Entertainment News Roundup: Spotify Premium to include free access to audiobooks in UK, Australia; Disney to offer discounts on children's tickets at theme parks and more

The launch of its audiobook service in the United States last year challenged Amazon's Audible. C-3PO's head, 'Titanic' costumes for sale at Propstore film auction From "Star Wars" droid C-3PO's head to Leonardo DiCaprio's "Titanic" costume, a trove of costumes and props are headed to auction next month in a sale of film and television memorabilia worth around $14.6 million.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Disney to offer discounts on children's tickets at theme parks

Walt Disney said on Wednesday it will offer discounts on ticket prices for children at its theme parks for a limited period as it looks to boost traffic. Business at amusement parks took a hit during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 as the spread of COVID-19 forced closures and hit attendance.

David Beckham takes family to premiere of candid new Netflix documentary about his life

David Beckham turned the premiere of his new Netflix documentary into a family affair on Tuesday as the former footballer was joined by his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, and their four children on the red carpet in London's Mayfair. "Beckham" is a four-part mini-series tracking the British soccer star's rise from humble beginnings to one of the most recognisable players of his time both on and off the pitch.

Striking Hollywood actors resume contract talks with studios, networks

Negotiators for striking Hollywood actors resumed contract talks on Monday with representatives of major studios, television networks and streaming services, marking the first time the two sides have returned to the bargaining table since mid-July. Renewed talks between the SAG-AFTRA actors union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) came eight days after the producers clinched a separate contract deal with Hollywood writers, who launched their own strike on May 2, about 10 weeks before the actors.

Spotify Premium to include free access to audiobooks in UK, Australia

Spotify said on Tuesday that users of its premium services in the UK and Australia would now have 15 hours of free access to audiobooks a month, with the feature expanding to the United States later this year. The music streaming giant is looking to supplement its earnings with other revenue-generating formats such as podcasts and audiobooks. The launch of its audiobook service in the United States last year challenged Amazon's Audible.

C-3PO's head, 'Titanic' costumes for sale at Propstore film auction

From "Star Wars" droid C-3PO's head to Leonardo DiCaprio's "Titanic" costume, a trove of costumes and props are headed to auction next month in a sale of film and television memorabilia worth around $14.6 million. More than 1,800 items are being sold by entertainment memorabilia auctioneer Propstore at its annual live auction, which this year runs from Nov. 9-12.

(With inputs from agencies.)