memo before anyone else.The studio has been at the cusp of redefining Hindi entertainment for years now, and 2024 was the final nail in the coffin. Their success this year went beyond box-office numbers or streaming metrics—it represented a shift in how stories are told and consumed. The winning combination of masala stories, rooted in desi flavours, but with thought-provoking writing. Before readers announce this as a puff piece, this writer wants to remind everyone that it doesn’t take a bribe to call a spade a spade. 2024 has been Maddock’s year, there’s no debate.Promo poster for Sector 36.But their remarkable year was no accident. It was the result of a clear vision and bold creative choices — whether in casting choices or quality storytelling. From being known as the “production house that made Stree” they are now known for their sharp eye for detail, cultural resonance, and knack for merging realism with cinematic grandeur. 2024 solidified their reputation as one of India’s most innovative production houses. It’s no wonder that top actors are lining up to work with them. With Chhava and Skyforce coming up in early 2025, the stage is set, the lights are bright and the odds are ever in their favour.
Home»Features»Maddock Films Didn’t Just Follow Trends In 2024 — They Set Them»BEFORE Pushpa 2 arrived on screens and dominated the average Indian cinegoer’s attention, the biggest hit of the year was Stree 2, with Rs 586 crore at the domestic box office, beating giants like Jawan. Nobody was surprised at the film’s massive success, but a finger-pointing exercise did follow it. Who was responsible for these massive numbers? Was it the Stree IP that germinated genuine interest in audiences who loved the first part? Was it Rajkummar Rao and his growing popularity as the Actor-Next-Door? Was it Shraddha Kapoor’s heartland popularity finally catching up? Was it the virality of the blockbuster song, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’?The diplomatic answer you may hear in interviews is that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to success, and that audiences are unpredictable with what they like. The real answer, though, is: Maddock Films.Promo poster for Stree 2.Maddock’s winning “formula”
They seem to have a pulse on the Indian audiences even more so than some legacy film studios have, and the films that were released in 2024 under their banner are proof of this. Further, they’ve made smart financial choices in terms of film budgets and how much to spend on talent versus marketing of a film (Munjya). They’ve put their bets on seemingly “unconventional” content, whether that is in mainstreaming the “horror” genre (Stree 2) or having your female lead play a robot (Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya).In a year when Bollywood saw “blockbusters” like Singham 2 and Bhool Bhulaiya 3 be the choice for the big-ticket Diwali release, Maddock presented audiences with a small hit, a medium-sized hit and a blockbuster. This is no mean feat (ask Dharma Productions).By embracing new narratives, championing creative risks, and tapping into the ever-changing zeitgeist of Hindi entertainment, Maddock Films managed to captivate audiences across demographics. There’s a little something for everyone in a Maddock production. Their success hasn’t just been commercial but also critical, with films and series that ignited conversations. At the core of Maddock Films’ achievements lies its vision—a commitment to stories that blend the unique quirks of Indian culture with universal themes that fit into the mould of its genre archetypes. This vision is deeply rooted in their ability to remain audience-focused. The studio’s success lies in its understanding of the cultural, emotional, and intellectual shifts occurring within society and weaving these elements into compelling scripts.Promo poster for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.The 2024 line-up
Maddock’s penchant for romance saw a refreshing take in one of their standout releases of 2024, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Breaking away from conventional Bollywood love stories, but also giving us a few mainstream breadcrumbs (cough* Akhiyan Gulab cough) the film presented flawed yet relatable characters navigating modern-day relationships. Shahid played the “soft boi” quite aptly, falling for a robot in Kriti Sanon, and full marks must be given to the novel casting. The film’s humour, the music and its thought-provoking premise catapulted the film into a legitimate success, with a Rs 86 crore box-office collection.
