In this March 16, 2005 file photo, actor Gene Wilder speaks about his life and career at Boston University in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
"Young Frankenstein" will come alive in theaters once again on October 5, with a live introduction from writer-director Mel Brooks, who will pay tribute to the classic spoof's late star Gene Wilder. The intro will be broadcast from the 20th Century Fox Lot in 500 theaters nationwide, according to an announcement from Fathom Events Tuesday.
In addition to touring the studio lot, where much of the movie was filmed, Brooks is expected reminisce about his friend and collaborator Wilder, who died last Sunday from complications from Alzheimer's.
"Young Frankenstein" is one of Wilder's most fondly remembered films. The announcement comes on the heels of AMC Theaters bringing other Wilder favorites "Blazing Saddles" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" back to theaters this past weekend.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
