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From ‘Freaky Friday’ to ‘Cruella’: Andrew Gunn’s blockbuster legacy

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From ‘Freaky Friday’ to ‘Cruella’: Andrew Gunn’s blockbuster legacy


From ‘Freaky Friday’ to ‘Cruella’: Andrew Gunn’s blockbuster legacy

Andrew Gunn, died at his home in Toronto after a two-year battle with ALS at age 58.

Gunn carved out a remarkable career as one of Disney’s most trusted producers.

He delivered a slate of family comedies and reboots that defined the studio’s early 2000s live action era.

From Freaky Friday and Sky High to The Haunted Mansion and Cruella, Gunn’s productions blended heart, humor, and spectacle.

He left behind a filmography that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Let’s take a look at Andrew Gunn’s filmography highlights:

Eddie (1996)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Andrew Gunn’s Hollywood journey began with Eddie in 1996, where he earned an early co‑producer credit on the Whoopi Goldberg comedy. 

This marked his official entry into film production and set the stage for his future career in family entertainment.

The Country Bears (2002)

In 2002, Gunn produced The Country Bears, a quirky Disney musical comedy inspired by the beloved theme park attraction. 

While unconventional, the film became a cult favorite among Disney fans for its offbeat charm.

Freaky Friday (2003)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Gunn’s breakthrough came with Freaky Friday in 2003, the hit remake starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. 

The body‑swap comedy was a box‑office success and cemented Gunn’s reputation as a producer of family‑friendly blockbusters.

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

That same year, Gunn produced The Haunted Mansion, a Disney adaptation led by Eddie Murphy. 

The film blended comedy with spooky visuals, bringing one of Disneyland’s most iconic rides to life on the big screen.

Sky High (2005)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

In 2005, Gunn delivered Sky High, a superhero high school adventure that quickly became a fan‑favorite. 

Its originality and charm earned it a cult following.

College Road Trip (2008)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Gunn continued his Disney streak with College Road Trip in 2008, a family comedy starring Martin Lawrence and Raven‑Symoné. 

The film leaned into classic Disney chaos, following a father‑daughter road trip filled with mishaps.

Bedtime Stories (2008)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Also in 2008, Gunn produced Bedtime Stories, an Adam Sandler comedy where bedtime tales magically came to life. 

The film mixed fantasy with family humor, appealing to audiences of all ages.

Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

In 2009, Gunn reimagined a Disney classic with Race to Witch Mountain, a sci‑fi adventure starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. 

The reboot introduced the story to a new generation while honoring its roots.

Bad Santa 2 (2016)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Breaking away from Disney, Gunn produced Bad Santa 2 in 2016. 

The dark comedy sequel showcased his versatility, proving he could succeed outside the family‑friendly mold.

Unhinged (2020)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

In 2020, Gunn pivoted sharply into gritty adult storytelling with Unhinged, a psychological thriller starring Russell Crowe. 

The film highlighted Gunn’s ability to tackle darker, more intense narratives.

Cruella (2021)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Gunn returned to Disney with Cruella in 2021, a stylish origin story of the infamous villain. 

Emma Stone’s performance brought fresh energy to the franchise, and Gunn’s production gave the film its edgy, fashion‑forward flair.

Freakier Friday (2025)

From ‘Freaky Friday to ‘Cruella: Andrew Gunns blockbuster legacy

Most recently, Gunn revisited one of his biggest successes with Freakier Friday in 2025. 

The sequel to the beloved 2003 hit proved his enduring ability to breathe new life into fan‑favorite stories with a modern twist.





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Savannah Guthrie visits “Today” studio, says she intends to return to show

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Savannah Guthrie visits “Today” studio, says she intends to return to show


Savannah Guthrie stopped by the “Today” show studio to see colleagues on Thursday, NBC News said in a statement shared with CBS News. It was the first time Guthrie had been in the studio since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared over a month ago. 

NBC said that Guthrie plans to eventually return to “Today.” The network did not specify when that might happen.   