In a year when Stree 2 was such a massive theatrical success, Maddock managed to find a relatively tinier success in Munjya, a unique and technically sound horror film with some deeply local conflict themes that pulled audiences of different demographics to the cinemas. It’s not their first film to blend horror and comedy elements, but through their word-of-mouth publicity and understated casting (with Sharvari and Abay Verma), Munjya was what is commonly referred to as a “sleeper hit.”Still from Munjya.One of the biggest reasons Stree 2 was such a huge phenomenon was that it masterfully blended escapist elements with commercial cliches. Maddock dared to think outside the box in 2018 with Stree and took it a step further with its sequel (with or without Raj and DK) offering audiences an imaginative world while grounding the story in relatable emotions. The gamble paid off, and how.Right vs More Right
Apart from its theatrical releases, Maddock also released Sector 36 and Murder Mubarak on Netflix India, but their more note-worthy successes have been their theatrical films. Naysayers may call this spate of successes “lucky” but it takes gumption to stand out while taking risks. Maddock’s mantra this year has been: the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. And if there was ever a year to try this out, it is 2024. The Hindi film industry seems to be undergoing an identity shift. The tides are changing, and Maddock seems to have gotten the memo before anyone else.The studio has been at the cusp of redefining Hindi entertainment for years now, and 2024 was the final nail in the coffin. Their success this year went beyond box-office numbers or streaming metrics—it represented a shift in how stories are told and consumed. The winning combination of masala stories, rooted in desi flavours, but with thought-provoking writing. Before readers announce this as a puff piece, this writer wants to remind everyone that it doesn’t take a bribe to call a spade a spade. 2024 has been Maddock’s year, there’s no debate.Promo poster for Sector 36.But their remarkable year was no accident. It was the result of a clear vision and bold creative choices — whether in casting choices or quality storytelling. From being known as the “production house that made Stree” they are now known for their sharp eye for detail, cultural resonance, and knack for merging realism with cinematic grandeur. 2024 solidified their reputation as one of India’s most innovative production houses. It’s no wonder that top actors are lining up to work with them. With Chhava and Skyforce coming up in early 2025, the stage is set, the lights are bright and the odds are ever in their favour.
Posted in: HBO, Max, Movies, TV | Tagged: dc studios, james gunn, supermanWriter/director James Gunn on why Superman isn’t there just to set up the DCU, Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific playing a major role, and more.Published Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:38:12 -0600 by Ray Flook | [embedded content]At the time of this writing, we are 36 hours away from the release of the official teaser trailer for DC Studios co-CEO and writer/director James Gunn’s David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult-starring Superman. To say that there are a lot of folks counting down the hours would be a righteous understatement – look no further than how quickly folks started dissecting the motion poster and promo for the teaser trailer release. Leading up to our look at what’s next for the New DCU, we’ve been getting more insights into the decisions Gunn made from the press event that was held over the summer. For this go-around, Gunn discusses the importance of having every film and series be able to stand on its own storyline-wise and what we need to know about the other familiar faces that we will be seeing (including who the standout will be).
Image: DC Studios
Though the feature film will feature a number of familiar DCU faces beyond Clark, Lois, and Lex, Gunn makes it clear that Superman abides by the philosophy he and Gunn have for DC Studios—it’s about the story first and foremost. “It’s really about this. Now, are seeds being planted? Yes, there’s seeds being planted, but that is never going to be the predominant thing in any scene for me. It’s always about getting to the next scene. What’s in the moment? How are we making this movie the best we can be? And it’s going to stay like that as much as I can possibly make it like that,” Gunn shared. In terms of how that applies specifically to The Man of Steel’s upcoming cinematic adventure, Gunn doesn’t mince words.
“Zero. Zero,” Gunn shared when asked how much of Superman is spent setting up the rest of the New DCU. “I mean, maybe two little things, two moments, but basically, if something’s there just to set up something else, fuck it. I even say that. And for all I know, those things can be cut by the time we get to the editing room because something has to exist for this movie. And if that works in tandem with setting up characters that exist in other media, then that’s great. If this sets up stuff in ‘Peacemaker,’ which it does, then that’s great,” the writer/director added. “But that is never, ever, ever, with me, going to be something that’s, I’m going to sacrifice even a moment or a beat in a story for, especially a movie. With TV, you’ve got a little bit more leniency to be able to do that. But in a movie, every beat has to be in there for the movie itself.”
In terms of the other DCU characters we will be getting a chance to meet – like Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, and Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner – Gunn shared what went into decided which characters would work best for the overall narrative – and giving a special shout-out to Gathegi’s Mister Terrific. “I think it was just who I wanted to really, honestly. I love Mr. Terrific. These characters all get their moment in the sun. They all have their moments. They’re not just cameos; these are the characters. They’re supporting cast, but Mr. Terrific is the main character of those characters. He actually has a big part of the plot. And so that was fun. And, of course, getting to work with Nathan [Fillion] is always something, and putting him in a stupid look and then Isabela [Merced] is great. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time. But it was about balance,” Gunn explained.
