Marvin Montanaro

Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: [email protected]
Cynthia Erivo Dismisses Christian Backlash to her Playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar

Cynthia Erivo Dismisses Christian Backlash to her Playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar

Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to headline-making roles, but her latest casting has ignited a firestorm of controversy—one that she appears to welcome with open arms. The Wicked and The Color Purple star is set to play Jesus Christ in an upcoming three-day run of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. But rather than address the growing wave of criticism from faith-based audiences upset that their Savior has been race and gender swapped with empathy or nuance, Erivo is embracing the outrage with a grin—and a provocative quote.

Corporate America Pulls Back from PRIDE in 2025, No Rainbow Logos from Big Brands as June Starts

Corporate America Pulls Back from PRIDE in 2025, No Rainbow Logos from Big Brands as June Starts

As June kicks off across the United States, many Americans have noticed something surprising: corporate social media accounts have remained largely silent about PRIDE Month 2025. In contrast to prior years—where rainbow banners, themed logos, and celebratory messages appeared en masse on June 1—many major brands have yet to make any public acknowledgment of the monthlong observance.

EPCOT Removes Trees at Dreamers Point Seemingly to Clear View for Adults-Only GEO-82 Lounge

EPCOT Removes Trees at Dreamers Point Seemingly to Clear View for Adults-Only GEO-82 Lounge

With the grand opening of a new adults-only lounge in EPCOT called GEO-82 just a day away, Disney has quietly removed two large trees from Dreamers Point—an area previously celebrated for its contemplative tribute to Walt Disney. The removal has sparked renewed scrutiny of EPCOT’s ongoing transformation, with critics accusing Disney of further sidelining families in favor of catering to childless adult travelers and upscale drinking experiences.

Fortnite Star Wars Crossover Coincides with Lowest Player Count in Two Years

Fortnite Star Wars Crossover Coincides with Lowest Player Count in Two Years

Despite a high-profile crossover with Star Wars, one of the most recognizable franchises in the world, Fortnite has just recorded its lowest average monthly player count in two years. The dip in numbers comes during what should have been a major engagement boost—an expansive Star Wars-themed season currently live in the game, complete with legacy characters, weekly updates, and a culminating live event set for June 7.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closing Permanently August 2025 After 16 Years of Thrills

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closing Permanently August 2025 After 16 Years of Thrills

Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the iconic roller coaster towering over the entrance of Universal Studios Florida, will be permanently closing on August 18, 2025. The attraction’s impending retirement was first hinted at in late 2024, but the official closing date is now confirmed.

Disney Hit with Major Layoffs as Hundreds Cut Across Film, TV, and Finance

Disney Hit with Major Layoffs as Hundreds Cut Across Film, TV, and Finance

The Walt Disney Company has initiated another significant wave of layoffs, impacting several hundred employees globally across multiple divisions, according to a new exclusive report from Deadline. The cuts are affecting key areas of Disney Entertainment, including film and television marketing, TV publicity, casting, development, and even parts of the company’s corporate financial operations.

James Gunn Shuts Down Superman vs Fantastic Four Rivalry Talk, Encourages Positivity Instead of “Online Fan Wars”

James Gunn Shuts Down Superman vs Fantastic Four Rivalry Talk, Encourages Positivity Instead of “Online Fan Wars”

James Gunn has made it known that he’s not interested in fueling fanboy firestorms. As speculation mounted about competition this summer between Warner Bros.’ Superman and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps—which are set to release just two weeks apart in 2025—the DC Studios co-head took to social media to put the rumors and rivalries to rest.

Black Panther Game Reportedly Spent Four Years in Pre-Production Before Being Canceled by EA

Black Panther Game Reportedly Spent Four Years in Pre-Production Before Being Canceled by EA

Last week, Electronic Arts confirmed the cancellation of its Black Panther game and the closure of developer Cliffhanger Games. Now, thanks to new reporting from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, we finally know why the project was scrapped—and it wasn’t a creative dispute or a Marvel license issue.

According to sources close to the matter, the studio simply couldn’t get the Black Panther game out of pre-production after nearly four years of internal development.