Focus Features Intl. has picked up the rights to Matthew Vaughn's KICK-ASS, reports VARIETY.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has signed a three-year marketing and distribution deal with CBS Films, under which Sony Pictures will handle international theatrical distribution of CBS Films productions as well as service worldwide distribution of the unit's films in the home entertainment marketplace, it was announced today by Peter Schlessel, president, Worldwide Affairs for Sony Pictures, and Jeff Blake, chairman, Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. CBS Films will handle domestic theatrical distribution of all titles and retains rights in a limited number of foreign territories.

While its competitors flounder and cut staff, Activision is still expanding, VARIETY reports.

Following a tumultuous merger than many will always consider one of the worst ever to occur, Time Warner and AOL will finally be going their separate ways, DEADLINE.COM reports.

Disney's CAPTAIN NEMO: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA never really made it ashore and the studio has now halted production indefinitely, VARIETY reports.

Kent Alterman, a former studio executive-turned-director, is in final talks to replace Lauren Corrao as president of original programming and development at Comedy Central, VARIETY reports.

As EA continues to take a hatchet to its staff counts and cuts costs at every turn, the company has set its sights on California-based developer Pandemic, USA TODAY reports.

Screaming to an huge lead for its opening weekend, Nov. 13-15, Sony's 2012 earned $65 million and the #1 slot. A CHRISTMAS CAROL raked in $22.3 million for Buena Vista and the #2 spot.

COMINGSOON.NET has a statement from MGM that confirms the studio may indeed be auctioned off in a matter of weeks.

Marvel Studios has promoted Louis D’Esposito to Co-President of Marvel Studios, the Hollywood subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL).