Reuters Entertainment News Summary

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Pedro Pascal says learning the cello for 'Behemoth!' was tougher than 'Game of Thrones' battle ​scenes

Hollywood star Pedro Pascal said learning to play the cello convincingly for Tony Gilroy's "Behemoth!" ​was the most challenging task of his career, joking he would ‌rather ​relive one of his most brutal on-screen battles than learn how to play the instrument again. Attending the movie's premiere at the London Film Festival on Tuesday, Pascal, who plays a talented cellist returning to Los Angeles after nearly two decades of touring, said the role left him more ‌fearful than any previous project.

Ex-gang leader sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for Tupac Shakur murder

A former gang leader was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on Tuesday for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting death of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, capping the prosecution of a long-unsolved murder that shaped the golden age of rap music. Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, found guilty by ‌a jury in August of first-degree murder, showed no emotion as he was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 20 years to life — one for murder, one for use of a deadly ‌weapon — during an hour-long proceeding in a Las Vegas courtroom.

Actor Selma Blair arrested and accused of abusing flight attendants

Actor Selma Blair was arrested after flight attendants reported a "physically abusive passenger" on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's police department said on Monday. Police identified Blair, known for roles in the movies "Cruel Intentions" and "Hellboy," as the suspect in the incident on Sunday evening.

'Breaking Bad' actor and disability rights ⁠activist RJ ​Mitte dead at 34

Actor RJ Mitte, whose personal experience ⁠living with cerebral palsy informed his role as Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the landmark television series "Breaking Bad," died on Monday at age 34. News of Mitte's death in Brownsville, Texas, was announced in a ⁠statement released through his talent management agency. A publicist for the actor later confirmed news reports that Mitte took his own life. No further details about the circumstances were given.

Paul Bettany says Marvel transformed his life after ​he was told his career was over

British actor Paul Bettany said Marvel has transformed his career and personal life after an unlikely twist of fate over a decade ago saw ⁠him offered the role of Vision moments after being told his Hollywood career was over. Speaking to Reuters at the London premiere of Disney+ TV miniseries "VisionQuest" on Monday, Bettany said being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe had afforded him opportunities both ⁠on ​and off screen.

Jury selected for actor Russell Brand's UK trial over sex crimes allegations

Jury selection took place on Monday for the trial of British actor and comedian Russell Brand over alleged historical crimes including rape and other sexual offences. Brand, 51, once one of Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and former husband of US singer Katy Perry, faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault ⁠and one count of indecent assault relating to six women from 1999 to 2009.

Disney creators build original witch world for upcoming film ‘Hexed’

For director Fawn Veerasunthorn, the upcoming Disney animated fantasy film “Hexed” ⁠is a mother-daughter love story that comes with a ⁠set of obstacles. She told Reuters the film is about a mother and daughter rekindling their relationship after years of strain.

Soccer-Netflix secures rights to air 2030 World Cup in Spain, Andorra

Netflix said on Tuesday it had secured the rights to broadcast the 2030 World Cup in Spain, which is ‌co-hosting the tournament, and Andorra. It would ‌be Netflix's first broadcast of a major men's international tournament in Spain, the company said. The 2026 World ​Cup was aired there by national channel TVE.