DC Studios’ Superman stars David Corenswet (Hollywood) as Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane. In addition, the Superman: Legacy cast includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luthor, Wendell Pierce (HBO’s The Wire) as Perry White, Isabela Merced (Sicario: Day of the Soldado) as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion (The Rookie) as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Pruitt Taylor Vince (Murder One, Lady in the Lake) as Jonathan Kent/”Pa Kent,” and Neva Howell (Ghosts of the Ozarks) as Martha Kent/”Ma Kent.”
Joining them are Beck Bennett (Saturday Night Live) as Daily Planet sports editor Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) as Daily Planet gossip columnist Cat Grant, and Christopher McDonald as skilled Daily Planet reporter Ron Troupe – with Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. (from Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 2) set to appear, along with Alan Tudyk in an undisclosed role. Composer John Murphy (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Kick-Ass, The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3) will score the film.
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Posted in: HBO, Max, Movies, TV | Tagged: dc studios, james gunn, supermanWriter/director James Gunn on why Superman isn’t there just to set up the DCU, Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific playing a major role, and more.Published Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:38:12 -0600 by Ray Flook | [embedded content]At the time of this writing, we are 36 hours away from the release of the official teaser trailer for DC Studios co-CEO and writer/director James Gunn’s David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult-starring Superman. To say that there are a lot of folks counting down the hours would be a righteous understatement – look no further than how quickly folks started dissecting the motion poster and promo for the teaser trailer release. Leading up to our look at what’s next for the New DCU, we’ve been getting more insights into the decisions Gunn made from the press event that was held over the summer. For this go-around, Gunn discusses the importance of having every film and series be able to stand on its own storyline-wise and what we need to know about the other familiar faces that we will be seeing (including who the standout will be).
Image: DC Studios
Though the feature film will feature a number of familiar DCU faces beyond Clark, Lois, and Lex, Gunn makes it clear that Superman abides by the philosophy he and Gunn have for DC Studios—it’s about the story first and foremost. “It’s really about this. Now, are seeds being planted? Yes, there’s seeds being planted, but that is never going to be the predominant thing in any scene for me. It’s always about getting to the next scene. What’s in the moment? How are we making this movie the best we can be? And it’s going to stay like that as much as I can possibly make it like that,” Gunn shared. In terms of how that applies specifically to The Man of Steel’s upcoming cinematic adventure, Gunn doesn’t mince words.
“Zero. Zero,” Gunn shared when asked how much of Superman is spent setting up the rest of the New DCU. “I mean, maybe two little things, two moments, but basically, if something’s there just to set up something else, fuck it. I even say that. And for all I know, those things can be cut by the time we get to the editing room because something has to exist for this movie. And if that works in tandem with setting up characters that exist in other media, then that’s great. If this sets up stuff in ‘Peacemaker,’ which it does, then that’s great,” the writer/director added. “But that is never, ever, ever, with me, going to be something that’s, I’m going to sacrifice even a moment or a beat in a story for, especially a movie. With TV, you’ve got a little bit more leniency to be able to do that. But in a movie, every beat has to be in there for the movie itself.”
In terms of the other DCU characters we will be getting a chance to meet – like Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, and Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner – Gunn shared what went into decided which characters would work best for the overall narrative – and giving a special shout-out to Gathegi’s Mister Terrific. “I think it was just who I wanted to really, honestly. I love Mr. Terrific. These characters all get their moment in the sun. They all have their moments. They’re not just cameos; these are the characters. They’re supporting cast, but Mr. Terrific is the main character of those characters. He actually has a big part of the plot. And so that was fun. And, of course, getting to work with Nathan [Fillion] is always something, and putting him in a stupid look and then Isabela [Merced] is great. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time. But it was about balance,” Gunn explained.
DC Studios’ Superman stars David Corenswet (Hollywood) as Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane. In addition, the Superman: Legacy cast includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luthor, Wendell Pierce (HBO’s The Wire) as Perry White, Isabela Merced (Sicario: Day of the Soldado) as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion (The Rookie) as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Pruitt Taylor Vince (Murder One, Lady in the Lake) as Jonathan Kent/”Pa Kent,” and Neva Howell (Ghosts of the Ozarks) as Martha Kent/”Ma Kent.”
