Marvel's 'Wonder Man' offers insights into reshaping the franchise, actor Tom Ellis reflects on an impactful 1960s film, and a book on Hollywood's 'last kings' explores industry history, while executive Casey Wasserman faces fallout and sells his agency amid the Epstein files controversy.

• Tom Ellis on the 1960s Movie That Blew His Mind — New York Times Arts -
• How ‘Wonder Man’ Can Reshape the Marvel Franchise — New York Times Arts -
• Book Review: ‘The Last Kings of Hollywood,’ by Paul Fischer — New York Times Books -

• Casey Wasserman Will Sell Entertainment Agency Amid Epstein Files Fallout — New York Times Music -

This week saw the passing of Afrobeat innovator Ebo Taylor, sociology professor Vicki Abt known for her critique of TV talk shows, and Soviet-era historian and dissident Roy Medvedev, all leaving significant cultural and historical legacies.

• Ebo Taylor, Musical Innovator of Highlife and Afrobeat, Dies at 90 — New York Times Arts -
• Vicki Abt, Who Said TV Talk Shows Coarsened Society, Dies at 83 — New York Times Arts -
• Roy Medvedev, Soviet Era Historian and Dissident, Is Dead at 100 — New York Times Books -

Highlights include Milo Rau's thought-provoking 'theater of the real' productions, a **review praising the evolving video game 'MIO: Memories in Orbit', and a feature on a dedicated winter surfer** exploring personal commitment at Rockaway Beach.

• Milo Rau’s ‘Hate Radio,’ ‘Pelicot Trial’ and More Theater of the Real — New York Times Arts -
• MIO: Memories in Orbit Evolves From Infuriating to Ingenious — New York Times Arts -
• A Winter Surfer at Rockaway Beach Questions His Dedication — New York Times Arts -

New tracks from artists like Noah Kahan and James Blake are gaining attention this week, with Sting also featured in a new release that recalls his work with The Police.

• Noah Kahan, James Blake: 9 Songs We’re Talking About This Week — New York Times Arts -