Salon News Today — August 18, 2026
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘The Odyssey’ Continue Tussle Atop U.K., Ireland Box Office and more — today's salon signal.
The entertainment world is buzzing with exciting new developments. At the box office, a battle for the top spot is underway in the U.K. and Ireland, with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'The Odyssey' vying for attention. Meanwhile, in the music scene, a new soundtrack is in the works, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes BINI, SB19, and the legendary Lea Salonga, who are lending their talents to the 'Forgotten Island' project.
It's not just the film and music industries that are making waves - the world of television is also seeing some innovative changes. ABC is shaking up its news format with a new live-streamed approach that allows viewers to have a more interactive experience, with shows that respond directly to viewer queries and needs. And in a surprise move, the PGA Tour is trading in its usual serious tone for a dash of comedy, with a new unscripted series called 'Alter Ego' that's sure to bring some laughs to the world of sports. With all these fresh developments, there's never been a more exciting time to be a fan of entertainment.
Today's signal:
• ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘The Odyssey’ Continue Tussle Atop U.K., Ireland Box Office (variety.com)
• BINI, SB19 and Lea Salonga Lead ‘Forgotten Island’ Soundtrack (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• ABC Unveils New Twist for Live-Streamed News: Shows That Respond to Viewer Queries, Needs (variety.com)
• PGA Tour Takes Swing at Comedy in New ‘Alter Ego’ Unscripted Series (variety.com)