“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her TODAY colleagues,” the company said. “While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.”

During her visit to Studio 1A, Guthrie embraced staff and crew, according to “Today.” She reportedly thanked her colleagues for “caring about my mom as much as I do,” the show said.

“I wanted you to know that I’m still standing, and I still have hope, and I’m still me,” she said. “And I don’t know what version of me that will be, but it will be.”

Nancy Guthrie poses with daughter Savannah Guthrie in an undated photograph.

Courtesy NBC/Today/Handout via Reuters


“I have every intention of coming back,” Guthrie also said, according to the show. “I don’t know how to come back, but I don’t know how not to. You’re my family. And I would like to try.”

Guthrie’s last appearance on “Today” was January 30, 2026, two days before Nancy was reported missing. Guthrie has spent most of the past month with her siblings and their families in Arizona, where her mother and sister live.

Law enforcement have said they believe the 84-year-old was taken from her Tucson home overnight in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. No suspects or motive have been publicly identified. Law enforcement is continuing to analyze forensic and digital evidence related to the case. 

Guthrie has shared search updates on her social media and recently said that while the family understands they may not find Nancy alive, they “still believe in a miracle.” Guthrie has offered a $1 million reward for information about her mother’s disappearance. 

Possession of Nancy Guthrie’s home was recently returned to her family, and the FBI moved its command post from Tucson to Phoenix. A law enforcement source told CBS News the investigation was still continuing at full speed and that the move would allow for law enforcement to operate more efficiently for the long-term. 



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Princess Anne marks milestone moment at UCL with historic Cloisters reopening

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Princess Anne marks milestone moment at UCL with historic Cloisters reopening


Princess Anne marks milestone moment at UCL with historic Cloisters reopening

Princess Anne carried out another engagement on Thursday at the historic Bloomsbury campus of University College London.

The Princess Royal made a low-key arrival at UCL to meet students, academics and staff who are helping mark a milestone moment in the university’s long history.

The visit centred on the formal reopening of the beautifully restored Wilkins Building Cloisters that forms part of the university’s original 19th-century design.

During her time on campus, Anne spoke with those involved in the restoration project and learned more about how the university is celebrating its landmark anniversary.

Anne attended the event in her role as Chancellor of the University of London.

The last time a British monarch visited the university for such a milestone was nearly a century ago, when King George V and Queen Mary attended celebrations marking UCL’s centenary in 1927.

Earlier, the horse-loving royal was also spotted arriving at the National Equine Forum at One Birdcage Walk in Westminster, a key gathering for experts across the equestrian world.

On March 3, she paid a visit to The Old Department Store, where a once-traditional high street landmark is beginning a new chapter as a bustling community hub.

The royal guest was given a tour of the revitalised building, hearing about the ambitious “High Street Reimagined” vision that aims to transform the historic space into a centre for social enterprise, collaboration, and local innovation.

One of the highlights of the visit saw the Princess Royal explore several of The Grace Network’s social enterprise ventures operating within the space. 





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Here’s what it plans to do

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Here’s what it plans to do


China’s next five-year strategy is out: Here’s what it plans to do 

China has unveiled its ambitious new five-year plan that focuses heavily on artificial intelligence as leaders aim to secure an edge in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.

The five year plan was released at the opening session of the National People’s Congress, calling for sweeping adoption of AI across multiple sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics.

The 141-page blueprint introduces a broad “AI+ action plan” focusing on integrating technology throughout the Chinese economy.

Premier Li Qiang pointed out that technology as a pillar of what China terms “new quality productive forces,” suggesting a stronger emphasis than in earlier policy outlines.

The government made clear that it will pursue “decisive breakthroughs in key core technologies” and seize the “commanding heights” of global innovation.

Major focused fields include quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, humanoid robots, nuclear fusion and brain-computer interfaces.

In the next five years, China aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology specially advanced semiconductors due to rising trade tensions with the U.S.

Beside technology, the government also announced a 7 & increase in defense budget for 2026.





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