This Week: Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Backlash, David Hockney’s Paris Ban, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Slams Gaza Response
Also, artist Khaled Sabsabi speaks out, Elton john and Madonna reconcile and more stories you need to know about culture from around the world
Have you watched The White Lotus final? I’m probably the only person who hasn’t watched this season – actually, if I’m being honest, I’ve never seen any season of The White Lotus.
Yes, I know, a huge oversight when it comes to the current cultural zeitgeist. What can I say? My content plate has been and continuous to be full!
It’s actually shocking I have been able to avoid any major spoilers of the show since it first aired. Regardless, this season has been a constant topic of conversation, most interestingly for not being as interesting as it apparently should have been. Creator Mike White has some thoughts on that in the Pop Culture section.
If you find yourself anywhere in the vicinity of David Hockney’s new retrospective in Paris, stop what you’re doing and go. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To me, the story in the Art section regarding banning the image to market his exhibition is farcical.
I have many thoughts on the casting rumours surrounding Greta Gerwig’s Narnia for Netflix, but I think it would be wise to share those thoughts once the casting news has been confirmed. Read more about that in the Entertainment section. Would love to know your thoughts if you’re a Narnia fan and specifically The Magician’s Nephew book from the series.
So, from my DMs to yours, here are the culture stories published between April 2 – April 9, 2025 from around the world that you need to know.
Enjoy.
Art
Paris Metro Blocks Hockney Retrospective Ad Over Smoking Image
Paris Metro authorities banned an advertisement for David Hockney’s new retrospective at because it depicts the artist smoking a cigarette, citing public health regulations.
Parisian authorities have taken issue with the fact that Hockney is holding a cigarette in the photograph, but have no objection to the fact that the painting he is holding titled Play within a Play within a Play and Me with a Cigarette also depicts him smoking. Hockney has criticised the ban as “complete madness.” The exhibition, entitled David Hockney 25 will take place at the Fondation Louis Vuitton and will showcase over 400 of Hockney’s works over 11 rooms spanning his seven-decade career.
Source: Independent
Khaled Sabsabi Breaks Silence After Being Dropped from Australia’s 2026 Venice Biennale Line-up"
Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi has spoken out after being unexpectedly dropped as Australia’s representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale. Sabsabi, who had been developing a major new work, described the decision as "disappointing" and lacking clear communication. The Australia Council for the Arts cited the need for "a new curatorial direction," but Sabsabi expressed concerns about transparency and artist support. The council has yet to announce a replacement. Sabsabi, known for his politically and spiritually charged multimedia installations, says he remains committed to his practice despite the setback.
Source: The Art Newspaper
Trump’s New Tariffs Threaten to Disrupt U.S. Art Market and Galleries
President Trump’s newly announced "reciprocal" tariffs could deal a major blow to the U.S. art industry. Experts warn that the 10–32% import taxes on art-related goods—from shipping materials to exhibition supplies—will drive up costs, hurt galleries, and slow cultural exchanges. Small and mid-size galleries face the biggest strain. While original artworks remain duty-free, rising expenses, complex logistics, and market uncertainty could impact art fairs, hiring, and consumer prices—pushing the industry closer to recession.
Source: Art News
Newly Attributed J.M.W. Turner Painting Hits Vienna Market for $41M
A newly authenticated J.M.W. Turner painting has surfaced in a private Austrian collection and is now for sale at Vienna’s Artziwna gallery for €38 million ($41 million). Painted in 1845, the work resembles Turner’s Venice, Seen from the Canale della Giudecca and was confirmed authentic by European researchers in 2024. Though the study lacked peer review from major Turner experts, findings strongly support Turner’s authorship. Turner's works continue to fetch record prices, with some selling for nearly $50 million at auction.
Source: Art News
Ancient Greek Theater Unearthed on Lefkada
Archaeologists have fully unearthed the only known ancient Greek theater on Greece’s Ionian Islands, located on Lefkada. Originally discovered in 1901, reburied in 1927 and rediscovered in 1997 by archaeologists studying the geomorphological characteristics of the area. The amphitheater dates back to the 4th century B.C.E., when Lefkada thrived economically. Excavations beginning in 2015 revealed a semicircular seating area, orchestra pit, and partial stage, suggesting a capacity of 3,500 to 11,000 spectators. Though time has damaged the structure, its hillside location offers panoramic views, making it Lefkada’s most significant archaeological find.
