Story perspectives

Disney-Fox Deal Strips Gray of Ad Astra, Cannes Triumph

5/26/2026

Summary

James Gray Loses Control

Director James Gray said Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox stripped him of control of *Ad Astra*.
He said studio edits added about 12 minutes to the theatrical cut beyond his preferred version.
Gray noted he retains full control over his $15 million crime drama *Paper Tiger*, which debuted at Cannes.
*Paper Tiger* earned strong reviews, an 83 percent rating from 40 critics, and Neon secured its theatrical distribution.

Summary

James Gray Falters

ScreenRant critic Chris Agar gave Ad Astra a 7-out-of-10 rating, praising its ambition and Brad Pitt’s performance.
Ad Astra holds an 80 Metascore on Metacritic and an 83% Tomatometer rating.
Paper Tiger follows two brothers’ chaotic pursuit of the American Dream, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.
Cannes audiences responded positively to Paper Tiger, calling it a corrective to Gray’s studio-bound effort and positioning the $15 million film for awards consideration.

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James Gray Loses Control

Director James Gray said Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox stripped him of control of *Ad Astra*.
He said studio edits added about 12 minutes to the theatrical cut beyond his preferred version.
Gray noted he retains full control over his $15 million crime drama *Paper Tiger*, which debuted at Cannes.
*Paper Tiger* earned strong reviews, an 83 percent rating from 40 critics, and Neon secured its theatrical distribution.

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