Joining them are Beck Bennett (Saturday Night Live) as Daily Planet sports editor Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) as Daily Planet gossip columnist Cat Grant, and Christopher McDonald as skilled Daily Planet reporter Ron Troupe – with Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. (from Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 2) set to appear, along with Alan Tudyk in an undisclosed role. Composer John Murphy (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Kick-Ass, The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3) will score the film.
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As millions of Americans prepare for Christmas travel, winter weather is expected to create chaos on the roads and in the skies. Snow, rain, and icy conditions will sweep across much of the U.S. in the days leading up to the holiday, particularly impacting the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South. AAA predicts that nearly 107 million travelers will be on the roads, and snow and freezing rain are likely to slow traffic along major routes like I-90 and I-95. While no major storms are expected, lighter snow and rain will still cause delays, especially for drivers in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. Airports are bracing for potential delays as winter weather disrupts flights. Travelers should check their flight statuses ahead of time, particularly in cities like New York and Boston, where snow and rain could lead to slowdowns. For those driving, early morning or late evening departures are recommended to avoid the worst traffic. Christmas Day itself will offer lighter roads, making it the best time to travel long distances.
Follow Newsweek’s live blog for the latest.
08:46 AM EST
AAA: Nearly 90% of holiday travelers to hit the road this season
As the holiday season approaches, nearly 90% of travelers will take to the roads, with an estimated 107 million people planning to travel by car, the AAA reports. This marks a 2.5 million increase from last year, although it still falls slightly short of the 2019 record.
Many families prefer road trips for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially with lower gas prices this year compared to 2023. Popular car rental destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando, with car pick-ups expected to peak on December 20 and 21.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 7.85 million passengers expected to fly, surpassing last year’s record of 7.5 million. However, flight prices have increased, with domestic tickets averaging $830, up 4% from last year. International flights are even pricier, with an average ticket costing $1,630, a 13% increase.
In addition, more people are opting for other travel methods such as buses, trains, and cruises, with a nearly 10% increase in bookings from last year. Domestic cruise bookings have surged by 37%, as families seek festive celebrations on the water.
08:39 AM EST
Atlanta named best U.S. city for Christmas celebrations, WalletHub report reveals
As Christmas approaches, WalletHub has released its latest rankings of the best U.S. cities to spend the holiday season, with Atlanta taking the top spot.
The report, which measures cities based on festive activities and affordability, highlights Atlanta’s abundance of holiday-themed shops, including a high number of bakeries, decoration stores, and card shops.
The city also stands out for its affordable dining options, with many restaurants boasting high ratings. Additionally, Atlanta ranks ninth in the country for Christmas tree farms per capita, making it a prime destination for holiday festivities.
08:23 AM EST
Winter weather warnings in 5 states as a foot of snow to fall
As winter tightens its grip, residents across Washington, Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and Michigan are facing a barrage of winter weather warnings and advisories, with a foot of snow predicted in Montana.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for these states, cautioning residents to prepare for hazardous conditions in the days ahead.
Read the full story by Emma Marsden on Newsweek.
08:16 AM EST
Cold weather injuries: Prevention and treatment tips from the CDC
According to the CDC, most cold-related injuries occur due to accidents, severe weather, or poor planning. To avoid these injuries, experts recommend wearing several layers of warm clothing, including a tightly woven, wind-resistant jacket, and accessories like mittens, hats, and scarves. Proper footwear, waterproof shoes, and personal flotation devices are also essential for outdoor activities.
In cold conditions, it’s crucial to stay dry, as wet clothing can rapidly increase heat loss. If you’re sweating, remove extra layers to avoid chilling. Shivering is an early sign of heat loss and should not be ignored—find shelter and warm up immediately, the CDC recommends.
Cold injuries like hypothermia and frostbite can occur when the body loses heat too quickly. Hypothermia, which occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F, can lead to confusion, fatigue, and even unconsciousness. If you suspect hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately and warm the body using dry, warm compresses. Frostbite, which affects the skin, can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in exposed areas. If frostbite occurs, move indoors, remove wet clothing, and soak the affected body part in warm water.
08:09 AM EST
Air travel delays possible
Passengers wait in line to claim their baggage at Nashville International Airport after their flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 27, 2022. – More than 10,000 flights cancelled over the…
Passengers wait in line to claim their baggage at Nashville International Airport after their flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 27, 2022. – More than 10,000 flights cancelled over the Christmas holiday, chaos at airports across America: Southwest Airlines found itself in the hot seat on December 27, 2022, as the airline behind the lion’s share of the weather-linked travel mayhem.