Source: Art Net
Tilda Swinton to Curate Exhibition at Amsterdam's Eye Filmmuseum
From September 28, 2025, to February 8, 2026, Amsterdam's Eye Filmmuseum will host Tilda Swinton – Ongoing, an exhibition curated by the Oscar-winning actress in collaboration with a number of creatives. The showcase will feature six new works created with collaborators like Luca Guadagnino, Jim Jarmusch, and Tim Walker. Additionally, it will present previously unseen 8mm archival footage honouring director Derek Jarman. Swinton reflects that the exhibition allows her to explore over four decades of creative partnerships that have continually inspired and nourished her.
Source: Art Net
Literature
Haruki Murakami Named Cultural Personality of the Year at 2025 Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Japanese author Haruki Murakami has been named cultural personality of the year for the 2025 Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The author, known for his novels such as Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore and IQ84, will receive the Dh1 million cash prize at a ceremony held as part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair which is being held from April 26 to May 5. Other authors who will be honoured include Lebanese–French author Hoda Barakat for her novel Hind or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, Moroccan writer Latifa Labsir for her children’s book The Phantom of Dabiha and more.
Source: Publishing Perspectives, Arab News Japan
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Criticizes Reactions to Gaza's 'Mass Murder'
In a televised interview on Al Jazeera’s UpFront with Redi Tlhabi, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie described the recent events in Gaza as "mass murder," highlighting the severity of the situation. Adichie also critiqued the international community's response, pointing out the lack of significant action to address the atrocities. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging the reality of the situation, to read the stories of Palestinian people and expressed solidarity with the them.
Source: Al Jazeera
Saqi Books' 'A Mouth Full of Salt' Tops Indie Bookshop Charts
The debut novel by Sudanese writer Reem Gaafar, A Mouth Full of Salt published by Saqi Books has soared to the top of the UK independent bookshop charts, surpassing Suzanne Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping. The paperback edition has sold 2,499 copies, with most sales through independent retailers. Notably, titles like Forgotten Churches by Luke Sherlock and The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley are also gaining traction in these stores.
Source: The Bookseller
US Exempts Books from New Tariffs Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions
The Trump administration's recent tariffs, enacted under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, notably exclude books, including printed matter and children's picture books. However, existing 7.5% tariffs on books printed in China remain unchanged. Additionally, while paper imports from Canada are currently tariff-free, it's uncertain if paper, pulp, and ink from other countries will face increased duties, potentially affecting printing costs.
Source: Publishers Weekly
Penguin Books Launches '90 Little Book Stops' Across UK Communities
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Penguin Books is introducing '90 Little Book Stops' nationwide, promoting community-led book sharing. Partnering with Little Free Library, these boxes operate on a "give a book, take a book" system.
Source: The Bookseller
Spotify Extends Premium Audiobook Access to Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand
Starting April 9, Spotify Premium subscribers in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand can enjoy up to 15 hours of audiobook listening per month from a catalogue exceeding 250,000 titles. This expansion, following launches in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, aims to introduce more listeners to audiobooks.
Source: Publishing Perspectives
Entertainment
Greta Gerwig’s 'Narnia' Film Faces Backlash Over Meryl Streep's Casting
Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, the first story chronologically in the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, is facing backlash after reports that Meryl Streep may voice Aslan, traditionally portrayed as a male lion. Fans argue the gender-swap disrespects C.S. Lewis' original work. Despite controversy, Gerwig's vision aims to expand the beloved world, with the first film set for a 2026 IMAX release before landing on Netflix. Daniel Craig and Charli XCX are also rumoured to join the cast.
Source: The Guardian, New York Post
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ to Premiere at Cannes
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is confirmed to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2025. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the eighth instalment follows Ethan Hunt battling a rogue AI known as the Entity. Cruise reunites with co-stars Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and more. The film concludes storylines set up in the previous movie. A U.S. theatrical release by Paramount Pictures is scheduled for May 23.
