In this April 9, 2014 file photo, Nia Vardalos attends the Zooey Deschanel for Tommy Hilfiger Collection launch event at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif. Universal Pictures has announced Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, that the studio acquired the domestic distribution rights to รขยยMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,รขยย a sequel to the beloved independent hit, with writer and star Vardalos set to return. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP, File)
By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
The boisterous Portokalos family is coming back to the big screen.
Universal Pictures has acquired the domestic distribution rights to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2," a sequel to the beloved independent hit, with writer and star Nia Vardalos set to return. Kirk Jones, best known for directing "Nanny McPhee," has signed on to helm the new installment with a script by Vardalos.
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" became one of the most successful independent films of all time, grossing over $241 million domestically after its 2002 release. It even spawned a short-lived sitcom, "My Big Fat Greek Life," which aired on CBS in 2003.
The sequel promises the return of many of the original cast, who are reunited by the discovery of a family secret and, yes, another wedding.
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 โฆ 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