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Seth Herald/Getty Images
Airports are also preparing for disruptions. While major storms aren’t expected to cause widespread flight cancellations, the weather could lead to delays at airports in regions experiencing heavy snow and rain. Travelers in cities like New York, Boston, and Minneapolis should monitor their flights for potential delays, especially as the storm systems move eastward.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as weather-related delays may arise on December 22 and 23. Airlines have been working to adjust schedules in advance, but travelers should anticipate longer wait times, especially during peak travel hours.
08:02 AM EST
Fog advisory in 11 states as millions of drivers warned about visibility
The National Weather Service has put out a dense fog advisory for 11 states in the south of the country, warning millions of drivers about the poor visibility.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the NWS implemented the advisory because of “visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” which it warned “could make driving conditions hazardous.”
The advice given to drivers is to “slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
The 11 states that have the advisory in place includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Dense fog forms when the air near the ground cools down to its dew point, the temperature when water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets suspended in the air.
Read the full story by Jasmine Laws on Newsweek.
07:52 AM EST
Winter weather impacting major travel routes
Vehicles drive slowly along I-80 as a snowstorm dumps several inches of snow on the area on January 09, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Around 10 states are impacted by winter weather this week.
Vehicles drive slowly along I-80 as a snowstorm dumps several inches of snow on the area on January 09, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Around 10 states are impacted by winter weather this week.
Joe Raedle/Getty
As millions of Americans prepare for Christmas travel, winter weather is expected to disrupt plans across the country, leading to potential delays on the roads and at airports. Meteorologists are forecasting rounds of snow, rain, and icy conditions that could slow traffic from coast to coast, particularly in the days leading up to and following the holiday.
By midweek, a series of winter storms will spread across the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South, bringing snow, rain, and freezing conditions. Drivers traveling along major interstates such as I-90, I-80, and I-95 may experience hazardous driving conditions, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. The storm systems are not expected to be extreme, but they could still make driving difficult, leading to slower-than-usual traffic and potential accidents.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 107 million Americans are expected to travel by car this holiday season, an increase from last year. With such a large volume of travelers on the road, the risk of delays is high. Snow and rain will particularly affect routes across the Great Lakes and Midwest, and cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit may see significant disruptions due to both weather and traffic congestion.
As millions of Americans prepare for Christmas travel, winter weather is expected to create chaos on the roads and in the skies. Snow, rain, and icy conditions will sweep across much of the U.S. in the days leading up to the holiday, particularly impacting the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South. AAA predicts that nearly 107 million travelers will be on the roads, and snow and freezing rain are likely to slow traffic along major routes like I-90 and I-95. While no major storms are expected, lighter snow and rain will still cause delays, especially for drivers in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. Airports are bracing for potential delays as winter weather disrupts flights. Travelers should check their flight statuses ahead of time, particularly in cities like New York and Boston, where snow and rain could lead to slowdowns. For those driving, early morning or late evening departures are recommended to avoid the worst traffic. Christmas Day itself will offer lighter roads, making it the best time to travel long distances.
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08:46 AM EST
AAA: Nearly 90% of holiday travelers to hit the road this season
As the holiday season approaches, nearly 90% of travelers will take to the roads, with an estimated 107 million people planning to travel by car, the AAA reports. This marks a 2.5 million increase from last year, although it still falls slightly short of the 2019 record.
Many families prefer road trips for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially with lower gas prices this year compared to 2023. Popular car rental destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando, with car pick-ups expected to peak on December 20 and 21.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 7.85 million passengers expected to fly, surpassing last year’s record of 7.5 million. However, flight prices have increased, with domestic tickets averaging $830, up 4% from last year. International flights are even pricier, with an average ticket costing $1,630, a 13% increase.
In addition, more people are opting for other travel methods such as buses, trains, and cruises, with a nearly 10% increase in bookings from last year. Domestic cruise bookings have surged by 37%, as families seek festive celebrations on the water.
08:39 AM EST
Atlanta named best U.S. city for Christmas celebrations, WalletHub report reveals
As Christmas approaches, WalletHub has released its latest rankings of the best U.S. cities to spend the holiday season, with Atlanta taking the top spot.
The report, which measures cities based on festive activities and affordability, highlights Atlanta’s abundance of holiday-themed shops, including a high number of bakeries, decoration stores, and card shops.