Source: Deadline
Mariska Hargitay Directed HBO Documentary on Mother Jayne Mansfield
Mariska Hargitay will direct My Mom Jayne an HBO documentary exploring the life of her mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, who died in a 1967 car accident when Hargitay was three. The film, premiering in June, features intimate interviews and previously unseen footage, offering insight into Mansfield's legacy. Hargitay describes the project as a journey to understand the mother she never knew, emphasising it as labour of love and longing.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Disney is Reassessing ‘Tangled’ Live-Action Remake
Disney has paused development on its live-action Tangled remake as part of a broader reassessment of its film slate. The decision follows recent challenges with other live-action projects like Snow White. Sources suggest Disney is focusing on quality and audience expectations, aiming to avoid rushed productions. No new timeline has been announced, and the project remains in early stages.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Cassie Ventura to Testify Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs
Singer Cassie Ventura will testify under her real name in Sean "Diddy" Combs' upcoming sex trafficking trial, scheduled for May 5, 2025. Identified as "Victim-1," Ventura's testimony is pivotal, detailing allegations of abuse and exploitation during their relationship from 2007 to 2018.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Fashion
Adam Selman Appointed as Victoria’s Secret Executive Creative Director
Victoria’s Secret has named Adam Selman as its first executive creative director, starting April 14. Known for his bold, body-positive designs and work with Savage X Fenty, Selman will lead creative, PR, and styling efforts across the brand. Reporting to CEO Hillary Super, his appointment marks a major step in Victoria’s Secret’s ongoing rebrand, following its new-look fashion show and drive to modernise its image and connect with today’s consumers.
Source: Vogue Business
Gucci’s Bamboo Exhibition at Milan Design Week Showcases Timeless Craftsmanship
Gucci celebrates its iconic bamboo legacy with Gucci | Bamboo Encounters, an immersive exhibition at Milan Design Week. The event, curated by 2050+, explores the material’s cultural and creative significance through innovative reimaginings by global designers. The exhibition blends art, tradition, and modernity, highlighting bamboo's enduring influence on Gucci’s aesthetic and craftsmanship. This celebration reflects Gucci’s dedication to reinterpreting its heritage in fresh, meaningful ways.
Source: WWD
Reem Acra Unveils 'Hollywood' Bridal Collection at New York Fashion Week
Renowned bridal designer Reem Acra debuted her Spring/Summer 2024 "Hollywood" collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week. The line featured floral motifs, intricate embroidery, and unique necklines, blending traditional elements with modern design. Acra's creations aim to resonate with brides worldwide, reflecting diverse cultural inspirations.
Source: WWD
Prada Nears Decision on Versace Acquisition Amid Final Negotiations
Prada is expected to decide this week on a potential takeover of Versace, owned by Capri Holdings. Negotiations are in their final phase, with a possible deal announcement on April 10. Reports suggest the acquisition price could be around €1 billion, significantly lower than earlier estimates. Versace, recently operating at a loss, is undergoing leadership changes as discussions continue.
Source: Reuters
Pop Culture
Mike White Defends 'The White Lotus' Season 3 Pacing Amid Criticism
The White Lotus season three finale has sparked an online frenzy, with fans venting frustration through commentary and memes. Creator Mike White addressed critiques of Season three's pacing, dismissing concerns on the show's podcast. He defended the deliberate world-building approach, likening it to "edging," and suggested viewers embrace the anticipation. White humorously told critics to "get out of my bed" if they disliked the style.
Source: Page Six
Russell Brand Charged with Multiple Sexual Offenses
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with rape and sexual assault involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The charges include one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape, along with two counts of sexual assault. Brand, 50, denies all allegations, asserting that all his past relationships were consensual. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.
Source: CNN
Olivia Munn Criticises All-Female Blue Origin Space Mission
Actress Olivia Munn has publicly criticised Blue Origin's upcoming all-female spaceflight during an appearance on the Today show. The spaceflight includes celebrities like Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez and is scheduled for April 14. Munn has labelled the 11-minute mission as "gluttonous" and questioned its necessity amid global economic hardships, such as rising food prices. She also expressed scepticism about the mission's purpose and the environmental impact of the resources used.
Elton John and Madonna Reconcile After 21-Year Feud
Elton John and Madonna have ended their longstanding feud, which began in 2004 when John criticised Madonna's live performances. Their reconciliation occurred backstage at Saturday Night Live, where John sought forgiveness, leading to a heartfelt embrace. Madonna acknowledged the pain caused by John's past comments but expressed admiration for his musical influence. Both artists are now considering a musical collaboration, with John reportedly composing a song for Madonna.
Source: CNN