Mexican animator who worked on 'Spider-Verse' dies in France; other news briefs

The Mexican animation community mourns the loss of Luis de la Rosa, a talented animator who died tragically at the age of 34. De la Rosa was struck by a train in France while attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a prestigious global event. His work had gained recognition both in Mexico and internationally, with contributions to major productions like "Space Jam 2" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

For "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," de la Rosa contributed to a specific sequence, leaving a mark on the acclaimed film despite a short one-month involvement. He is credited in the film's end titles. French authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Initial reports suggest the incident may have occurred in a restricted zone, and that the train driver sounded warnings before the collision.

In other entertainment news, the latest season of "The Walking Dead: Dead City" introduces a new dynamic, forcing protagonists Maggie and Negan to cooperate in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. The series shifts focus from combating zombies to exploring the challenges of rebuilding society amidst the ruins. This theme of adaptation and moving forward resonates with the cast, reflecting real-life changes and the need to adjust.

Actress Consuelo Duval revisited a controversial photograph from 12 years ago, a picture taken in a brassiere that previously led to criticism and the end of her marriage. Duval re-shared the image to celebrate the Mexican national football team's victory in the ongoing World Cup. She expressed no regrets, emphasizing Mexico's historic achievement of three consecutive wins and her love for the country. The photo, originally posted after a win in the 2014 Brazil World Cup, highlights Duval's willingness to embrace controversy for a cause she believes in.

Separately, the World Cup's timing impacted cinema attendance, with a significant portion of the audience opting to watch afternoon matches over attending the premiere of "Toy Story 5." While the film's opening weekend drew five million viewers, it fell short by one million compared to "Super Mario Galaxy," largely due to its premiere coinciding with Mexico's second World Cup group stage match.