The city also stands out for its affordable dining options, with many restaurants boasting high ratings. Additionally, Atlanta ranks ninth in the country for Christmas tree farms per capita, making it a prime destination for holiday festivities.
08:23 AM EST
Winter weather warnings in 5 states as a foot of snow to fall
As winter tightens its grip, residents across Washington, Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and Michigan are facing a barrage of winter weather warnings and advisories, with a foot of snow predicted in Montana.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for these states, cautioning residents to prepare for hazardous conditions in the days ahead.
Read the full story by Emma Marsden on Newsweek.
08:16 AM EST
Cold weather injuries: Prevention and treatment tips from the CDC
According to the CDC, most cold-related injuries occur due to accidents, severe weather, or poor planning. To avoid these injuries, experts recommend wearing several layers of warm clothing, including a tightly woven, wind-resistant jacket, and accessories like mittens, hats, and scarves. Proper footwear, waterproof shoes, and personal flotation devices are also essential for outdoor activities.
In cold conditions, it’s crucial to stay dry, as wet clothing can rapidly increase heat loss. If you’re sweating, remove extra layers to avoid chilling. Shivering is an early sign of heat loss and should not be ignored—find shelter and warm up immediately, the CDC recommends.
Cold injuries like hypothermia and frostbite can occur when the body loses heat too quickly. Hypothermia, which occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F, can lead to confusion, fatigue, and even unconsciousness. If you suspect hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately and warm the body using dry, warm compresses. Frostbite, which affects the skin, can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in exposed areas. If frostbite occurs, move indoors, remove wet clothing, and soak the affected body part in warm water.
08:09 AM EST
Air travel delays possible
Passengers wait in line to claim their baggage at Nashville International Airport after their flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 27, 2022. – More than 10,000 flights cancelled over the…
Passengers wait in line to claim their baggage at Nashville International Airport after their flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 27, 2022. – More than 10,000 flights cancelled over the Christmas holiday, chaos at airports across America: Southwest Airlines found itself in the hot seat on December 27, 2022, as the airline behind the lion’s share of the weather-linked travel mayhem.
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Seth Herald/Getty Images
Airports are also preparing for disruptions. While major storms aren’t expected to cause widespread flight cancellations, the weather could lead to delays at airports in regions experiencing heavy snow and rain. Travelers in cities like New York, Boston, and Minneapolis should monitor their flights for potential delays, especially as the storm systems move eastward.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as weather-related delays may arise on December 22 and 23. Airlines have been working to adjust schedules in advance, but travelers should anticipate longer wait times, especially during peak travel hours.
08:02 AM EST
Fog advisory in 11 states as millions of drivers warned about visibility
The National Weather Service has put out a dense fog advisory for 11 states in the south of the country, warning millions of drivers about the poor visibility.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the NWS implemented the advisory because of “visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” which it warned “could make driving conditions hazardous.”
The advice given to drivers is to “slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
The 11 states that have the advisory in place includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Dense fog forms when the air near the ground cools down to its dew point, the temperature when water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets suspended in the air.
Read the full story by Jasmine Laws on Newsweek.
07:52 AM EST
Winter weather impacting major travel routes
Vehicles drive slowly along I-80 as a snowstorm dumps several inches of snow on the area on January 09, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Around 10 states are impacted by winter weather this week.
Vehicles drive slowly along I-80 as a snowstorm dumps several inches of snow on the area on January 09, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Around 10 states are impacted by winter weather this week.
Joe Raedle/Getty
As millions of Americans prepare for Christmas travel, winter weather is expected to disrupt plans across the country, leading to potential delays on the roads and at airports. Meteorologists are forecasting rounds of snow, rain, and icy conditions that could slow traffic from coast to coast, particularly in the days leading up to and following the holiday.
By midweek, a series of winter storms will spread across the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South, bringing snow, rain, and freezing conditions. Drivers traveling along major interstates such as I-90, I-80, and I-95 may experience hazardous driving conditions, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. The storm systems are not expected to be extreme, but they could still make driving difficult, leading to slower-than-usual traffic and potential accidents.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 107 million Americans are expected to travel by car this holiday season, an increase from last year. With such a large volume of travelers on the road, the risk of delays is high. Snow and rain will particularly affect routes across the Great Lakes and Midwest, and cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit may see significant disruptions due to both weather and traffic congestion.
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